Henry Cavill is reportedly out as Superman

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel. Photo / supplied

Henry Cavill will reportedly no longer play Superman in the DC Cinematic Universe.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the British actor is parting ways with Warner Bros. after three films as the superhero, in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017).

Sources told the publication that Warner Bros. had been trying to cast Cavill for a Superman cameo in Shazam!, starring Zachary Levi, but talks between Cavill's representatives and Warner Bros. broke down, which has shut out other opportunities for future Superman appearances.

The studio is also shifting focus, with a Supergirl film in the works and another solo Superman film unlikely to happen for a few years. A studio source said: "Superman is like James Bond, and after a certain run you have to look at new actors."

In response to The Hollywood Reporter, a Warner Bros. spokesperson said: "We have a great relationship and great respect for Henry Cavill that continues to remain unchanged. Additionally we have made no current decisions regarding any upcoming Superman films."

According to Deadline, Black Panther star Michael B Jordan has been considered for future iterations of the role.

Cavill would join Ben Affleck, who plays Batman, in exiting the franchise. Fellow stars Jason Momoa and Gal Gadot still have solo films under way, with Aquaman due in December and Wonder Woman 1984 next year.

Cavill recently signed on to star in Netflix series The Witcher, based on a series of fantasy books and video games.