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British Actor Henry Cavill is Officially Superman: The Man of Steel!

by Ethan Anderton
January 30, 2011

We've known since October that director Zack Snyder would be at the helm of the new Superman: The Man of Steel. However, many of us have been waiting anxiously to find out who will don the cape and soar through the sky as Superman. Well, wait no longer as Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures announced that British actor Henry Cavill ("The Tudors," The Count of Monte Cristo) has landed the coveted superhero role as Krypton's last son Kal-El. Although I'm not familiar with most of his previous work (he'll also be leading The Immortals later this year) he does seem to have the looks to become The Big Blue Boy Scout.

Here's what director Zack Snyder had to say about their new Superman:

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

Deadline says Cavill had been in the running for Batman for 2005's Batman Begins before being beat out by Christian Bale and was even considered for James Bond before being deemed too young. Now Cavill has his breakout role as one of the most iconic superheroes of all-time. Now before anyone gets all bent out of shape that a British actor is playing a superhero who stands for truth, justice and the American way, let's not forget that Christian Bale (a British actor) is Batman and Andrew Garfield (who's also from the UK) is Spiderman. So first take a deep breath, then sound off below. What do you think of Henry Cavill as Superman?

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

http://www.cine-escape.com Sakyo

Whoaa... i want to see the first pics about this movie.. really!!
Anonymous

I don't know anything about him. Just hope he beefs up a bit and can do a good american accent.
Bobby

A little sad for Brandon Routh, however Cavill is a great actor who knows how to mix poise, strength and vulnerability in a stoic way. Let's take a look at the ingredients: Nolan (who is the master) Snyder (who is flourishing with every movie) Cavill (who is a consistantly serious kick ass actor in every project) I'm starting to get goosebumps at the idea of The Man of Steel Up-Up and away!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/kysersosai Michael Fabian Phang

Amazing
TenaciousV

Superman Returns was kinda shite, But I still believe Brandon Routh did an awesome job with what he was given. And he looked so my like Reeves it was eerie. Still, this looks like it could be a pretty decent reboot.
- TenaciousV
  
  *so much like Reeves. eesh! I needs more coffees!!
- http://twitter.com/xxMacWinduxx Chauncey
  
  "And he looked so much like Reeves it was eerie." That was one of the things wrong with the movie.
- Lost Son
  
  Superman was kinda shite? Are you kidding me. That film was absolute crap (SNOREFEST). And as for Brandon Routh doing an amazing job he was just ok in the part. He was no Christopher Reeve. Plus he was way too young for the part of Superman and his performance as Clark Kent was lame. As for the news that Henry Cavill is now going to be playing superman i'm very happy to hear about his casting. He has been a fan favourite for a long time now and his casting is a huge bonus to this new Christopher Nolan produced Superman. Now I hope they cast Kate Beckinsale as Lois Lane and Billy Zane as Lex Luthor.
  - http://twitter.com/ModAmericanMan Modern American Man
    
    I agree about his Clark Kent performance. That's what made Reeves incredible: He portrayed Clark as the fumbling nerd he needed to be in order to distance himself from Superman. Also, Reeves Clark had incredible heart, which transended into Superman and vice versa. God I miss Christopher Reeves. Hopefully this actor does well. I'm glad he's not some meaty goof.
    - Lost Son
      
      Yes I miss Christopher Reeve too. He was the ultimate Clark Kent/Superman. Superman Returns was like a slap in the face to Reeves and to the fans of the original films. They tried to carbon copy the original Donner/Reeves films and it was awful. I am so glad that Nolan and co are doing something original here. I know a lot of people are wanting the original Superman theme in the film but I'm sorry it won't work. Whenever I hear that theme it just reminds me of Christopher Reeve so it should just stay in his films. Now it's time for a new take on The Man Of Steel and for one am happy that Christopher Nolan is steering this film. Snyder is my only concern at the moment but am hoping that Nolan inspires Snyder to rise to the challenge and make the best comicbook movie ever ! !
http://twitter.com/Realdude Haz

Fantastic!
Anonymous

I'm cool with this.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SBTRA7YZYEP47KENPUV7KNVI7Y norm

Again with this?
http://twitter.com/RaZaKKaZaR Trevor Roberts Jr.

