Henry Cavill has expressed regret about a specific scene from his portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel. In a 2021 interview with Hollywood Reporter, Cavill reflected on his performance, noting that he would have altered the smile he gave during a scene with Martha Kent (played by Diane Lane). He admitted that he found the smile to be irritating and felt it didn’t reflect his true manner. Despite this, Cavill emphasized that he felt positively about his career choices overall, acknowledging that every decision led him to where he is now.
Man of Steel (2013) received mixed reviews from critics. While its visuals were praised, the film faced criticism for its script and controversial decisions, such as Superman’s killing of General Zod, played by Michael Shannon. The film was successful commercially, grossing USD 668 million globally, and marked the beginning of Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Cavill reprised his role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017), but both films underperformed at the box office. Following these failures, Warner Bros. shifted its strategy for DC films, moving away from Snyder’s vision. However, Snyder’s cut of Justice League was released in 2021, allowing fans to see Cavill’s Superman once again.
Despite the mixed reception of his Superman films, Cavill’s portrayal remains iconic. He has also shown interest in other roles, including the potential role of Captain Britain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cavill has frequently reminded fans that “the cape is still in the closet,” hinting that Superman might return in the future.
