OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Even Superman has his regrets, and Henry Cavill is no exception. Despite his portrayal of the iconic Man of Steel being met with widespread praise, the actor recently revealed that there’s one moment from Man of Steel—a single smile—that still bugs him.

In a candid interview, Cavill opened up about the scene that continues to haunt him, saying, “There’s a scene at the end of Man of Steel where I’m talking to Martha. I would’ve smiled differently. Every time I see it, I say, ‘That’s an irritating smile.’ That’s not how I smile. I would’ve done it differently.”

For a man who so perfectly embodied Superman with an intense, magnetic presence, it’s hard to imagine that something as subtle as a smile could have such a profound effect on him. But Cavill, ever the perfectionist, can’t help but critique the fleeting moment at the end of the film when his character, Clark Kent, stands at his father’s grave, speaking to his mother. In this moment, he feels that his smile missed the mark—an observation that might seem trivial to the casual viewer, but for Cavill, it represents his constant drive for authenticity in his portrayal of Superman.

Cavill’s Superman wasn’t just another superhero on the screen. His Clark Kent was introspective, profound, and full of depth, a far cry from the more optimistic and cheerful portrayal famously delivered by Christopher Reeve. It was a Superman that captured a gravitas, a realism that resonated with audiences, even as the broader cinematic universe around him began to shift.

However, despite the huge success of Man of Steel—which not only launched Cavill into stardom but also reignited interest in the Superman character—Warner Bros. moved forward with crossover projects like Batman v Superman and Justice League. This decision meant that Cavill’s arc as the definitive Superman was put on the backburner, and fans still wonder what could have been had his Superman been allowed to evolve further in the world of DC films.

The ongoing debates about Zack Snyder’s darker, more brooding take on Superman only add to the layers of Cavill’s portrayal. Many fans miss the brighter, more hopeful Superman of Reeve’s era, but Cavill’s portrayal had its own emotional power, revealing the vulnerability and humanity of the Last Son of Krypton. It was this unique take on Superman that endeared Cavill to fans—his thoughtful and serious Clark Kent felt real, grounded, and emotionally resonant.

And yet, even with all the attention and success surrounding his role, Cavill’s focus on the smallest details—like a smile—proves just how much he cares about getting Superman right. This moment of self-reflection highlights Cavill’s dedication to his craft, not just as Superman, but as an actor who wants to bring the character to life with absolute authenticity. His commitment to every scene, every gesture, is a testament to his passion for embodying such an iconic role.

This attention to detail has only further solidified Cavill’s place in the hearts of fans. Whether he’s suiting up as Superman, taking on action-packed roles like in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, or playing the lead in the fantasy epic The Witcher, Cavill’s ability to bring depth to every character is undeniable.

Even as the DC universe continues to evolve with rumors swirling around the future of Superman, including talks of a potential Black Superman project, Cavill’s loyalty to the character has never wavered. In fact, he even pitched a Man of Steel sequel to Mission: Impossible mastermind Christopher McQuarrie, keeping the flame alive for fans eager to see more of his Superman.

Though it seems unlikely Cavill will reprise the role anytime soon, given his busy schedule and the shifting direction of the DC films, his dedication to Superman remains evident. It’s clear that for Cavill, even the smallest moments matter—his self-critical thoughts on that one smile are a window into the heart and soul he invested in bringing Superman to life.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the smile that haunts him, but rather the effort he put into every scene, every line, and every moment of his portrayal of Clark Kent. Because in the world of superheroes, and especially Superman, it’s not the powers that define the hero—it’s the heart. And Henry Cavill’s heart, it seems, will forever belong to the Man of Steel.