52 Fun Facts About Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
By Steve Lam
Differences in Clark Kent / Superman Portrayals in Film
If you thought Clark Kent was always portrayed as a naive, nerdy, timid character, think again. In fact, actor Henry Cavill’s interpretation, under the direction of Zack Snyder, is more attune to the original mild-mannered reporter. Remember, the key word here is “mild-mannered” not “geeky and bumbling.” This is Mr. Cavill going back to the roots of the character.
Did You Know?
- Henry Cavill’s Superman is the second incarnation of Superman to not have a spit-curl in his hairstyle. Dean Cain was the previous Superman to not sport a spit-curl when he played the character in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Though Christopher Reeve, the best and most famous Superman, didn’t sport a spit-curl in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), he did sport it prominently in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), and Superman III (1983). The reason for Superman’s spit curl was due to the artists wanting to make Superman more distinct from other characters when he initially appeared in the comics.
- Henry Cavill was previously considered for the Donner/Reeve universe Superman Returns (2006). Instead, Brandon Routh won the part. However, after a mediocre reception and performance at the box-office, Warner Bros. decided to fully reboot the character and create a shared DC film universe.
- Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Clark Kent is not unlike the character’s original personality in the comics. The bumbling, clumsy, nerdy Clark Kent was an origination of Christopher Reeve who based the personality on Cary Grant in Bringing Up Baby (1938). Reeve’s portrayal was so well-received that, for years, his Clark Kent became the gold-standard affecting television shows, animation, and the comics.
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