Zack Snyder Looks Back At How Henry Cavill Won The Role Of Superman In MAN OF STEEL

In a new interview with the Man of Steel director ahead of Comic-Con, Zack Snyder looks back on deciding to cast Henry Cavill as Superman after seeing the British actor wearing the original Christopher Reeve costume. He also discusses his unique relationship with Warner Bros.

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By Josh Wilding - 7/11/2012
We already know that Henry Cavill tried on the original Christopher Reeve Superman costume during auditions for Man of Steel, but in an interview with Art Center Of Design (via @ManofSteel_2013), director Zack Snyder has gone into detail about how seeing the British actor in the iconic suit was all he needed to know that he had his Superman. He also talks briefly about about his relationship with Warner Bros, although you can read the full interview can be read by clicking on the link below.


"We had about 500 guys initially. We did this massive auditioning madness. It got down to the usual suspects in a pretty quick order. Henry Cavill was actually the first one we physically tested on film. We actually tested him in the Christopher Reeves Superman suit. And that was a big deal. That’s a hard suit to pull off. Trust me. If you’re just standing there in that suit, it’s dodgy. It felt like we just bought it a costume shop. Plus, there’s no mask. I’ve been around a few superhero costumes, and it’s weird because when you’re in the Superman costume it’s just you from the neck up. And somebody just combed your hair. But Henry came out of the trailer when we were shooting a test and everybody thought Okay, that’s Superman. He was awesome and did a great job."

"When it comes to a studio wanting to talk to you about how to make your film better—or what in their mind they think is better—having a point of view is really important. Because they can just crush you. And they are paying for the movie. They do have the right to say, Hey, this is crazy, he [Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen] cannot be naked the entire film. That’s when you have to be able to say, Well, yeah, he does, and I don’t know what else to do. Sometimes it’s like a staring contest, and whoever blinks loses."

"For whatever reason, Warner Brothers has been a very supportive studio to me. I’ve been able to make movies over there that have been kind of weird and they have supported by them. It’s been a good relationship."



With any luck, that audition tape will find its way onto the eventual DVD and Blu-ray release. Of course, that's a long way off and fans should expect a lot more on Man of Steel this weekend at the San Diego Comic-Con. With the promise of new artwork from the film (and hopefully new details and footage at the Hall H panel), now is a very exciting time to be a Superman fan. Be sure to stay tuned for much, much more...




In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young twenty-something journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond his imagination. Transported years ago to Earth from Krypton, a highly advanced, distant planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question 'Why am I here?' Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark discovers having extraordinary abilities means making difficult decisions. When the world is in dire need of stability, an even greater threat emerges. Clark must become a Man of Steel, to protect the people he loves and shine as the world's beacon of hope - Superman.


STARRING:

Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman
Amy Adams as Lois Lane
Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent
Diane Lane as Martha Kent
Michael Shannon as Zod

RELEASE DATE: June 14th, 2013.


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jazzman - 7/11/2012, 2:16 PM
if Man of Steel fail Zack Snyder WB will not be supportive to you. so you better deilver
CoolantTech - 7/11/2012, 2:21 PM
Isin't Superman 6'4, Henry Cavill is only 6'0 whatever, I do think there is greatness in Zack Snyder (Watchmen) and faults (Suckerpunch) but Nolan is a producer, that should keep him on track.
bane187 - 7/11/2012, 2:25 PM
Trailer now !!!!
Tainted87 - 7/11/2012, 2:26 PM
Snyder's a beast. It took balls to make Watchmen 95% identical to the graphic novel, and he made the movie not for audiences everywhere, not to appeal to a certain age group or demographic, but because he enjoyed doing it.

Can't wait to see Superman back on the big screen again.
JDUKE25 - 7/11/2012, 2:29 PM
I do like the idea of Superman being around 6'1 or so. He doesn't stand out as much as Clark Kent like he would at 6'4.
SageMode - 7/11/2012, 2:29 PM
Superman is actually listed as being 6' 3" and 235 lbs.
bbarber2323 - 7/11/2012, 2:30 PM
From what I've seen in post, it looks great!!
AlexdoxA - 7/11/2012, 2:33 PM
Shut up, just shut up... you had me at "Dawn of the Dead"
Viking - 7/11/2012, 2:33 PM
@CoolantTek why do people like you always gotta exaggerate ? Superman is 6'3 not 6'4. And Cavill is also listed as 6'1.
INSTANTJUSTICE - 7/11/2012, 2:36 PM
Well in fairness Zack, you lost big time with Watchmen.
CharacterAssassin - 7/11/2012, 2:36 PM
Wow... just imagine if Snyder was ever a character witness in a police line up. The first person of the group to walk through the doors in the police line up is phocked. "That's him!!!"... while pointing his index finger at the unsuspecting first guy... "The first guy!" "That's HIM!!!" The rest of the group stood no chance.
Geektality - 7/11/2012, 2:37 PM
Oh my God!!! Superman's slightly shorter!! ALERT THE MILITARY!! RAISE THE TERROR LEVELS!! THE END TIMES ARE HERE!!!!
6of13 - 7/11/2012, 2:41 PM
Henry Cavill is going to own.

