Henry Cavill is out as Superman, exactly 44 years after Christopher Reeve originated the role; Kate Winslet learned to hold her breath for an absurdly long time for the Avatar: The Way of Water; Adam Driver visits the planet of the dinosaurs. All in today’s Movie News Rundown.
A Living Witness: Tyler Perry has responded to the suicide of Stephen “tWitch” Boss by sharing that he himself had attempted suicide, long before his incredible success, and is grateful to still be alive. “I’m a living witness, you can make it through it,” he said. “And I’m so glad my attempts didn’t work.” He also shared the hotline for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is 1-800-273-TALK.
Out Today: James Cameron will try with Avatar: The Way of Water to beat the all-time box-office record set 13 years ago by Avatar.
Man of Steel: Henry Cavill has announced that after a meeting with the new heads of DC Films, he will not be returning as Superman: “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill wrote on Instagram. “After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build.”
Gunn Elaborates: The director says the next Superman film, which he is writing, “will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.” But he does say other things with Cavill may be in the works.
More Superman: The news comes on the anniversary of the first Superman film’s release. Christopher Reeve helped define Superman, but Superman also helped define him. He was constantly trying to avoid typecasting, while also avoiding roles that could tarnish the legacy of the Man of Steel. Here are five roles he passed on after being cast as Superman. Richard Gere turns up more than you might expect.
Driver v. Dinosaurs: 65, written and directed by A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, finds astronaut Adam Driver accidentally going back in time to 65 million years ago to the land of dinosaurs. I like everyone involved in this but am super curious how you keep it interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmLgM-cqZs0
Seven Minutes and 14 Seconds: Is how long Kate Winslet learned to hold her breath underwater for Avatar: The Way of Water, according to James Cameron in this Deadline interview. Assuming this is true… why would this be necessary?
You’ll Believe a Man Can Fly: Here’s a tribute video to the original Superman and its soaring score. Visual effects in 1978 obviously couldn’t do what they can do today, but John Williams score and Christopher Reeves’ sardonic delivery made me believe every single thing on the screen.
Main image: Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel.