As Henry Cavill wore his Superman costume for the last time, the audience rose in unison to bear witness to him being the greatest Superman of all time. While their opinion cannot be reduced to being overwhelmed by the separation, one cannot deny that the British actor’s farewell to the role is not the only one that has garnered the same reaction. Christopher Reeve’s portrayal was unique to the extent that his time as Superman is considered the golden age of the hero. Or at least James Gunn seems to think so.

DC’s new boss made it clear that he was going to be the last one to simply dance to the audience’s rhythm. Especially when it comes to a comic hero as cherished as Superman. And much like how the tables turned with the release of the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy, he has managed to impress with the inspiration behind his Superman.

James Gunn’s inspiration for Superman misses Henry Cavill by a mile

James Gunn said “…..but this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons,” while announcing his new slate of DC movies. What fans could have never guessed was that Christopher Reeve was one of the many reasons. Or James Gunn’s adoration of Christopher Reeve’s Superman to be more precise. The mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy differed from the rest as he pointed at the playfulness of Reeve’s Superman being his blue tick.

“And that is one of the best parts of the movie is the playfulness of Superman,” Gunn said in an interview with GQ.

Christopher Reeve’s and Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the blue-eyed hero may have ninety-nine things in common, but “playfulness” isn’t among them.

The most recent ex of Superman has been praised for the vulnerability he brought to the role. However, owing to the nature of their storylines, Cavill rarely got a chance to crack a “wry smile” that Gunn would have very much liked.

Why does James Gunn not want Cavill to be his Superman?

As the backlash only grew harsher and louder following Henry Cavill’s exit, many were left marveling at Gunn’s reluctance. Instead of banking off the actor’s rise in popularity, he took the road not taken as he stated that neither did he fire Cavill nor will he cast the actor. However, his reluctance to cast the British actor as Superman all boils down to his vision.

Not only does he want a younger Superman, but he also wants one that the audience who are not born on Krypton to be able to relate with. Then again, if playing a “relatable” Superman is the standard, then Cavill can easily lead the role. But this is clearly something that Gunn doesn’t believe in as the search for the next Superman continues.

Who do you think will fit James Gunn’s Christopher Reeve-style Superman best? Let us know in the comments below.