Henry Cavill has played Superman in a way that many fans love. While David Corenswet is set to take on the role, Cavill’s version stands out. Here’s why Cavill is the better Superman.
5. He Is Physically Perfect For The Role
Photo Credit: Clay Enos/TM & DC Comics
Cavill wasn’t born looking like Superman, but he worked hard to build the perfect physique for the role, via Men’s Health. His transformation took years of effort. To prepare for the role, he increased his daily calorie intake and followed a strict workout regimen, according to Muscle and Fitness.
His intense training included deadlifts, squats, and sparring to make his action scenes more natural. A behind-the-scenes video from Flashback FilmMaking showed that Cavill often did pull-ups and lifted weights between takes, sometimes in costume.
To improve his combat scenes, he sparred with his trainer. Before filming, he ate 5,000-6,000 calories a day and later reduced it. His workouts included a 435-pound deadlift, a 245-pound push press, and a 365-pound back squat.
4. He Is The Definitive Choice Of Zack Snyder
Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
In 2013, E! News asked Zack Snyder and his wife Deborah why they picked Cavill for Superman. It wasn’t just because of his looks. The director said, “He’s not horribly ugly. He wasn’t in bad shape. And then he’s a great actor.”
“But he also has this other thing, this kind of earnest awesomeness that’s unexplainable. And that’s what you look for. I think with Superman you can’t hope for anything more than to have that extra thing that makes him special,” Snyder added.
“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,” Snyder also said in a statement when Cavill was cast as Superman back in the day, via Variety. “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.”
3. He Is A Proven Cultural Icon
Photo Credit: Mike Marsland
James Gunn’s reveal of Corenswet’s Superman suit has been met with mixed reactions, as reported by Fortress of Solitude. Many feel it doesn’t have the same impact as Henry Cavill’s iconic suit, which felt grand and heroic. Corenswet’s suit lacks the same power and leadership, making it hard for the DCU to move on from Cavill’s Superman.
Gunn’s decision to drop Cavill as Superman led to a backlash, with fans using #FireJamesGunn and starting a petition to rehire Cavill, as Looper reported. Many praised Cavill’s star power and speculated on his next role.
2. He Is Deeply Connected To Superman’s Emotional Core
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
Cavill views Superman as a personal role. In a 2021 interview with Collider, the actor explained, “I wouldn’t say it’s about the craft or me as an actor. It is personal to a degree.”
Cavill also told GO POP he based his Superman on comics like ‘Death of Superman’ and his own introverted youth. He noted, “I spent a lot of time sitting on the outside looking in – I had no problem with that, it’s not a sob story, I actually quite liked it.”
1. He Is A Symbol Of Modern Superman For A Generation
Photo Credit: CBR
According to a review from Screen Rant, Cavill became a modern symbol of Superman for a generation. His introspective version differed from the more traditional, hopeful portrayals.
“What I can say is that it’s a modernization of the character and a very realistic view of one, obviously, very fantastic individual,” Cavill also told Cineplex. “It’s an unreal situation, but it’s approached from a very practical viewpoint. We wanted to make the character easier to identify with.”
Cavill appeared in five Superman movies over the years.
