In a development that has sent shockwaves through the comic-book world, reliable industry sources confirm that Zack Snyder’s once-abandoned “SnyderVerse” — the dark, mythic vision of the DC Universe that began with Man of Steel (2013), continued through Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and culminated in the 2021 director’s cut of Justice League — is quietly staging a comeback.

And this time, Henry Cavill’s Superman will not stand alone.

After years of fan campaigns (#ReleaseTheSnyderCut became reality, #RestoreTheSnyderVerse never quite died), Warner Bros. Discovery executives have reportedly green-lit a secret multi-project slate that revives Snyder’s interconnected universe in parallel to James Gunn’s brighter, rebooted DCU.

The move, described as a “dual-track strategy” to maximize audience reach, marks a stunning reversal from the studio’s previous stance that the Snyder era was definitively over.

The catalyst? A “mega-name” actor — one of the biggest stars in Hollywood — is on the verge of being officially announced for a pivotal role that will fundamentally alter the SnyderVerse landscape.

Insiders whisper that negotiations are in the final stages, with an unveiling expected as early as next month at a surprise Warner Bros. panel during CES 2026 or a standalone virtual event.

While the identity remains under lock and key, speculation has reached fever pitch.

Sources close to the production describe the casting as “seismic,” promising to “shake the entire DC universe” by introducing a character who has never been portrayed in live-action at this scale — or by bringing back a legendary figure in a way that redefines the mythology.

The leading theories swirling among fans and trades:

Gal Gadot returning as Wonder Woman – Reports suggest Gadot, who publicly distanced herself from Gunn’s reboot, has been in deep talks with Snyder for a standalone Wonder Woman sequel set firmly in the SnyderVerse continuity.

This would allow her iconic Diana Prince to continue alongside Cavill’s Superman, creating an immediate bridge to a restored Justice League.A live-action debut for Darkseid – The ultimate big bad teased in Snyder’s Justice League, portrayed by a “mega-name” like Idris Elba, Cillian Murphy, or even Javier Bardem.

A fully realized Darkseid would ignite the long-promised “Knightmare” future and Apokolips war, giving Superman the cosmic foe he deserves.Green Lantern Corps led by a major star – Names like Ryan Gosling, Glen Powell, or Chris Pine have been floated for John Stewart or Hal Jordan, finally delivering the Lantern mythology Snyder always intended as the next phase after Justice League.The return of Ben Affleck’s Batman – Perhaps the most emotionally charged possibility: Affleck, who has spoken warmly of his time working with Snyder, reportedly reconsidering a limited comeback for a The Batman-style solo film or mentor role in a Justice League 2.

Whatever the truth, the implications are massive. Snyder himself has remained coy, posting cryptic black-and-white images on Vero — a knight’s helmet, a cracked shield, the omega symbol — that fans dissect like ancient runes. In a rare interview snippet with The Hollywood Reporter, he teased, “The story isn’t finished.

Hope never dies.”

Behind the scenes, the revival owes much to shifting corporate winds at Warner Bros. Discovery. David Zaslav’s regime, eager to monetize existing IP amid streaming wars, has quietly empowered Snyder and his producing partner Deborah Snyder to develop “Elseworlds-style” projects separate from Gunn’s main DCU.

This dual approach mirrors Marvel’s successful multiverse strategy, allowing darker, R-rated SnyderVerse tales to coexist with lighter fare like Superman (2025) starring David Corenswet.

Henry Cavill, the beating heart of the SnyderVerse, is confirmed to reprise his Man of Steel. Sources say he signed a multi-picture deal earlier this year, with the first project potentially a Man of Steel 2 that addresses the black suit resurrection and sets up larger threats.

“Henry never wanted to hang up the cape,” a friend told reporters. “He believes in Zack’s vision completely.”

The fan reaction has been electric. #RestoreTheSnyderVerse is trending again, this time with genuine momentum. Petitions that once seemed quixotic now boast millions of signatures, and merchandise featuring Cavill’s Superman alongside the classic Snyder color palette is selling out online.

Critics of the original Snyder films — who decried them as overly grim and ponderous — worry this revival will fracture the DC brand. “Do we really need two competing universes?” one studio insider asked anonymously.

Yet box-office math tells a different story: Zack Snyder’s Justice League drew massive HBO Max viewership, proving enduring demand for his epic, operatic style.

James Gunn, ever gracious, has publicly supported the parallel track. “There’s room for many versions of these characters,” he posted on Threads. “Zack’s vision is unique, and fans deserve to see it continue.”

As the “mega-name” reveal approaches, anticipation is at fever pitch. Will it be a returning hero, a terrifying villain, or something no one saw coming? Whatever the answer, one truth is clear: the SnyderVerse is rising from the ashes, darker and more ambitious than ever.

Superman is no longer alone. The gods are returning — and the DC Universe will never be the same.

Stay tuned. The seismic shift is coming.