I agree with JDUKE. And 6'1 is tall.
jaewest215 - 7/11/2012, 2:42 PM
You know what he did that a few people missed? He told the truth that no one heard, but kind of figured out on there own, that the studio can have too much input of a movie unless you stand your ground or sell them that your story will be great and they will go with it.

I really believe that alot of these comic book movies that come out ass is not totally the director, or any other person behind the scenes, fault. The people that run the studios are mainly investors and investors like to see a return on their money.

When a business/investor mind start thinking he/she is creative, or can be, that means trouble.
FilmsFan - 7/11/2012, 2:44 PM
I'm not worried that he's doing my favourite Superhero!

As his one film, SuckerPunch, was terrible! Absolutely horrible!
I got worried why Nolan is giving him Superman, but then I realised that Snyder wrote SuckerPunch & that's why it sucked!
NOLAN & co wrote MAN OF STEEL & I trust them to deliver an excellent script!
Rest is on Snyder, & I'm sure he'll do wonders with SUPERMAN...!!

With NOLAN as Producer & Writer & SNYDER as director is just what I think Superman needs!!

If this FAILS (unfortunately & hopefully NOT) then I'm not sure we'll ever get the SUPERMAN film we are waiting for!
& then probably then NOLAN would have to Direct it to save Superman!!
& JL film & other stuff is gona FALL!

So I certainly HOPE NOT!

Hopefully it's AWESOME!!
pintoman - 7/11/2012, 2:47 PM
"In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time."

So we changed him.
6of13 - 7/11/2012, 2:48 PM
I thought the visual style of Sucker Punch was fantastic. What a gloriously post-modern film. 300 and Watchmen were both visually stunning. The same will be true for MoS.
GeekOfKrypton - 7/11/2012, 2:50 PM
Cavill is going to be awesome as Clark/Superman. Been looking at him and checking out his acting chops on The Tudors. Not too worried about his size.
SLK - 7/11/2012, 2:51 PM
Cavill = miscast. 2 inches are not principled, but there are some things that proceed from those inches. Superman should be a naturally big man with appropriate features and constitution. And Cavill may be fit enough, but he's naturally small and ordinary and radiates no "superism".
And a padded suit of course...
revloveR - 7/11/2012, 2:52 PM
superman is supposed to be 6'3, cavill is 6'1, bale is 6'0 and bats is supposed be 6'2. where the [frick] were the complaints when bale got chosen?
Jollem - 7/11/2012, 2:54 PM
watchmen was brilliant.

how tall is robert downey jr.? i'm pretty sure iron man went over pretty well.
i think they are able to pull off all sorts of trickery in movies nowadays
Bladezer0 - 7/11/2012, 2:55 PM
Man of Steel is going to be crazy!! Zach and Nolen insane!!
AlexDeLarge87 - 7/11/2012, 3:00 PM
Cavill is gonna be great Superman. :)

I hope the movie itself delivers too. Even there is things i would have made differently.
AlexDeLarge87 - 7/11/2012, 3:03 PM
Seriously... people complaining about few inches??? LMAO!! xD
AlexDeLarge87 - 7/11/2012, 3:07 PM
Eat this haters :b
thewolfx - 7/11/2012, 3:12 PM
@alex

exactly


they dont complain about radical suit changes (tasm) but they will bitch about genetics
JorL5150 - 7/11/2012, 3:14 PM
- new article about MOS.

-SAME rant from SLK.



like clockwork.
AlexDeLarge87 - 7/11/2012, 3:17 PM
thewolfx@ Strange is the world we live in ;)
BlackFlash - 7/11/2012, 3:17 PM
Those hight differences aren't even that bad to complain about. What about Wolverine 5'3", Hugh Jackman 6'2" now thats some shit right there lol
SLK - 7/11/2012, 3:18 PM
The neck, the jawline...











Reeve had this even though he wasn't so much fit and pumped. He had the naturall sizes and features of Superman. And Cavill is a parfume commercial guy, but not Superman.
ClarkFarley2012 - 7/11/2012, 3:18 PM
I would've loved to Joe M. From true blood at least screen test. To me he is a better Superman body wise, just not sure if he could pull off the Clark Kent part.
shadearts - 7/11/2012, 3:23 PM
GLAD Someone said it Bale 6 ft and Batman 6'2 how come noone mention his height and I am not going to go there with Bane
worldbreaker - 7/11/2012, 3:23 PM
he'll probably be a great superman and an average clark kent. the movie will probably be awesome
gillri - 7/11/2012, 3:26 PM
@CoolantTek

cavill is a touch over 6'1, superman official height is 6'3 i believe

look at Cavill at comic con on youtube he towers over most people there
l0rdleg0las - 7/11/2012, 3:29 PM
Don't care about height. This is the first guy to look like Superman with a manly build. I am truly excited for this
gillri - 7/11/2012, 3:30 PM
@SLK

you talking rubbish

Cavill has the jawline AND the chin

Reeve only had the chin, as did Routh

in fact it looks as though cavills face was sculptured out of marble, its perfect for supes
AtomicChipmunk - 7/11/2012, 3:41 PM
@gillri

Exactly, Cavill has the jawline.

