When Henry Cavill finally donned Superman’s cape in Man of Steel (2013), it seemed like a natural fit. His commanding screen presence, chiseled physique, and ability to portray the emotional depth of the character resonated deeply with fans. However, what many don’t know is that Cavill’s journey to becoming Superman was far from straightforward—it spanned more than a decade of near misses and disappointments.

The First Close Call: Superman Flyby (Early 2000s)

In the early 2000s, director J.J. Abrams was developing a Superman reboot titled Superman Flyby. This project aimed to offer a fresh and unique take on the character, breaking away from the established mythos of Christopher Reeve’s Superman. At the time, Henry Cavill, still an emerging actor, was cast as Superman, marking his first brush with the iconic role. However, Superman Flyby faced significant backlash when the script leaked online. Abrams’ version introduced major changes to Superman’s origin story, which angered fans. The controversy surrounding the project, along with multiple script revisions, led to the film being scrapped. Cavill’s chance to play the Man of Steel was gone before it even began.

Another Missed Opportunity: Superman Returns (2006)

Cavill’s second close call with the role came in 2006 when he auditioned for Superman Returns. Initially, director McG was in charge of the project, and Cavill was in strong contention for the part. However, when McG left the film and Bryan Singer took over as director, the project’s direction shifted. Singer wanted Superman Returns to act as a direct continuation of the classic Reeve films, casting Brandon Routh due to his resemblance to the late actor. Although Cavill was once again considered for the role, Routh’s physical likeness to Reeve tipped the scales in his favor, and Cavill missed out on playing Superman a second time.

Fate Aligns: Man of Steel (2013)

Though Cavill had experienced disappointment twice, Hollywood wasn’t finished with Superman. The success of superhero films like The Dark Knight trilogy and the growth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe revitalized interest in rebooting the character. By 2013, Zack Snyder was tapped to direct Man of Steel, a fresh take on Superman for a modern audience. Snyder wanted to portray a darker, more complex version of the hero—one who struggled with his identity as both a human and an alien.

For this vision, Snyder saw Cavill as the perfect fit. Cavill’s physicality and ability to convey vulnerability aligned with the director’s desire to explore a Superman who wasn’t just a symbol of hope but a character burdened by immense power and responsibility. Man of Steel became a global hit, and Cavill’s portrayal was widely praised for its emotional depth and modern take on the iconic character. Cavill’s Superman felt real—he was no longer a flawless hero but a man grappling with internal and external conflicts.

Following the success of Man of Steel, Cavill returned as Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). While these films received mixed reviews, Cavill’s performance continued to be one of the highlights. His portrayal brought a grounded and nuanced version of the character, solidifying his place as a definitive Superman for a new generation of fans.

A Journey Worth the Wait

Henry Cavill’s journey to becoming Superman was long and filled with setbacks, but it was ultimately a story of perseverance. His near-misses with the role in Superman Flyby and Superman Returns only prepared him for the monumental task of embodying the superhero in Man of Steel. Cavill’s Superman isn’t just defined by his strength but by his humanity, a portrayal that resonates with fans across the globe.

In hindsight, it seems fitting that Cavill’s road to Superman was anything but smooth. His portrayal of the hero—marked by vulnerability, complexity, and inner conflict—made his version of Superman one of the most beloved in recent history. Cavill’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the best things are worth waiting for, and in the case of Superman, the timing was perfect.