James Gunn Addresses DC Backlash After Major Changes Affecting Henry Cavill, Superman

James Gunn broke his silence after the intense backlash to the recent major shakeup in the DC Universe.

Last week, Gunn, who took over DC Studios with producer Peter Safran as co-chairmen and CEOs earlier this year, sparked backlash after announcing that he was in the process of writing a new Superman film without Henry Cavill in the leading role.

On Monday, Gunn fired back at the "uproarious and unkind" reactions from a "certain minority of people online" to his and Safran's plans for DC Entertainment, though he didn't reference Cavill or Superman by name.

"Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story [and] best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts [and] integrity [and] always with the story in mind," he wrote on Twitter.

He added, "No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we've been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions."

"We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, [and] we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult [and] not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us," he wrote in a separate tweet.

Gunn concluded his lengthy statement by telling critics that the backlash "means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists [and] custodians in helping to create a wide [and] wonderful future for DC."

Last week, Cavill released a statement on Instagram clarifying the future of his superhero character in the DC Universe.

"I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it's sad news, everyone," he began. "I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life. The changing of the guard is something that happens."

Cavill thanked fans and reminded them that they can "mourn for a bit," but they should remember that "Superman is still around."

"Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards," he added.

Gunn previously said that the role needed to be recast because the Superman film he is writing will focus on "an earlier part of Superman's life." The director also said that he and Safran are "big fans" of Cavill and that they hope to "work together in the future" on a different project.

No other detail about the upcoming Superman film has been announced as of this writing.