It may seem hard to believe now, but there was a time when Henry Cavill was widely regarded as the unluckiest man in Hollywood. He often made it to the final rounds of consideration, for major franchises. He was so infamous, that I knew about him before I even knew his name.
With the news that Man of Steel 2 has been put on hold until WB get their next slate of movies out. I thought I would take a look back at the five roles Henry Cavill almost had before he represented the house of El.
- James Bond-Casino Royale(2006)
After die another day received a critical mauling, Pierce Brosnan was forced to retire his Walther PPK. Which meant Bond had to be rebooted.
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli managed to whittle down a list to two suave actors to play 007. Those actors were Daniel Craig and Henry Cavill.
Cavill has said in interviews:
“I came very close.”
Ultimately at 22, they decided Cavill was just a bit too young for the role and they instead went with Daniel Craig.
- Batman – Batman Begins (2005)
Whilst Cavill states that he didn’t actually test for this, he has confirmed that his name was on a shortlist of actors which included; Joshua Jackson, Eion Bailey, Hugh Dancy, Billy Crudup, Cillian Murphy, Jake Gyllenhaal and, of course, Christian Bale.
- Superman – Superman Returns(2006).
You may remember that before Brian Singer helmed Superman Returns, it was set to be directed by McG.
When McG left the project Brian Singer gave Henry Cavill the old tin-tac and he was replaced with Brandon Routh.
- Green Lantern/Hal Jordan – Green Lantern (2011)
Cavill’s third unlucky attempt at a superhero movie happened in 2011, with Green Lantern. When casting began in 2009, his name was listed alongside Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake, and of course, Ryan Reynolds.
- Edward Cullen – Twilight (2008)
Twilight creator, Stephanie Meyer has previously stated that she based the Vampire on Henry Cavill, she even tried to get him cast in the role. Ironically, two short years after he was told he was too young to play Bond, he was told he was too old to play a 200+-year-old vampire and the role went to Robert Pattinson.
Times have sure changed for Henry Cavill. He now has multiple franchises under his belt.
Check out our interview with Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.