Fans are currently in a state of confusion over the news that British actor Henry Cavill may no longer play Superman. If so, it would be a shame, because he is just as good as anyone else at playing Superman.
On September 12, the world was shocked by the news that Henry Cavill would be stepping down from the role of Superman, leaving behind an uncertain future for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Although he has only worn the red cape in three films, the mark that Cavill has made on the role of Superman is undeniable. While waiting for an official announcement from Warner Bros., let’s take a look back at the moments that made Superman Henry Cavill’s name and left a lasting impression on viewers.
If you’re wondering who Henry Cavill is, he’s a 1m85 tall British actor with two-colored eyes, one of the most handsome men in the universe, and most importantly, he’s Superman in the DC superhero universe.
Introducing the ultimate DC universe
He’s the first person you think of when the Earth is in danger
Although he’s normally a poor reporter with a thick “bottle butt” bag, Clark Kent is still handsome even without his red cape. In a scene from Batman v Superman, in the middle of Lex Luthor’s lavish party, Kent stands there listening to the whole whispering between Bruce Wayne and Alfred and discovers the earth-shattering secret without having to make a big deal out of it.
Not only does he know how to disguise himself, he is also very smart when using his abilities.
He may not be the most successful Superman, but Henry Cavill is definitely the most handsome Superman after Christopher Reeve. Every time he appears, the audience is moved.
CBR commented that Henry Cavill was “even better in the acting than in the movies”. His performance in DC movies, although not really convincing, showed the actor’s efforts to bring “humanity” to an image that seemed to have become stiff over many generations like Superman.
Superman’s first “resurrection” Henry Cavill
In Man of Steel, the scene that left an impression on viewers was Superman learning to fly for the first time, accepting the terrible power flowing within him and the responsibility weighing on his shoulders. The way he gently caught Lois Lane when she fell from a skyscraper, his heart was in turmoil because he witnessed the person he loved suffering. It was also the scene where Superman begged Batman to save his mother in Batman v Superman – a man considered a god on Earth but still put his heart first in desperate situations.
It’s not Cavill’s fault, he did his best.
One of the most memorable scenes in the entire DCEU series is the scene where Superman faces a hearing in the Capitol building. He is called to explain a massacre that he knew nothing about and had no hand in. Facing accusations and skepticism from the community, Kal-El acts like the most exemplary citizen. Possessing terrible power, people see a superhero calmly open the door, silently walk in and calmly answer the questions asked. Even though he knows he is innocent, he is still present at the Capitol not because he is forced to, but because it is his choice. Superman silently listens to the accusations, and responds with heartfelt words that he did not prepare in advance. It is also one of the moments where Henry Cavill’s acting is most clearly demonstrated.
Unfortunately, Superman’s words did not have a happy ending when a big explosion happened right in the middle of the hearing.
Then we saw Superman die and truly revive. The death of the character was like the end of hope for the world in the DCEU, although it was only temporary, but it also cast a dark curtain over the remaining characters. Without Henry Cavill, Wonder Woman, Batman… seemed lost when facing an enemy that was too strong. Then when Kal-El’s form was reborn, he looked back at the Superman costume and remembered the words of his Earth father: “All the changes you have gone through, one day you will realize that they are blessings and when that day comes, you will have to make a decision. Decide whether you will stand before humanity with pride or not.”
The scene where Superman comes back to life and “makes a salad” of the final boss is considered too disappointing in “Justice League”.
The rest of the story is what we all remember, the Justice League’s terrible fight, Superman’s messy mustache and the most redundant lines. But there, Henry Cavill still persists in bringing the spirit to Superman in a project that was a foreseeable failure. Like Kal-El, he decides to try again, to become Superman again. Don’t laugh at what is not Henry Cavill’s fault, cherish the fact that he was a great Superman on screen.
