Henry Cavill is a name that resonates with fans of blockbuster cinema, known for his commanding presence as Superman in the DC Extended Universe and his rugged portrayal of Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher. With his chiseled good looks, undeniable charisma, and versatile acting skills, it’s easy to see why he’s become a Hollywood favorite. However, Cavill’s journey to stardom hasn’t been without its share of near-misses. Like many actors, he’s auditioned for numerous high-profile roles that ultimately slipped through his fingers, some of which could have drastically altered his career trajectory. This article delves into the fascinating world of seven big movies Henry Cavill auditioned for but didn’t appear in, a list that notably includes some of the most iconic superhero roles in cinematic history. Let’s explore these missed opportunities and the circumstances that led to other actors stepping into the spotlight.

One of the most intriguing “what if” scenarios in Cavill’s career is his audition for the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight. Back in 2007, before the vampire saga became a global phenomenon, author Stephenie Meyer had her heart set on Cavill for the brooding, sparkling vampire. In a blog post, she lamented, “The most disappointing thing for me is losing my perfect Edward. Henry Cavill is now twenty-four-years-old. Let us have a moment of quiet in which to mourn.” At the time, Cavill was deemed too old for the teenage character, and the role went to Robert Pattinson, who was three years younger. Cavill later revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he had no idea he was even in the running, as the internet wasn’t as pervasive a tool back then for tracking casting news. This missed role could have typecast him in the young adult genre, potentially delaying his path to more mature, action-oriented parts like Superman.

Another missed opportunity came with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where Cavill auditioned for the role of Cedric Diggory. This character, a Hogwarts champion with a tragic fate, was ultimately played by Robert Pattinson—yes, the same actor who beat him to Edward Cullen. Cavill, around 19 or 20 at the time, reflected on the audition process during the same podcast, admitting he wasn’t sure how it went but humorously hoped any footage remained locked away. He speculated that his age might have been a factor, as a couple of years’ difference can matter significantly for a high school-aged character. Missing out on Cedric didn’t derail his career, but it’s a curious footnote given his later success in fantasy roles, such as The Witcher.

Perhaps the most tantalizing near-miss is James Bond in Casino Royale. In 2005, Cavill was reportedly the second choice for the iconic 007 role, losing out to Daniel Craig after a competitive audition process. Director Martin Campbell praised Cavill’s audition as “tremendous,” noting his great physical shape and acting prowess. Cavill himself acknowledged the closeness of the call on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, saying, “They told me I was close.” The producers, however, favored an older Bond, and Craig’s rugged edge won the day. Cavill saw a silver lining, though—the audition boosted his profile, landing his photo in Variety and opening doors to more significant opportunities. It’s hard to imagine Cavill’s suave demeanor in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. not translating to Bond, but timing and studio preferences shaped a different outcome.

Cavill’s superhero audition history is equally compelling, starting with Batman in Batman Begins. Reports suggest he was considered for the role that Christian Bale made iconic, but Cavill has no recollection of an official audition. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he mentioned, “At least, nobody was talking to me about it,” and speculated he might have been “spoken about in a room at some stage.” Without a screentest, the part went to Bale, whose portrayal defined the Dark Knight trilogy. This missed role is particularly intriguing given Cavill’s later success as Superman, raising questions about how a Cavill-led Batman might have influenced the DC Extended Universe.

Another superhero near-miss was Superman: Flyby, a project that never saw the light of day. In 2004, Cavill successfully auditioned for the lead role in this proposed reboot, but the film was scrapped. Bryan Singer later transformed it into Superman Returns, casting Brandon Routh instead. Cavill reflected on this to Entertainment Weekly, saying, “But here I am, seven years later. Got ya,” highlighting his eventual triumph as Superman in Man of Steel. This early brush with the Man of Steel role underscores his persistence, as he got a second chance to don the cape, proving that timing can be everything in Hollywood.

Rumors also swirl around Cavill being considered for another superhero role, though details remain scarce. Some speculate it could be tied to the Justice League roster or another DC character, but without confirmation, it remains a tantalizing mystery. His established chemistry with the DC Universe as Superman suggests he could have brought depth to other iconic heroes, yet the lack of concrete evidence leaves fans to wonder about the possibilities.

Beyond superheroes, Cavill auditioned for The Devil Wears Prada, a cultural touchstone that launched Anne Hathaway’s career. While specifics are limited, it’s known that he was in contention for a supporting role, likely one of the charming male characters orbiting the fashion world. Hathaway’s casting edged him out, but this miss didn’t hinder his rise, as he soon found success in more action-driven fare. The contrast between this comedic role and his later intense performances highlights his range, which might have shone in a different context.

Finally, there’s Voltron, a big-budget live-action adaptation that Cavill was attached to but won’t see a theatrical release. Announced with high expectations, Amazon MGM Studios opted for a Prime Video debut instead, mirroring the fate of Road House. Cavill’s lack of public comment on this shift adds to the narrative of near-misses, though his ongoing projects like Highlander suggest he’s far from fading. This instance reflects how external decisions can redirect an actor’s path, even for someone of Cavill’s stature.

These seven movies represent a mix of heartbreak and opportunity for Cavill. Missing out on Twilight, Harry Potter, Bond, Batman, Superman: Flyby, The Devil Wears Prada, and Voltron didn’t derail his career but rather shaped it, leading to roles that defined him as a leading man. His resilience shines through, turning auditions into stepping stones. Fans continue to debate these “what ifs,” imagining alternate universes where Cavill’s charm graced these iconic parts. Yet, his current success—bolstered by The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and upcoming projects—proves that even the biggest misses can pave the way for greatness. Cavill’s journey reminds us that in Hollywood, every audition, whether won or lost, contributes to the making of a star.