After losing out on a number of high profile superhero gigs in past years, Henry Cavill had gained a reputation as one of the unluckiest actors in Hollywood. That streak is over, however, as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced this morning that he has been cast in the next Superman
The announcement also states Zack Snyder will direct the movie — which is yet to receive an official title — but that news has been well known for some time now.
Due in theaters in December 2012, the Superman movie will have no connection to previous Superman movies or TV’s “Smallville.”
In a statement, Snyder said: “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.”
Henry Cavill — who has been in the Showtime series “The Tudors” and Woody Allen’s “Whatever Works” — has been among the most popular choices for the role, but the British actor also has had plenty of detractors. Among the other actors who were mentioned for the role were Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Jon Hamm and Joe Manganiello.
Here is the entire press release:
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Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Henry Cavill has won the coveted role of Superman, the iconic superhero.
The film will be directed by Zack Snyder, who stated, “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.”
Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.
Cavill recently wrapped production on “The Cold Light of Day” and stars in the upcoming “Immortals,” opening this fall.
Targeted for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
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Warner Brothers has failed once again, now Zack Snyder and Bryan Singer has something in common…they have both ruined Superman!
I’m not a fan. I would have preferred Routh.
I’m crossing my fingers that they know something that I don’t. I didn’t expect Routh to pull it off the way he did, so I’ll keep my mind open. The key ingredient is story.
Excellent choice. Cavill is a fanboy favourite and he fits the part. Routh was a weak Superman. Cavill will own.
They should have cast Tom Welling
Very awesome, that Henry Cavill has been cast for the role of Superman/Clark Kent, for the Superman movie reboot. I’m a fan. It’s well deserved. I had read before that he had auditioned for the same role, for “Superman Returns”, but lost out to Routh. Although Routh played the role well in “Superman Returns”, I’m excited to see Cavill take on the role. Can’t wait for the new movie! Thanks for posting the news.
Well boy being off line all afternoon yesterday I miss the big news. First I am so happy superman been cast. Glad its very early to. Second I am happy for cavill being selected. He is a solid actor, good looks, decent height. So I think snyder picked a fine superman. Now I can’t wait to see cast form around cavill and what villains will be in the film.
I think, Warner Brothers has failed once again! Tom Welling is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield. And it doesn’t matter if the Superman movie will have no connection to TV’s “Smallville.” because we have seen Tom as Superman during 10 years!!!
Warner Brothers has failed. If they want the block buster with lots of money rolling in they better think twice about their choice. I was disappointed with Superman returns so much so that I vowed never to see another one unless Tom Welling was cast. Didn’t Chris Reeves past the torch to Tom? Was any of these corporate suits watching the show? Do they know how many fans are going to stay away because of this choice?
So.. I have to say that I know nothing about this actor’s former work besides a very small role in the family film, Stardust. Aaaand.. I’m a huge fan of Smallville.
That aside, I’m just curious as to where people think the last Superman film was good? I would LOVE to know why. It was a mock interpretation of the 1940’s Superman meshed with some new age tech. And Routh.. well.. Let’s just say Skeeter from ‘Saved By The Bell’ when the show started, would have looked just as good in the suit. Now as Clark Kent, he was PERFECT. No denying that.
And WHY NOT WELLING!? Just curious. I mean.. Not just because he’s a good build, can act, and I don’t know, ‘Smallivlle’ HAS BEEN GOING FOR 10 YEARS! There’s a huge freaking fan base there that will only be added to with the film when you put in the fact that it’ll be ‘Superman’.
Rant over.
you see this is what happens when hollywood doesn’t listen to fans you get this. the peoples 1st pick was and will always be tom welling he may have not put the suit on yet but even without it he’s still #1 (that says something)and the 2nd pick was brandon routh. he did great as superman/clark kent in superman returns even though singer didn’t tell a great story for the money they had.
I have a bad feeling about this.
I agree, Routh would have been a better choice, but I look forward to seeing Cavill in this position.
Everybody deserves a chance. And certainly does look like the man of steel. <3