He was a little annoying in Count of Monte Cristo. However, perhaps his character was supposed to be a little pansy and that means he's actually a good actor? idk In any case, this movie has a steep hill to climb. There will be a LOT of pressure on him and the rest of team to produce a film that doesn't manage to turn off the fans AND the casual viewers like the last one did. For the record, I did like Brandon Routh as Superman. The movie just wasn't good enough.
tir na nog

ya,why not,he's good in the Tudors and he looks the part,cant wait for new Superman film.On a separate note http://www.totalfilm.com/news/rumour-is-robin-williams-dark-knight-rises-hugo-strange
Kevin

An Australian Wolverine, a Welsh Batman, and now an English Spiderman and Superman. What's next, a Scandinavian Wonder Woman?
- John Doe
  
  I KNOW!
- Anonymous
  
  Brazilian Wonder Woman...and no double entendre intended...
Anonymous

Damn you Brits! You're putting American actors outta work! We should have left you in the hands of Nazi Germany! JOKING. I'm sure he'll be just fine.
http://twitter.com/A5J4DX A5J4DX

he suits it i think
Ron

I think he is a good pick. Both acting and looks-wise. Do I dare say he kinda looks like Christopher Reeve?
http://twitter.com/Nielsen700 Mattias Nielsen

Couldn't care less.
lickthelidoflife

green lantern is a yank, be happy with that. joking. this story needs to be refreshed big time.
- http://www.facebook.com/rosscurtis Ross Curtis
  
  Canadian actually (Or is that what you were joking about)
Black Dynamite

I think he'll do good. Not worried about muscles with all the technology out there, I'm sure he'll end up with some "300" type muscles.
Marc McKenzie

I did like Routh as Supes...it is a shame that he wasn't chosen, but on the other hand, Cavill certainly has the look, and if he won them over during screen tests, then they chose the right guy. He works for me. Let's wait to see the completed film before deciding to moan and groan. And he's British--so what?
http://www.millus.org Millus

so wrong choice... Henry cpould be a great Robin but he is not the MAN OF STEEL. Guys, Superman is a very tall guy like a mountain without big emotions (like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his best years), he has a strange aura somehow unfriendly but correct ´cause Superman is an alien from another planet. He is like steel but Henry is like the man of charming fire. This is a superman for girls. The typical Hollywood friendly superhero...
http://www.skonmovies.com/ Sean Kelly

We really need an American playing a British superhero to even things out. Are there any British superheroes?
- Lost Son
  
  Keanu Reeves played John Constantine in "Constantine", but I really don't see Constantine as a superhero and the film was just ok. Stallone also played Judge Dredd which was really horrible. I say leave the superheroes to the Brits and the Australians. Eric Bana (Australian) was the best Hulk we have had, as with Hugh Jackman (Australian) as Wolverine. I could not imagine anyone else playing Wolverine. Then you have Chris Hemsworth (Australian) as Thor which looks Fantastic. As for the Brits we have Bale as Batman and now Andrew Garfield and Henry Cavill taking on Spider-man and Superman.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1392905048 Caitie Green

I think superman would be a lot more enjoyable with a british accent.
Tystcci

We need an AMERICAN!!!
http://www.facebook.com/mrsdhansen Diane Hansen

Just wondering where the Superman curse will strike next.
Dave

what is this film going to be about? lex luthur destroying the world again, bleh
DRM

Let's also remember that Superman is an alien immigrant from the planet Krypton. It shouldn't matter what the nationality of the actor playing him is. So long as he doesn't have an accent (because he was raised in the American midwest) who cares where he's from?
Goliad

As long as they get a good script. Comics have only been taken seriously in the last 5 years and I'm very tired of the superman story missing the mark. Nolan and Snyder give me hope that this will be taken seriously.
John Doe

You know, I'm REALLY getting kind of sick of this. You mean to tell me in a nation of over 300 million people they couldn't find one damn American actor to portray "The Man of Steel"? I'm sure he's a fine actor, but c'mon!
i have no name

The British are seriously taking every comic book character role... Andrew Garfield as Spiderman, Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass, Christian Bale as Batman, James McAvoy as Xavier along with almost the entire cast of X-Men First Class, and now Henry Cavill as Superman. Is not a bad thing thou.
- Ultim8
  
  It makes a change. Mostly us Brits get to be the 'Villains'. I mean we're not ALL megalomaniacs. Just MOST of us!
http://twitter.com/fungusmonkey Peter Sorensen

I think he looks the part, but Snyder is the only part of this project that gives me pause. And for the people complaining about him being British - I hate to say this about my fellow Americans, but let's face it - we're putting out a lot of really crappy actors lately. Maybe we should focus on classical theater a bit more like they do in the UK, and we might start seeing some of these roles go to locals.
- Lost Son
  
  I agree with you about Snyder. I'm a little worried about how this film will come out. I really didn't like 300 or Watchmen. Sure the visuals were great but the films really didn't have any depth. Watchmen was actually boring for the most part. I was hoping Christopher Nolan was going to direct in the end, but thats not happening now. Inception and The Dark Knight are two of the best films to come out in the last five years. I hope Snyder finally nails it this time.
fem!anon

I'd rather have Matt Bomer. Go google "Matt Bomer glasses" - he looks EXACTLY how I pictured Superman.
Sean J.

