OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

Even Superman has his regrets, and Henry Cavill is no exception. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about a moment in his 2013 debut as the Last Son of Krypton in Man of Steel that still bugs him—that smile. Yes, you read that correctly. For someone who embodied Superman with jaw-dropping charisma, Cavill can’t seem to shake his self-critique of a single, fleeting moment on screen.

“There’s a scene at the end of Man of Steel where I’m talking to Martha,” Cavill explained. “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.”

It’s hard to imagine that something as subtle as a smile would haunt a Superman of Cavill’s stature, especially when you consider the monumental impact his portrayal had on the character. His Superman was intense, profound, and magnetic—nothing short of iconic. And yet, there it is: a fleeting moment at the grave of Clark Kent’s father, where Cavill feels his smile didn’t quite capture the essence of the Man of Steel.

Man of Steel marked Cavill’s explosive entry into the A-list, launching him into superstardom with his perfect Superman look—jet-black hair, an impeccable physique, and, of course, that captivating on-screen presence. The film was a box office success, yet despite the attention, Warner Bros. opted to move forward with crossover projects like Batman v Superman and Justice League, leaving Cavill’s Superman arc on the backburner.

And yes, the debate about Zack Snyder’s moody, darker take on Superman still lingers. Some fans missed the more optimistic, cheerful version of the character played by Christopher Reeve. Cavill’s Superman, however, was more brooding, profound, and thoughtful—still magnetic, but with a gravitas that was distinctly different.

Rather than pointing fingers at studio decisions or creative differences, Cavill chose to focus on his smile. It’s a small, seemingly insignificant detail, but it reveals just how much Cavill cares about getting Superman right. He’s not just the embodiment of the Man of Steel on screen—he’s also a perfectionist, always striving to make every moment as authentic as possible, even if it’s a brief, nearly unnoticeable smile.

This attention to detail is part of what made Cavill’s Clark Kent so beloved by fans, even when the films didn’t always deliver on the promise of his character. It shows his deep commitment to the role, and that passion has remained clear as he’s taken on diverse roles in films like Mission: Impossible – Fallout and The Witcher, becoming a true genre favorite.

Despite the ongoing shifts in the DC universe and the rumors surrounding a potential Black Superman project, Cavill has remained loyal to the character. He even pitched a Man of Steel sequel to Mission: Impossible mastermind Christopher McQuarrie—a tantalizing prospect for fans eager for more of his Superman.

For now, Cavill’s return as Superman seems unlikely, given his packed schedule and the ever-changing landscape of the DC films. However, his dedication to the role remains unwavering. That smile, the one that still bothers him, is just one example of how much he cares about doing the character justice. It’s this heart and commitment that make Cavill’s Clark Kent so unforgettable.

In a world where even Superman has regrets, Henry Cavill’s dedication to getting things right—right down to the smallest smile—only proves one thing: He’s truly all heart.