The New York Times has published a lengthy interview with Henry Cavill, with writer Alex Williams spending a day shopping in London with Henry, talking about his career, playing Superman, and more. Here’s part of the interview in which Henry discusses the weight of the Superman legacy.
Too often, he said, popular culture has gotten it wrong about Superman, interpreting his do-gooder ethos and blue tights as “cheesy, and maybe a bit boring,” compared to the acknowledged cool superheros, like Batman and Iron Man.
“There’s so much more in there,” he said. “It’s like a movie about taking the super-pill. Imagine you have the ability to do absolutely anything you wanted. What do you choose to do with that power? How would you choose to use it? How do you exert it upon others? How do you accept failure? How do you love?”
This guy just gets it, he really does
I love Henry Cavill’s understanding of Superman.
At this point I’m not sure what’s worse, that there are those who hold the perception that Superman is lame or the stupid things some creators have done to gratuitously over-compensate for that perception. Let Superman be Superman and have the material back it up instead of having the material apologize for him not being Batman.
I completely agree with everything you just said. Preach.
It’s a shame that we are in a time where we have certain film makers and writers who seem to be almost embarrassed at making a superhero film about someone who is just good and always tries to do the right thing. Likewise it is also a shame where people perceive those traits as being uncool. Those are the very reason I love Superman the most. Being ashamed of Superman and his characteristics is the impression I sometimes get whenever I watch Man Of Steel and definitely when I watch Batman V Superman. Zack Snyder was so embarrassed about making… Read more »
Ashamed when U watch MoS and BvS??? I’m sorry but that sounds ridiculous. Yes we all agree there’s a few issues with each but for the most part were seeing a version of them that’s anything but cheesy and cornball. Maybe the real reason is that they’re both a little to realistic for some to handle. As for ZS being embarrassed. I don’t think so! Both of these movies stirred a lot of controversy. And yes most of that could have been altered by simply changing the dialog or tweaking the scene’s outcome. One thing we don’t need at this… Read more »
What I think Marnoman is saying is that he gets the impression that the filmmakers and writers are the ones ashamed of the character and that goes back to what MattComics said about overcompensating. I am an advocate for realism in superman movies and I actually don’t agree with the idea that the tone of MOS was ‘dark and gritty’. My problems with that film had nothing to do with tone. That being said, you can do a realistic take on superman while being true to the essence of the character and without it being cheesy and cornball as I… Read more »
I can see your point. Even in the “noone stays good in this world” line Superman said in batman v superman, I can’t help but notice the downplaying of superman. It’s like they don’t want him to inspire hope. Maybe they will fix it with the sequels. I just don’t like seeing a superman who doesn’t want to be superman.
I totally agree with that perception Marnoman. I mean what’s wrong with having a movie about the world’s greatest superhero, and having him be true to his character? A character who is good, heroic, and a positive influence for everyone. Someone who is a genuine nice guy too. I say bring back the positiveness for superman.
Well said indeed
Well said MattComics. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
This is yet another reason why Cavill is my favorite Superman. I believe Cavill is at least as good as Christopher Reeve was as Superman (IMO). It’s so refreshing and stands out more in this increasingly dark world.
It’s like he has eaten the complete Superman encyclopedia for breakfast. He truly understand the the character. Hats off to you sir. May you always be our Superman for years to come.
Superman was never cheesy to begin with. He was Classy. I say bring back the classiness in Superman.