The article explores Henry Cavill’s journey from being considered for Edward Cullen in ‘Twilight’ to becoming a Hollywood star. It reveals his childhood struggles with bullying, passion for animals, fear of flying, love for gaming, and setbacks in landing major roles like James Bond. Cavill’s remarkable transformation, due to acting, helped him gain self-esteem. Notably, he shares a close bond with his dog, Kal, while also being recognized for his iconic roles in ‘Superman’ and ‘The Witcher.’
Did you know that Henry Cavill was nearly cast in ‘Twilight’? Author Stephenie Meyer believed Cavill perfectly embodied Edward Cullen, but he was deemed too old for the role. Here are 22 fascinating facts about the ‘Twilight’ series!
Henry Cavill, born on May 5, 1983, in Jersey, Great Britain, discovered his love for acting at an early age, which eventually launched him into Hollywood. His major breakthrough arrived in 2013 when he took on the iconic role of Superman in ‘Man of Steel,’ propelling him to international stardom.
Besides his successful portrayal of Krypton’s last son, Cavill is well-known for his performance as Geralt of Rivia in the acclaimed Netflix series ‘The Witcher,’ and also as espionage agent August Walker in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout.’
However, Cavill’s talents extend beyond the big screen, as he consistently surprises fans with his unique hobbies and interests. Here are seven intriguing facts about Henry Cavill.
1. Childhood Bullying
Henry Cavill faced bullying during his school years, as he shared in an interview with Men’s Health. Teased for being overweight, he was called names like ‘Fat Cavill.’ Over time, he lost weight and gained confidence, often crediting school plays for helping him thrive. Cavill noted, “It actually helped me survive,” recognizing that his passion for acting became his strength.
2. A Unique Pet Adoption
Cavill is an advocate for endangered species and serves as an ambassador for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. In 2015, he adopted a Livingstone’s fruit bat, affectionately named ‘Ben’ in homage to his co-star Ben Affleck from ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.’ These bats are currently facing extinction.
3. Devoted Dog Owner
The star shares his life not only with millions of fans but also with his loyal companion Kal, an American Akita. Named after Superman’s Kryptonian identity Kal-El, Kal accompanies Cavill on social media and during filming. The actor often emphasizes the importance of their bond, referring to Kal as his closest friend.
4. Fear of Flying
Ironically, while Cavill’s character Superman possesses the ability to fly, the actor himself has admitted to a fear of flying in several interviews. Despite this, he frequently travels for work, bringing his dog Kal along for emotional support. “What’s not great about Kal? He’s my best friend. He’s stubborn and distracts attention away from me, which is excellent,” Cavill shared with Men’s Journal.
5. Near Miss for Superman Role
Not many know that filmmaker J.J. Abrams once developed a script titled ‘Superman: Flyby’ in the early 2000s, with Cavill initially considered for the lead role. He even underwent a screen test in the Superman costume. Unfortunately, the project fell through for various reasons, including the director’s fear of flying. Cavill later expressed his excitement about being cast in ‘Man of Steel,’ feeling wiser and more experienced.
6. Avid Gamer
Cavill is also a dedicated gamer with favorites like ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,’ ‘World of Warcraft,’ and naturally, ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ by CD Projekt RED. His love for the latter played a significant role in his pursuit of the leading role in the Netflix series, as noted by Screenrant. Cavill described gaming as a form of escapism he cherishes due to his fame.
7. Missed Opportunities
Despite his successful career, Cavill has faced setbacks in snagging some dream roles. Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan once considered him for the lead in ‘Batman Begins,’ a part later filled by Christian Bale. Cavill also auditioned for ‘Superman Returns,’ which went to Brandon Routh, and sought the role of James Bond in ‘Casino Royale,’ ultimately losing out to Daniel Craig. Additionally, Stephenie Meyer viewed him as ideal for the role of Edward Cullen in ‘Twilight,’ but his age at 24 made him unsuitable for the part.
Henry Cavill is not just the man behind the Superman mask; he is a multifaceted actor with diverse interests and a grounded approach to life. Whether engaged in sword-fighting, battling foes in epic adventures, or enjoying moments with his dog Kal, Cavill continuously captivates and surprises his audience.