For decades, audiences have been captivated by the iconic superhero duo of Superman and Lois Lane. The latter represents grit, intelligence, and steadfast determination while Superman stands for strength, justice, and power. But in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Lane’s discovery of Clark’s (Henry Cavill) secret identity really distinguished their relationship with one another. This was in stark contrast to previous Superman films.
The actor who wears the Superman cape, Henry Cavill, stated that he thought this revelation was more than just a plot twist. In fact, he believed it to be essential.
For a long time, the relationship between these super couple’s characters was based on a love triangle, in which Lois was infatuated with Superman while Clark was smitten with Lois. The irony is that Superman and Clark Kent are actually the same person, so he was his own rival.
Henry Cavill: Amy Adams’ Lois Lane Knowing The Truth Was ‘Essential’
With Amy Adams‘ Lois Lane knowing that Henry Cavill‘s Clark Kent was Superman from the start, The Man of Steel made some significant changes to Superman lore from most other versions of the character.
The British actor, 40, did mention to io9 about the advantages of Lois knowing Clark’s true identity (from a logistical standpoint):
“I think it’s essential [for Lois to know Clark’s secret] because if we’re trying to base it reality, there’s no way that Lois has these direct interactions with Superman, and then doesn’t recognize Clark sitting next to her in the office. If she falls in love with Superman, and she’s ignoring a guy who looks just like Superman, behaves just like him, and has the same kind of mannerisms and behavior, then what does that say about Lois? I like this relationship. She saves him just as much as he saves her.”
Although the two were more equal from an emotional standpoint, Cavill said the following when asked if he wanted Clark and Lois to be more equal:
“More equals? Well… Can you be equal in power to Superman? I don’t know.”
The interviewer went on to clarify that they meant in terms of emotional power, to which the Tristan & Isolde actor responded (after pausing for a moment to consider):
“Yes, absolutely, but [brief pause] 100 percent.”
Read also: Kingsman Director Claims Henry Cavill Was Born For The 007 Role!
Henry Cavill Introduced Superman To A New Side
If Henry Cavill ever decided to play Superman again, he would be open to exploring the funnier side of the Man of Steel. In an interview with GQ, he discussed his vision for the future of the DCEU superhero and the journey that has thus far been taken:
“I was very keen on really fleshing out Superman’s early stages of his journey first. We had Man of Steel, and then we went quite a bit darker with Batman v Superman.”
There is no denying that Cavill delighted in playing Superman’s lighter, funnier side in Zack Snyder’s superhero film. He gave the following response when io9 questioned about it:
“It wasn’t necessarily a comic effect that I was going for. I mean, I’m not looking at it from your perspective — how you see it — when I’m playing a character. I’m looking at it from a character’s personal experience, and what he’s going through internally. And at that stage of the story, he’s finally reached the [point] where he can be himself. And someone’s in on his secret, so he’s not alone any more. And there’s a different kind of energy behind that. There’s no longer this sense of, ‘I’m alone.”
Well, Man of Steel also featured Russell Crowe, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Costner, and Michael Shannon in prominent roles. It earned more than $668 million globally, ranking ninth among 2013’s highest-grossing movies.
A sequel titled Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was released in 2016, which featured an ensemble cast. Along with Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, and Laurence Fishburne, the film starred Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman.
Both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are streaming on Max.
Read also: Netflix’s New Smear Campaign To Discredit Henry Cavill?
