Henry Cavill: The Superman actor on Batman v Superman, saving frogs, and that famously sleepy stare

By Kristina Moskalenko

Tall. Ripped. Sleepy-eyed. And casually discussing the conservation of endangered giant frogs. That’s how Interview Magazine’s London correspondent, Kristina Moskalenko, describes her encounter with Henry Cavill, best known for playing Superman in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Cavill, the British actor behind the Man of Steel, is effortlessly charming — whether he’s talking about environmental causes or his onscreen battle with Ben Affleck’s Batman.

Let’s be honest: he could be talking about pond life or planetary doom, and millions would still be lining up to get lost in those famously brooding eyes. In the world of fantasy blockbusters, Henry Cavill remains the ultimate leading man — even when he’s half-asleep.

MOSKALENKO: So how does Superman feel on this damp, grey London day?

CAVILL: Honestly? I quite like it. There’s something comforting about the drizzle — the kind of day where you take the dog for a long walk, come back half-frozen, and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Or, if I’m lucky, find a good pub serving mulled wine.

MOSKALENKO: Sounds delightfully un-super. But do you feel there’s anything properly superhero-like about you?

CAVILL: I try to do the right thing, which I suppose is the Superman influence. But I don’t always get it right — which is where a bit of me slips into the character. (smiles).

MOSKALENKO: Did you have a hero growing up?

CAVILL: Yes — Alexander the Great. I was fascinated by him. He was a brilliant strategist, a leader who inspired incredible loyalty. There was ambition there, of course, but also vision. He still fascinates me. I’ve always thought playing him would be a dream role — one day, perhaps.

MOSKALENKO: Do you meet many real heroes in everyday life? No superpowers, no mythology — just real people?

CAVILL (pauses thoughtfully): I think real heroes are often the quiet ones — the people who get on with difficult work without ever expecting praise. I work with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the people there are exactly that. They’re not chasing headlines or saving photogenic animals, like Amur Leopard. They’re working to protect a species most people have never heard of — the mountain chicken. Which is, strangely enough, a giant frog.

(Leptodactylus fallax – one of the largest frogs in the world, up to 30 cm long and nearly a kilo in weight. Critically endangered. – Interview)*

They’re doing vital, thankless work — and they do it because they care deeply. I find that incredibly admirable.

MOSKALENKO: I’d never even heard of them.

CAVILL: Exactly. That’s the point. But they’re out there, quietly doing what needs to be done. To me, they’re the real deal.

MOSKALENKO: Can you name the most heroic moment in your own life?

CAVILL: Can an ordinary person ever really feel like a hero? I’m not sure how to answer that seriously.

MOSKALENKO: Try answering it not seriously.

CAVILL (laughs): You’re making me think again! Honestly, it’s been a while since I had one of those “I did it!” moments. Things tend to unfold naturally. No big declarations.

MOSKALENKO: How lucky! Okay, let’s talk cinema then. Why on earth did you pick a fight with Batman?

CAVILL: Well, back in Man of Steel (2013), Superman’s Earth dad warned him that humanity might not exactly welcome him with open arms. A guy like Clark, walking around with godlike powers — it makes people nervous. He’s outside the law, outside justice as we know it. And what happens if one day, he loses control? In Batman v Superman, Clark’s trying to be a friendly alien… but people split into two camps: those who see him as a god, and those who fear him. Batman definitely falls into the second group.

MOSKALENKO: So… whose expectations does Superman actually live up to? Does he snap?

CAVILL: He holds it together. But let’s be honest — if he didn’t, he could take out the whole world. And Batman? I mean, he’s just a guy in a suit.

MOSKALENKO: And off-camera, what’s your relationship like with Ben Affleck?

CAVILL: We get along really well. The best summary of our dynamic is probably that scene where we’re, um… “sharing” Wonder Woman. (laughs)

MOSKALENKO: You’re both constantly topping “hottest men alive” lists. Is there any quiet competition between you — who ranks higher?

CAVILL: What? Oh no, that’s terrifying! Absolutely not. We’re not insane.

MOSKALENKO: Be honest — who’s the sexier character?

CAVILL: Look, you can barely see Batman’s face. I’m not getting into a beauty contest with that.

MOSKALENKO: Diplomatic. One last question — do you still want to step into Daniel Craig’s shoes when he hangs up the tux?

CAVILL: Are you kidding? Of course. The last Bond film was brilliant. I can’t wait to see what’s next.