“Christopher Reeve Superman was so wonderful because…”: Superman: The Animated Series Actor’s Words Won’t Sit Well With Henry Cavill Fans

Superman, the beloved Kryptonian superhero from the DC Universe, has been played by multiple actors over the years in numerous different adaptations — both good and not-so-good. And of all the talented masterminds who embodied him, the late Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill are widely regarded as the best ones by far.

But oftentimes, Reeve’s performance is deemed even better than Cavill’s, and for reasons all too understandable. In fact, not only do fans of the late actor hold this opinion, but even the renowned Tim Daly, who voiced Clark Kent in the iconic award-winning Superman: The Animated Series, believes that Reeve’s Kal-El was “wonderful” for a reason that might not sit well with Cavill’s fans.

Tim Daly Holds Christopher Reeve’s Superman is Superior To Henry Cavill’s

While there is indeed a lot of debate on who the better Man of Steel is between Reeve and Cavill, it seems that Superman: The Animated Series voice actor Daly has chosen his side. Daly chose Reeve’s performance of the Kryptonian superhero as the superior one of the two.

At least that’s what he expressed during his interview with ComicBookMovie.com when he was asked to share his thoughts on what has become of Clark Kent since his time in the role. The question was especially asking about Cavill’s performance as Superman.

To this, claiming he hasn’t “followed him religiously” ever since he gave up the role, Tim Daly said:

“What I have seen, I feel like… I don’t know, in some ways, the fun has diminished a little bit from Superman. For me, the Christopher Reeve Superman was so wonderful because he was so good and Clark Kent had such a great sense of humour. It was a little bit lighter.”

Okay, that is understandable, because the Kal-El in the comics — which heavily influenced the storyline of The Animated Series — held a considerably lighter tone than the one displayed in Zack Snyder‘s darker saga.

But while he believes that, Daly also doesn’t blame Henry Cavill‘s Kal-El for being so dark for reasons all too valid: Because it reflects the world.

“Superman now is reflecting the world,” Says Tim Daly

Continuing in the interview, Daly then went on to admit that the real reason why Cavill’s Clark Kent holds darker and grittier storylines than Christopher Reeve‘s is because his version of the character has evolved and is the reflection of the world now.

As per what The Animated Series actor said:

“I suppose Superman now is reflecting the world as art often does. His dilemmas are mirrored in society.”

At the same time, he also expressed his hope that if the fan-favorite superhero is “revived again, [then] the light part of [him] could be allowed to come through a little bit more.”

Seems like James Gunn could satisfy a lot of people’s dreams by adhering to this heed of Daly while working on his version of Superman movie in the DC Universe!

You can stream Superman: The Animated Series on Prime Video.