While he might have shaped his career as one of the most loved and revered stars of all time through his films, Henry Cavill’s magnum opus will always remain his role as Superman in the DCEU under Zack Snyder’s supervision. The way he brought the more mature version of the caped crusader in Man Of Steel will forever remain one of the most impactful depictions of the superhero in the eyes of the fandom.
While Snyder and Cavill first met on the sets of Man Of Steel, the director had set his eyes on the star way before their eventual union. Since Cavill has a long list of very prominent roles that he has declined in the past for various reasons, there is also one role in particular that he didn’t take on that was helmed by Snyder himself.
Henry Cavill as Superman in a still from Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice
Henry Cavill Had Declined The Offer To Work With Zack Snyder On 300: Rise Of An Empire
Gerard Butler in a still from 300: Rise Of An Empire
Whether it be Superman or Geralt of Rivia, Henry Cavill has made his name for himself as one of the most versatile stars in the industry that can fit into a lot of different roles with relative ease. Also, being a huge fan of pop culture and geek culture, he has a firm grasp on all the niche and popular topics. Thus, with such a diverse skillset, Zack Snyder wanted him to lead one of his superhit projects, which was 300: Rise Of An Empire. But the star had to decline due to his priorities lying elsewhere at the time.
At the time when the film was in discussion and was just about to go into production, the Watchmen director was tasked with finding a lead actor who could become the face of King Leonidas, the bloodthirsty ruler of Sparta. The name that emerged in Snyder’s mind, in the beginning, was Cavill’s.
But later, when The Tudors star was offered this role, he politely declined the invitation. At the time, he was competing neck to neck with Daniel Craig for the role of James Bond in the 007 franchise. The fight for depicting the British superspy was eventually won by Craig, who became the face of Bond for the next four films to come after 2006’s Casino Royale.
But eventually, Cavill did find his calling as Superman under Zack Snyder’s supervision in the outgoing DCEU, and the rest is history.
What’s Next For Henry Cavill?
Henry Cavill is at the forefront of the race to play the next James Bond
While it’s sad to see Cavill leave the DCEU after playing the role of Superman for so long and so passionately, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end for him. After also taking his leave from The Witcher, he has decided to be part of Prime Video’s next project, which will be based on the classic miniature game Warhammer 40,000. Along with this, he’s also the top pick by many fans and members of the audience to become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig took his leave from the franchise.
