Henry Cavill, the ruggedly handsome star known for bringing Superman to life in Man of Steel and slaying monsters as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has built a career defined by iconic roles and a commanding screen presence. But as with any actor, his journey to stardom is littered with near-misses—roles that could have changed the trajectory of his career. In a recent revelation, Cavill shared that he was almost cast as Edward Cullen in Twilight, the brooding vampire role that catapulted Robert Pattinson to global fame. Twilight author Stephenie Meyer had envisioned Cavill as her “perfect Edward,” only for timing and age to steer the role elsewhere. Cavill also reflected on another missed opportunity—Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire—a role that also went to Pattinson. With humor and humility, Cavill looks back on these moments, showing no resentment, while expressing excitement about his return as Superman following a cameo in Black Adam. His reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the “what ifs” of his career, leaving fans to ponder alternate Hollywood histories while celebrating his current path as a cinematic legend.

The Twilight That Almost Was: Cavill as Edward Cullen

The Twilight saga, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels, became a cultural phenomenon when the first film hit theaters in 2008. The story of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a vampire with a penchant for brooding romance, captured the hearts of millions, grossing over $3.3 billion across five films. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Edward—pale, intense, and eternally conflicted—became iconic, but the role was nearly played by Henry Cavill.

In a 2007 blog post, Meyer revealed that Cavill was her top choice for Edward when she first began dreaming of a film adaptation. “The only actor I’ve ever seen who I think could come close to pulling off Edward Cullen is Henry Cavill,” she wrote, praising his ability to embody Edward’s otherworldly charm and depth. At the time, Cavill was in his early 20s, fresh off roles in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and I Capture the Castle (2003), and gaining attention for his work in The Tudors (2007–2010). Meyer saw in him the perfect blend of intensity, beauty, and gravitas to bring her vampire to life.

However, by the time Twilight went into production, Cavill was 25, deemed too old to play the eternally 17-year-old Edward. Meyer was reportedly disappointed, later noting on her website that she even considered Cavill for the role of Carlisle Cullen, Edward’s adoptive father, if Edward didn’t work out. “I was so bummed about the age thing,” Meyer wrote. “But Henry would have made a fantastic Carlisle too.” Ultimately, the role of Edward went to Pattinson, then 22, whose haunting performance defined the character for a generation.

Cavill, reflecting on this near-casting in a 2024 interview with Empire, admitted he wasn’t aware of Meyer’s interest at the time. “I didn’t know about Twilight or Stephenie’s comments back then,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s flattering to hear, but I was busy with other projects, and I trust the universe has a way of working things out.” Cavill expressed no resentment toward Pattinson, adding, “Rob did an incredible job with Edward. He made the role his own, and I’m happy for him.”

A Pattern of Near-Misses: Cedric Diggory and Pattinson’s Shadow

Interestingly, Twilight wasn’t the only time Cavill and Pattinson crossed paths in casting. In the same interview, Cavill revealed he had also auditioned for the role of Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), another part that went to Pattinson. Cedric, the noble Hufflepuff champion who meets a tragic end, was a breakout role for Pattinson, setting the stage for his Twilight fame. Cavill, then 21, was among the many young actors vying for the part.

“There seems to be a funny pattern here with me and Rob,” Cavill said, laughing. “I auditioned for Cedric, and I think there might be some embarrassing footage of that somewhere—me trying to be a wizard with a wand and all that. But again, Rob was fantastic in the role. He brought such a warmth to Cedric, which made his fate all the more heartbreaking.” Cavill’s humor and graciousness shine through in his reflections, showing a rare lack of ego in an industry often defined by competition.

These near-misses highlight the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. Cavill also came close to playing James Bond in Casino Royale (2006), losing out to Daniel Craig after being deemed too young at 22. “I’ve had a lot of ‘almosts’ in my career,” Cavill told Variety in 2023. “But every ‘no’ led me to where I am now, so I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Cavill’s Path: From Missed Roles to Superman Stardom

While Cavill may have missed out on Twilight and Harry Potter, his career trajectory took him to equally—if not more—iconic heights. His breakout role came in 2013 with Man of Steel, where he donned the red cape as Superman. The film, directed by Zack Snyder, grossed $668 million worldwide and established Cavill as a leading man. He reprised the role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017), delivering a Superman that balanced vulnerability with heroism.

Cavill’s physicality and dedication to his roles became his trademark. For The Witcher, he performed many of his own stunts, trained extensively in sword fighting, and even bulked up to embody Geralt’s rugged strength. His performance earned critical acclaim, with the series becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. Cavill also shone in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) as the villainous August Walker, showcasing his versatility alongside Tom Cruise.

But it’s his return as Superman that has fans buzzing. In October 2022, Cavill made a surprise cameo as Superman in Black Adam, starring Dwayne Johnson. The brief appearance, which featured Cavill’s Clark Kent facing off with Johnson’s anti-hero, sent fans into a frenzy. In a 2024 interview with Collider, Cavill shared his excitement about returning to the role. “Superman is a character that means so much to me,” he said. “He represents hope, joy, and heroism—values we need more of in the world. I’m thrilled to be back, and I hope we can tell new stories that capture that spirit.”

Cavill’s return comes at a pivotal time for the DC Universe, with new leadership under James Gunn and Peter Safran. While details about a new Superman project remain under wraps as of May 2025, Cavill’s enthusiasm is infectious. “There’s so much potential for Superman,” he told Collider. “I’d love to explore his lighter side, his connection to humanity, and how he inspires others to be their best selves.”

The What-Ifs: Imagining Cavill as Edward Cullen

Cavill’s near-casting as Edward Cullen invites tantalizing “what ifs.” At 25, Cavill already possessed the brooding intensity and classical handsomeness Meyer envisioned for Edward. His work in The Tudors showed he could play a character with depth and emotional complexity, traits essential for Edward’s tormented romance with Bella. Physically, Cavill’s chiseled features and imposing presence could have brought a different energy to the role—perhaps a more mature, commanding Edward compared to Pattinson’s youthful vulnerability.

Fans on social media have been quick to imagine this alternate reality. “Henry Cavill as Edward would have been a whole different vibe,” one user wrote on X. “More rugged, more intense—Bella wouldn’t have stood a chance!” Others noted that Cavill’s age might have made Edward’s centuries-old wisdom more believable, though some worried he’d lack the teenage angst Pattinson captured so well.

Cavill himself remains pragmatic. “I think I would have brought a different flavor to Edward,” he told Empire. “But I was already moving toward roles like Superman and Geralt, which felt more like my path. Everything happens for a reason.” His reflection underscores a key theme of his career: resilience in the face of missed opportunities.

A Legacy Beyond the What-Ifs

Henry Cavill’s reflections on his near-casting in Twilight and Harry Potter reveal a man at peace with his journey. He harbors no bitterness toward Pattinson, instead celebrating the paths they’ve each taken. “Rob and I have had very different careers, but I’m genuinely happy for his success,” Cavill said. “He’s a great actor, and I’m proud of what I’ve built too.”

As Cavill looks to the future, his return as Superman marks a new chapter. Fans may always wonder what could have been—Cavill sparkling as Edward Cullen or waving a wand as Cedric Diggory—but his current trajectory is nothing short of legendary. From missed roles to iconic performances, Cavill’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance, humility, and staying true to oneself. As he prepares to soar again as the Man of Steel, one thing is clear: Henry Cavill’s story is far from over, and the best may be yet to come.