Fans often have trouble thinking about a point in time when big household names were unrecognizable nobodies. But everyone has to start somewhere, and that includes the man of steel himself, Henry Cavill. This actor had a gradual climb in Hollywood rather than becoming an overnight sensation, but all his trials and tribulations have led him here.
Henry Cavill not only got a rough start in his earliest acting days, but was even coined “the most unlucky man in Hollywood” because of all the smash hits he lost out on. But thankfully, Cavill would get his big break from the film Immortals and his next caped role would catapult him to stardom. But how many roles did he miss out on and how did he manage to rise above them?
7 A Literary Loss
Even if you haven’t read the classic book series, everyone has at least heard of the cultural phenomenon that is Harry Potter. The book series was a wild success and the film adaptation only added fuel to the fire. Since then, the series has spawned video games, park attractions, drinks, bands, and so much more. So it stands to reason that it would be a dream come true to have a role in one of the most famous film series in history. Which is why it’s no surprise Cavill wanted a piece of the action, being in the running for a somewhat minor but still impactful role, Cedric Diggory, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Fans loved this idea and went on to start a petition for him to get it. Cavill lost the role to up and comer Robert Pattinson, who would go on to play the iconic role that changed the Wizarding World forever.
6 Once Bitten, Twice Shy
But missing out on Cedric wasn’t the only time Robert Pattinson would swoop in. When moving her book series to the big screen, Author Stephanie Meyer would envision Cavill as the perfect casting choice for the brooding lead in the upcoming Twilight Saga. When discussing casts with the executives, Cavill was 21 at the time and we all know how often twenty year olds play “teenagers”. But by the time the film was in fruition, she thought Cavill was too old to play the 109-year-old vampire Edward Cullen. And while who knows if Meyers would have gotten her way anyway, Henry Cavill may be a household name now, but back then he was just a young actor who missed out on the role of a lifetime.
5 Superman Doesn’t Return?
Funny enough, Cavill has been considered for the iconic role of Superman more than once. He was in the running for the 2006 film Superman Returns. And he was devastated that he missed out on one of his dream roles. But Cavill fans agree that he was better off, since if he had participated in this box office flop, he definitely would have been out for the count when it came to the gritty Man of Steel. And despite unfavorable reviews for Batman V Superman and mixed reactions to ensemble sequel Justice League, many DC fans hope for his reprisal of the role in any upcoming Superman projects. And with the power of the media and the new trend of clashing different versions of one character together, we might not have seen the last of this Clark Kent yet.
4 The 007 That Could Have Been
Disillusioned by Hollywood, Cavill might have given up acting entirely if it wasn’t for his chance to become the next James Bond. Cavill went to audition for the lead role in the upcoming and newly rebooted Bond series in 2006. But sadly, despite the casting being narrowed down to two, Cavill just missed the role. This time it was for being too young – ironic right? And even though he lost the role to Daniel Craig, it was this chance that made Cavill go on to bigger and better things. So it’s safe to say that the movie Casino Royale changed this actor’s life whether or not he actually got to be a part of it. And despite Cavill stating that he’s grateful for just getting a chance at the part, many fans have not given up hope that he could be a future Bond one day.
3 A Potential Dark Knight
While it’s hard to imagine Cavill in any cape that’s not bright red, this Kansas farm boy was almost a brooding city bat. For 2005’s Batman Begins, Cavill’s name appeared on the short list for the role of the ever elusive Bruce Wayne. But in 2009, Cavill revealed that he never auditioned for the role, leading many fans to believe he was only a brief consideration but never truly discussed. Either way, fans would have seen a different side to Cavill had we seen him as the dark and dreary Bat of Gotham. He also was briefly considered for Green Lantern, but many fans would later be delighted that Cavill avoided that commercial flop.
2 Almost Missed Out On ‘Man of Steel’
The highest grossing Superman film to date, anyone would have loved to take part in 2013’s Man of Steel and be introduced into the DC Extended Universe. Having dreamed of playing the role since his audition for Superman Returns, Cavill was delighted to get the news of his casting but it could have gone another way. Busy playing World of Warcraft, Henry Cavill ignored the call. But he called the director back and managed to nab the spot so it looks like it was no harm, no foul. But if the director had moved on to someone else, Henry Cavill’s acting career may have steered a different way.
1 Rise To Fame
It seems that despite starring in films here and there, Henry Cavill did not get a major recognizable role until his role in the historical drama The Tudors which ran for four seasons. He would also play Theseus in the action film Immortals. But Cavill would not be a big name until his appearance as Superman in The Man of Steel, only cemented by the fact that the same year he was voted sexiest man alive by Glamour magazine. Coming full circle, he finally beat out Robert Pattinson who came in second. He was also praised for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. where many fans saw his potential as a smooth spy and called for him to become the next Bond once again. He would also star in the film Superman V Batman and the team superhero film Justice League (and later in the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League as well).
He would also star as the antagonist in the highly praised Mission: Impossible – Fallout which is said to be the best installment in the series. He also is no stranger to playing iconic characters so it was a breeze to transform into literary detective Sherlock Holmes in Netflix’s Enola (which has a sequel in production). Since 2019, Cavill has donned a blonde wig and contacts in the fantasy drama The Witcher. Based on the book series (and the video games, which Cavill adores), Henry stars as titular character Geralt of Rivia in the medieval fantasy. The second season is set to premiere in December and the show has already been renewed for a third, as fans everywhere want to toss a coin at this Witcher for his stunning performance.
