Superman fans are in for a nostalgic treat! Legendary filmmaker Zack Snyder has shared never-before-seen photos of Henry Cavill wearing the original Superman suit made famous by Christopher Reeve in the 1970s. The images, posted to Snyder’s Instagram on December 25, 2025, offer a rare glimpse into the early days of Cavill’s journey as the Man of Steel.

Zack Snyder Shares Iconic Superman Images

Zack Snyder, the 59-year-old director behind Man of Steel (2013) and multiple DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, posted a striking image of Cavill in the classic Superman costume, captioning it:

“Henry Cavill. The original Superman suit. This photo. It was undeniable.”

The photos are reportedly what Snyder showed Warner Bros. executives when pitching Cavill as the next Superman, marking the beginning of the actor’s tenure as Clark Kent in the DCEU.

A day after the initial post, Snyder shared another image of Cavill, this time closer to the camera with sunlight reflecting off the iconic Superman emblem on his chest. Snyder wrote:

“With the last image I shared, and this one we showed WB, everyone agreed: Henry Cavill was Superman. That’s where the journey began. -Merry Christmas.”

These behind-the-scenes glimpses have sparked excitement among fans, showcasing Cavill’s physical transformation and dedication to honoring Superman’s legacy.

Henry Cavill’s Legacy as Superman

Henry Cavill, 42, portrayed Clark Kent/Superman in five DCEU films, beginning with Man of Steel in 2013 and continuing through Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and concluding with a cameo in Black Adam (2022). His portrayal balanced the heroic and human aspects of Superman, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his place in modern superhero cinema.

Cavill’s Superman appearances concluded in December 2022 when he announced he would step away from the role, leaving fans nostalgic but grateful for his contributions. Snyder’s recent posts serve as a reminder of Cavill’s defining years as the iconic superhero.

The Transition to DC’s New Superman

Following Cavill’s departure, DC Studios rebooted its cinematic universe under director James Gunn. David Corenswet now stars as Superman, beginning with Gunn’s 2025 release. Corenswet, 32, is expected to carry the torch forward in upcoming projects, including the 2027 sequel Man of Tomorrow.

The new DC Universe will also feature Supergirl (starring Milly Alcock) and Clayface, continuing the legacy of superhero storytelling while introducing fresh narratives and characters to audiences worldwide.

Snyder’s Connection to the DCEU

Zack Snyder is known for treating DC characters with reverence, often referring to them as “modern mythology.” Over the years, he has shared numerous images and behind-the-scenes content from his DCEU films, including Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League. His Instagram posts frequently celebrate both the actors and the iconic characters they portray.

On December 7, 2025, Snyder shared another image of Cavill in his Superman costume, commenting:

“The DC characters are a kind of modern mythology, and I put a ton of reverence and respect into bringing them to life. Seeing that resonate with so many of you means the world. Here’s to many more stories together!”

Henry Cavill’s Upcoming Projects

Even though Cavill has stepped away from Superman, his acting career continues to flourish. In 2024, he starred in Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and made a memorable cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. Future projects include the thriller In the Grey and a remake of the 1986 fantasy classic Highlander, keeping him in the spotlight for years to come.

Meanwhile, Snyder has continued to expand his creative ventures, releasing the second part of his Netflix sci-fi/fantasy series Rebel Moon and creating the animated series Twilight of the Gods.