I am pretty sure Chris Hemsworth is a little smaller than the actual height of Thor.
AtomicChipmunk - 7/11/2012, 3:43 PM
@SLK

Who should have been cast?

You'd better not say Tom Welling.
Huy - 7/11/2012, 3:43 PM
much respect for snyder
JULEZ13 - 7/11/2012, 3:44 PM
Seriously? Some are complaining about him being 2 inches too short!?! TWO INCHES?!? Am I the only one that noticed the giants heels of Routh's boots?!? 2 inches is nothing and can easily be added!

And saying that Reeve looks more like Superman than Cavill.... ummm.... really? C'mon now. Cavill looks just like Superman - he looks like every Superman ever drawn in comics other than the modern one where they MADE Supes look just like Reeve!

Cavill is not just a perfume model, he was and is an actor first and he IS Superman.

I can't wait until everyone sees what I have known for years now. Cavill will own this role and will forever be the real life Superman!!

*cue theme song*
Ranger14 - 7/11/2012, 4:05 PM
Cavill is listed at 6'1" but is closer to 6' as he is a tad shorter than me. That is my main challenge with him. Yes Routh had heels but he was already 6'3" which is just about right. Cavill has thick heels/soles on his shoes and that makes him taller, but it does not make his torso and physical frame bigger, which is what Superman really should exhibit. Adding inches to the bottom of one's shoes, does not make their body and physical frame look bigger...it just makes them taller. If Cavill were in JLA they will have to cast shorter people around him to pull of the more intimidating stature against the rest of the league. If you were to put Cavill right next to Manganiello you would understand what i am referring to. You would recognize the difference in actual physical stature between the two due to Cavill being 4 inches shorter. Joe has the perfect natural stature for Supes. I am using him simply as an example of stature.
AtomicChipmunk - 7/11/2012, 4:08 PM
What a beast.

SFCamerica - 7/11/2012, 4:11 PM
I'm liking Cavill as Superman, he has an excellent build, I myself just finished some deadlifts working on my heroic frame!
AtomicChipmunk - 7/11/2012, 4:14 PM
Superman (new 52) doesn't look much more muscular than GL, Aquaman or Batman, maybe a little but the suit helps making him look more built.


Ranger14 - 7/11/2012, 4:15 PM
Cavill did add the muscle for the part, which I didn't think he could pull off as well as he did. He will look okay as long as they cast appropriately around him. He will do fine, although he wasn't my favorite choice. I am somewhat influenced by knowing how wimpy he comes across in person, so I will have to keep reminding myself to put that out of my head while he is acting the part. :-P
JULEZ13 - 7/11/2012, 4:16 PM
To everyone complaining about Cavill's height and/or stature: As a filmmaker, you will have to sometimes make sacrifices in order to get the best person for the part, who will give the best performance. Cavill may not be the biggest or most imposing guy in the world, but he certainly looks and embodies the persona of Superman/Clark Kent. Sometimes a couple of inches mean nothing!

Look at RDJ - everyone gave up on him. He looked old, he wasn't in shape, he didn't look exactly like Tony Stark but damn did he nail that role!

Look at Chris Evans - he wasn't a natural blonde and people wondered about his acting chops, but the people at Marvel Studios knew what he can do and boy was he PERFECT as Captain America!

Look at Christian Bale - Not imposing AT ALL. Much less imposing than Cavill and he's shorter than Cavill, is NOT handsome by any means and he already looks old but Nolan saw something in him that embodies the world of Batman that he tried to create and guess what - THEY BROKE BOX OFFICE RECORDS!! COMPLETELY OBLITERATED THEM!!!

So before you start complaining about all this nonsense, give Henry a shot. Stop analyzing each and every slight detail. So what if he's not 6'3!! Thank God we are even getting a Superman movie, and better yet we actually have a Superman who has the classic Superman look! The dawn of a new era is upon us!! ENJOY IT!!!
gillri - 7/11/2012, 4:17 PM
@Ranger14

your wrong, i done alot of research on this, luke evans (co- star in Immortals) is a good 6', and in every picture they are together (and there is alot) cavill is a good inch taller, he is a genuine 6'1
AtomicChipmunk - 7/11/2012, 4:19 PM
I don't like Bale. He never impressed me much.
JDUKE25 - 7/11/2012, 4:19 PM
@Ranger You have said this same stuff at least 10 times before. We get it.

"I am somewhat influenced by knowing how wimpy he comes across in person"

What? Polite and considerate towards people? Yeah, that doesn't embody Superman at all.
TruGeek2012 - 7/11/2012, 4:20 PM
People complaining about Cavill's height and chin and jaw really people really just because a brit is playing america's greatest FICTIONAL Hero
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