From Flyby to Man of Steel: How Henry Cavill’s Superman Journey Began Long Before 2013

For many, Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel (2013) seemed like a natural fit. His commanding screen presence, chiseled physique, and ability to bring vulnerability to the powerful character resonated with fans and critics alike. But what many don’t know is that Cavill’s journey to don the red cape and iconic “S” shield began long before he officially stepped into the role—over a decade earlier, in fact.

The Almost Superman: Superman Flyby

In the early 2000s, J.J. Abrams, the director known for Lost and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, had a bold vision for Superman. Titled Superman Flyby, this iteration was poised to be a fresh and unique take on the hero, breaking away from the mythos established by the iconic Christopher Reeve films. Cavill, who was still an emerging actor at the time, was cast as the Man of Steel in this version, marking his first encounter with the superhero role he would later become synonymous with.

Abrams’ Flyby promised to shake up the Superman story, introducing new lore and a different perspective on the Kryptonian hero. But as Hollywood stories often go, trouble brewed early on. When the script leaked, it received a significant amount of backlash from die-hard Superman fans. Many were critical of the deviations Abrams had planned for Superman’s origin and storyline. The script revisions weren’t enough to quell the controversy, and soon, Superman Flyby was scrapped altogether. Cavill’s first brush with the superhero spotlight was snuffed out before it even had a chance to shine.

Another Shot: Superman Returns

In 2006, Cavill once again found himself auditioning for the role of Superman, this time for Superman Returns, a reboot planned by director McG. While McG initially had creative control, he eventually stepped away from the project, leaving an opening for Bryan Singer, the filmmaker behind X-Men, to take the reins.

Singer envisioned a return to the Superman world with a film that paid homage to the classic Reeve era. His goal was to craft Superman Returns as a direct sequel to the original Superman films. To achieve this, Singer sought a leading man who would evoke the spirit of Christopher Reeve—someone who could physically and emotionally resemble the legendary actor. Though Cavill was in contention for the role, Singer ultimately cast Brandon Routh, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Reeve. Routh’s casting signaled a return to the past, leaving Cavill’s dream of playing the Man of Steel on hold once again.

Fate Aligns: Man of Steel

Though Cavill had narrowly missed out on playing Superman twice, fate had other plans. As Hollywood continued to churn out superhero films, the iconic character was never far from the minds of filmmakers and fans alike. In 2013, Cavill finally got his chance when Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was announced as part of a revamped DC Universe. Snyder, known for his visually stunning and darker takes on superheroes (Watchmen, 300), saw something in Cavill that aligned perfectly with his vision for Superman—a hero struggling with identity, torn between two worlds, and learning to harness his immense power responsibly.

This version of Superman was not simply a nostalgic nod to the past but a reimagined, modern take on the character. Cavill brought a physicality and emotional depth to the role that hadn’t been seen before, portraying Superman as a figure burdened by his superhuman abilities and the expectations placed upon him. His portrayal in Man of Steel, and later films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017), would cement Cavill’s place in superhero history, finally giving him the opportunity he had worked for years to achieve.

The Journey Was Worth the Wait

In hindsight, it seems fitting that Cavill’s road to becoming Superman was filled with hurdles. His early near-misses with the character in Superman Flyby and Superman Returns shaped him as an actor, allowing him to grow in his craft and eventually embody the superhero in a way that resonated with a new generation of fans.

Henry Cavill’s Superman journey is a testament to perseverance and fate. While his earlier attempts to secure the role may have been thwarted by the whims of Hollywood, his portrayal in Man of Steel is now considered one of the definitive versions of the character. For Cavill, playing Superman wasn’t just about strength or power—it was about finding the humanity in the world’s most famous superhero. And, as it turned out, the timing was perfect.