Henry Cavill’s Insight 11 Years Ago on the DCEU’s Most Underrated Character

Years have passed since Henry Cavill’s poignant comments about Cyborg and the DCEU, and with the franchise now rebooting into the DC Universe, those remarks resonate more than ever. Following the conclusion of the DCEU with *Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom*, the journey has been filled with both remarkable achievements and notable setbacks. Some films boasted over $1 billion at the box office, while others faltered critically, revealing a chaotic landscape that hindered the franchise’s full potential.

The evolution of the DCEU has been marked by frequent changes in direction, straying away from Zack Snyder’s original blueprint, which envisioned a trilogy of *Justice League* films. Ultimately, fans only witnessed one iteration of this trilogy. Amidst these shifts, examining the earlier aspirations and plans for the DCEU is particularly compelling, especially regarding how Cavill regarded Cyborg’s prospects.

Henry Cavill Was Totally Right About Cyborg’s Potential for the DCEU

Cyborg’s Potential Was Teased Even Before His DCEU Debut

In a 2013 interview promoting *Man of Steel*, Henry Cavill expressed excitement for the DCEU’s future, highlighting potential heroes beyond Superman. His admiration for Cyborg was particularly notable; he stated, “Cyborg, I think, would make a wonderful character, an incredible bridge between superhumans and humanity in a different way than Batman – and so I don’t know when he’s coming or if he’s coming, but that’s what I’m particularly excited about.“This foresight alluded to the untapped promise of the character.

Cyborg indeed made his debut in the DCEU, appearing in a cameo in *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* (2016) and playing a more significant role in both *Justice League* (2017) and *Zack Snyder’s Justice League* (2021). His character arc, involving his transformation by the Mother Boxes, offered a unique opportunity to weave the extraterrestrial elements of DC’s lore with the Justice League narrative.

Cyborg’s status as a younger hero also opened avenues for introducing diverse characters to the DCEU. Originally depicted as a college football star turned hero, Victor Stone’s character could serve as a bridge connecting various key factions, particularly given his notable ties to the Teen Titans and other major narratives within the DC universe.

How the DCEU Wasted Cyborg

The DCEU’s Handling of Cyborg Squandered His Potential

The release of *Justice League* sparked widespread criticism for its lack of character development, particularly for Cyborg. His profound backstory was often sidelined, reducing him to a secondary role in a narrative where he could have been a pivotal character. Compounding this issue were allegations from Victor Stone actor Ray Fisher, who claimed that Joss Whedon’s approach to the film included “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable”behavior during reshoots, which may have influenced Cyborg’s diminished presence in the story.

While Zack Snyder’s version of *Justice League* offered a deeper exploration of Cyborg’s emotional journey, it came at a time where there were no apparent plans for a sequel that would further develop his character. Although both cut versions hinted at Cyborg’s potential, the conclusion of the DCEU left audiences with glimpses of what might have been, illustrating the character’s promise just as his story wrapped up.

Cyborg’s narrative trajectory highlights broader issues within the DCEU, where even prominent figures like Batman and Superman have similarly faced challenges due to the franchise’s shifting direction. Cyborg stands out, however, as his brief presence underscores how much richer the DCEU experience could have been under different circumstances.

The DCU Has the Opportunity to Honor Cyborg’s Full Comic Potential

The DC Universe Can Realize Cyborg’s Potential

Even with the DCEU concluding in 2023, Henry Cavill’s insight about Cyborg’s potential within a shared universe remains particularly compelling. The newly formed DC Universe has a unique chance to explore Cyborg’s character more comprehensively, ensuring he plays a significant role in upcoming narratives.

Integrating Cyborg into projects like the DCU’s *Titans* offers an excellent route to flesh out his character while creating a more balanced portrayal of the team. Unlike the Justice League, which often centralizes iconic figures like Batman and Superman, the Titans’ ensemble can provide a platform that equally showcases each member’s abilities and stories.

Source&Images