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Lots of comic book movie news hitting lately. Being a huge fan of Superman as a comic book hero, I’ve been somewhat concerned as to the direction the intended SUPERMAN reboot by Zack Snyder would take. Personally, I thought Brandon Routh was great in SUPERMAN RETURNS, even if the script wasn’t the best. But why punish the actor? Routh deserved a second chance, but today is officially not going to get it. Why? Because Warner Brothers has announced the casting of THE TUDORS actor Henry Cavill as The Man of Steel. I know, I know, most of you are probably saying “Who?!” Didn’t we say that with Routh too? The biggest difference is that Cavill is a British actor… playing perhaps the most iconic American superhero. Kind of weird. Yes, Christian Bale has successfully pulled of Batman, but still, there’s something off about casting a Brit to play this particular character, at least in my eyes. Nevertheless, I’ll be interested to see how things end up. Here’s the official press release:
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Henry Cavill has won the coveted role of Superman, the iconic superhero.
The film will be directed by Zack Snyder, who stated, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”
Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.
Cavill recently wrapped production on “The Cold Light of Day” and stars in the upcoming “Immortals,” opening this fall.
Targeted for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Definitely interested to hear your feedback on this one. Please post your thoughts in the comments below. Also, here’s a few interesting tidbits about Cavill from IMDB:
He was Stephenie Meyer’s first choice to play Edward in the adaptation of “Twilight,” but by the time the film came to be, he was 25-years old, and no longer looked the part of a 17-year old.
Cavill auditioned for the lead role in Batman Begins, but lost out to Christian Bale.
In 2005, he became a young contender for the role of James Bond, and performed in a final screentest. However, the producers believed Cavill was too young for the role, which then went to Daniel Craig.
He also auditioned for the role of Superman in Superman Returns, and was reportedly under heavy consideration before the October 2004 casting of Brandon Routh.
Due to these 3 misses; In the December 2005 edition of Empire Magazine, he was dubbed “…the most unlucky man in Hollywood”.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
I think if Americans can fake playing Brits, the reverse isn’t that much of a stretch. Ever watch House?