British actor Henry Cavill is just one phone call away from being the next big thing. The 25-year-old has had a number of near misses when it comes to stardom -- losing out on leading roles in blockbuster movies like 'Twilight', 'Batman Begins' and 'Casino Royale' at the last minute. Cavill did, however, nab a big role in the Showtime series 'The Tudors' and smaller turns in films like 'Stardust' and 'Tristan and Isolde.' This summer he'll appear in Woody Allen's 'Whatever Works,' followed by Joel Schumacher's 'Town Creek' and 2010's '300'-esque 'War of the Gods.'
Moviefone talked to Cavill about being passed over for Robert Pattinson and why mainstream success may still be just beyond his reach. – By Katy Kroll
1. Rumor has it that you were Stephenie Meyer's first choice to play Edward in 'Twilight,' are you upset you didn't get that role?
No ... Regrets are something you can't really have as an actor, because ultimately you'll end up destroying yourself ... there's a lot of disappointment in this business. It's a very popular film, and it's done very well, so all the more power to those who are in the job, and a job well done. But, like I said, I can't have any regrets.
2. How do you think Robert Pattinson did in the role?
Honestly, I haven't seen it 'cause I've been run off my feet for the past, crikey, I don't know how long. But I've been told by my brother, who has seen it, that it's a really, really good movie. It's difficult to judge other actors, because as an actor you're looking at different things than what an audience is looking at. But it seems that he's done really well, so all the more power to him.
3. Could you imagine yourself in his shoes as a teen idol?
It's best not to think of that, to be honest. It's best to think of acting to the best of your ability and doing the role justice, instead of what happens with the publicity afterward. I find it difficult to answer that because I don't think I'd ever think, "OK, I'm going to be a teen idol now, how's that going to feel?"
Henry Cavill Photos
THE TUDORS Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII and Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon.
Showtime
Actor Henry Cavill poses for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actor Henry Cavill poses for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actor Henry Cavill poses for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer and Jonathan Rhys Meyers pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer and Jonathan Rhys Meyers pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
Actors Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer and Jonathan Rhys Meyers pose for photos on the red carpet at the World Premiere party for season 2 of the Showtime original series "The Tudors" at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on March 19, 2008 in New York City
Jemal Countess/WireImage.com
4. You mentioned there being a lot of disappointment in the business, which you've experienced first-hand by missing out on starring in 'Superman Returns,' 'Batman Begins' and a James Bond film. Why have you been on so many short lists but unable to seal the deal?
Good question. I think there are many different answers to that, all depending on the job and what was happening with the internal politics of each individual job. My age has been a question in many of the things, and the fact that there were better actors. The industry is well known for getting friends famous and helping people out. The right word from the right place can often change a decision. I would only want a role if I were the right guy for the job. I'm not the kind of person who says, "I want the job, even if I'm not as good as the other guy." If the other guy's better and more fit for the role, then he should get it.
5. This year you're starring in Joel Schumacher's 'Town Creek' and Woody Allen's 'Whatever Works.' Do you feel like things are finally going your way?
There's no way of knowing. Yes, obviously things are picking up -- as I have at least one job a year, which is fantastic, and I feel very fortunate to be in that position. But I could fizzle out quite as easily. So it's just a matter of waiting for these movies to come out and seeing how well they're received with fingers crossed that people like them and my performances and want to see more of me.
Reader Comments (4)
kaz at 12:16AM on Apr 7th 2009
Well, I think Henry would have been a better choice for all those near-misses.
And true to his humble spirit he gives kudos to those who got the roles and even says they were 'better actors.' What other star would say something like that?
You deserve continued success, Henry.
And even though I don't like Woody Allen since he ran off with his daughter, I'm rethinking my boycotting of Woody Allen films so I can see you in it.
Oh the dilemma ...
June at 11:39AM on Apr 7th 2009
I think Henry Cavill is too good looking- almost like God himself. Hollywood likes 'down-to-earth' looking men to cast. However, I wish him lots of success and hope he will make it big one day.
FlickMaykka at 5:03PM on Apr 8th 2009
He's just too hot is all. Can you imagine him standing next to Maggie Gyllanhaal in Batman Begins,.. I think not. I just hope he doesn't get sucked into playing pretty boy gay roles. I should sit my current screenplay aside and finish my "Dark Shadows" work and cast him as Barnabas Collins.
HL at 11:21AM on Nov 17th 2009
"The industry is well known for getting friends famous and helping people out."
Well, Henry it is not that accurate : people in the show business can be cruel and may land you in the ditch. So you better know who to trust in this world of fakes and back stabbers. You are a good-looking and talented actor and you deserve the best career-wise and personally.