In a tale that perfectly intertwines the worlds of gaming and Hollywood, Henry Cavill—best known for his iconic role as Superman—almost missed the life-changing call from director Zack Snyder because he was too busy immersed in the digital realms of World of Warcraft. Imagine this: a young, future Man of Steel, slaying dragons and conquering dungeons, completely oblivious to the monumental opportunity knocking on his door.

Born on May 5, 1983, Cavill has always embraced his inner geek. While the world was buzzing about casting choices for the legendary superhero, Cavill was deeply engrossed in his gaming session, battling foes in the richly detailed landscapes of WoW. When Snyder finally managed to reach him, he was met with the unexpected response of “Hey, you’re Superman!”—a line that would forever change the trajectory of Cavill’s career.

The moment encapsulates a beautiful irony: while most aspiring actors would be on high alert for a call that could define their careers, Cavill was glued to his screen, fully engaged in saving a virtual realm. Upon realizing he had missed the call, he humorously remarked, “I called him back and said, ‘I’m sorry, I was saving someone’s life, which I do all the time.’” This quip underscores a relatable aspect of Cavill—his ability to balance his passion for gaming with the demands of a burgeoning film career.

His love for gaming is not a passing phase; it has roots in his childhood. Cavill recalls the chaotic scenes at home where he and his brothers would game on five different PCs set up at the dining table, much to their mother’s chagrin. This fondness for gaming adds a layer of relatability to the actor, making him more than just a pretty face in the industry.

Snyder, upon hearing this amusing anecdote, couldn’t help but chuckle. His reaction—“Haha, that’s awesome!”—shows how even those in Hollywood recognize the joy and dedication gamers possess. After all, here was a man who was not only destined to wear the iconic cape but was also unashamedly in the throes of gaming passion at the time of his big break.

Fast forward to Cavill’s celebrated role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, and it’s clear that his passion for gaming has only enhanced his career. Not only did he land a role in a series that draws from beloved books and video games, but he also got to fulfill his long-held dream of portraying a character he deeply admires. “I always wanted to play Geralt,” he has said, a sentiment echoing through the hearts of gamers everywhere.

As video game adaptations continue to surge in popularity, fans can only speculate what iconic role Cavill might take on next. His journey reminds us that heroes come in all forms—sometimes even clad in sweatpants, clutching a gaming controller.

So here’s to Henry Cavill: the man who nearly let destiny slip away while engrossed in the pixelated world of World of Warcraft. From slaying dragons to embodying the universe’s mightiest hero, he exemplifies a true gaming legend both on and off the screen. Cheers to the nerdy side of Hollywood and the actors who wear their gaming badges with pride!