In a newly unearthed image, Henry Cavill is seen donning Christopher Reeve’s iconic Superman suit, radiating the same charm and heroism that defined the character for decades. This never-before-seen in-color test shot, originally shared by director Zack Snyder on Vero, showcases the moment Cavill proved he was born to play the Man of Steel.
When Cavill auditioned for the title role in 2013’s Man of Steel, he wore a replica of Reeve’s original superhero costume during the screen test. Snyder, determined to convince Warner Bros. that Cavill was the right choice, captured this pivotal moment. “This was the shot I did to show the studio that this was my Superman… they agreed,” Snyder shared. “Got the suit from Warner archives, and Henry honored its legacy—Happy birthday, my brother.”
Snyder had previously shared a black-and-white version of this moment last year, but the recent release of the color photo provides a full appreciation of the powerful image. It’s clear why the studio was convinced: Cavill not only filled the suit but also exuded the confidence and presence that makes Superman the symbol of hope.
Reflecting on that day, Snyder recalled in a 2016 interview with DuJour, “We didn’t have the suit made when Henry was auditioning, so he wore the original Christopher Reeve suit. He put it on, and when he came out of the trailer, everyone was like, ‘Dang, you’re Superman!’”
Despite the excitement surrounding his look, Cavill felt the weight of the moment. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he recalled his nerves: “All I could think was, Oh, God, they’re going to look at me and go, ‘He’s not Superman. Not a chance.’ The actor inside me was going, ‘You’re not ready! You’re not ready!’”
But Snyder’s decision was made. “Other actors put that suit on, and it’s a joke, even if they’re great actors,” Snyder explained. “Henry put it on, and he exuded this kind of crazy-calm confidence that just made me go, ‘Wow. Okay, this is Superman.’”
For fans of the franchise, the newly released test shot is not just a glimpse into Cavill’s audition but a reminder of how perfectly he fit the role. From Reeve’s legacy to Cavill’s modern-day portrayal, the Superman mantle continues to shine brightly.