I can't believe the people complaining about Superman being a British actor. Do you know you picked Cavill? Warner Brothers AND Christopher Nolan. Exactly, people. Nolan picked Christian Bale and almost everyone went apeshit about it, and now look how great he turned out to be. Calm down, people. Who cares if he's not American? Superman himself isn't American. I'm pretty sure Nolan knows what he's doing.
cinemabandit

Sean Kelly. Christian Slater did play Winston Churchill in Churchill: The Hollywood Years.
- Ultim8
  
  Yes. Shameful, wasn't it?
Johh

I'm happy we have a good actor, Britain has the best actors in the world!
- John Doe
  
  Only when it comes to imitating Americans characters, of course;D
Loser

As americans play everything from Akilles to german soldiers to russian politicians and Chinese legends how does this make a difference. Hey we Americans can portray anything but if anyone else does it lets get on that anger train to hateville
http://woodge.com woodge

As far as superheroes go, Superman is the most boring of them all.
Anonymous

A much better Photoshop of Henry as Superman is at http://henrycavillsuperman.com
Gh

Of course it makes sense...Tax wise ,to cast in the title role, a British. Besides remember that Nolan is producing and he understands that more than anybody. Thanks for the photoshop pic. We all know he will have to bulk up for it and also have that stuff on his forehead. Anyway, a new guy whose career would skyrocket regardless of whether the movie is a success or not. Even this announcement will bring to him offer and groupies already! You gotta love him and wish him Good luck!
VM

Despite being directed by Zack Snyder, I won't bother seeing it in cinemas. Why? Brandon Routh was great, he should have kept the role. He was great in Superman Returns, despite the movie sucking, he was great on Chuck, in Zack and Miri... I'm not a fanboy, but this is not fair. They just hired a guy that looks like a mix between the guy from SmallVille and Routh. Routh should have kept it, not his fault that the previous movie was bad.
- VM
  
  Also, Nolan being behind this casting does not mean anything to me. Bale was Nolan's choice for Batman, and he sucks at it. The Dark Knight was great, DESPITE Bale. And Bale sucked in Terminator Salvation.
Anonymous

I've been saying it for years...some of the best American actors aren't' even from America:P But Cavill is a whopping 27...isn't that too young to play Superman?? Thought they anted someone older. Then again that's how old Routh was and everyone seemed to love him in the part (even if the movie wasn't anything special). Trust in Snyder...that is all:)
http://twitter.com/JohnnyNeat Johnny Neat

I was one of those hoping Routh would get a break in a proper relaunch and if Welling was introduced he'd be only allowed to play the flashbacks of the Superboy years, but I understand the direction taken and feel if Snyder prefers new blood than so be it. Anyhow looking forward to when we can finally see a trailer down the road.
JerryS

I second Bomer. Him and Cavill could be twins but Bomer is a bit older and ready for the jump to big screen lead.
Anonymous

This is a great choice for the main character!
!5AAK

I think Routh should've been given a chance to keep the gig. Are there no American actors worthy? Not taking anything away from UK actors, Bale was awesome in BB and killed it in The Fighter.
jjboldt

No complaints here. Though is that an official photo? That's a stupid picture. I'd like to see an actual official photo release. Assuming that isn't one.
Joshua

Why are all these foreigners being given all these great roles? There are plenty of American actors that could have been chosen to play the parts for spider-man, Batman, and superman. I have a serious problem with this.
Gh

To all the haters and lovers of Routh: The guy himself didn't want to be part of the reboot...so they had to find someone else
A_ Walker

Routh was good as Supes but the reason that movie sucked so much was the interaction between him and the other main characters (especially Lex Luthor); way to simplistic borderline corny. Let's face it America; I can only name 10 good actors that I will spend money to watch act. The actors here are too busy trying starting the latest fads and trying to make the cover of tabloids.
Crawfordjk2000

Brandon Routh Actually did a great job as the superman/clark kent character. He pulled off a dorky clumbsy Clark Kent and then the superman character, I feel that the Superman Returns issues was the script mainly as well as the director. The movie moved too slowly as well as had an awful back story. Christopher Reeves was a good superman I grew up on those movies and watch them from time to time. But some of those movies have pretty shitty acting on all parts except for Gene Hackman.
dan

no. no way.
dan

what is this, Superman 90210? no Superboy maybe on the syfy channel, but not a big budget movie. and he is british. no, no way. just like xmen first class. the only thing that made the xmen famous is one character. SNIKT. Brandon Routh was perfect as superman he just needs a better script and director, putting Lex Luthor into the movie was stupid and Gene Hackman was a hard act to follow. they needed a different villain and when they brought superman to the big screen again it should have been with doomsday. this just plain sucks. D
Schley Handke

Great another movie Henry Cavill will destroy with his horrible acting...
mimi

Thought it would be David Guintoli from Grimm or Brandon Routh from the movie Dylan Dog..I think they are much more suited for the character of Clark Kent,physique wise and face wise,they are much closer to the look of the original superman...