Henry Cavill has carved out an impressive career with iconic roles like Superman in Man of Steel and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, but his journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars hasn’t been without its quirky twists and turns. While Cavill is known for his dedication to on-screen heroics, there’s an intriguing side to him that fans might not know, and it almost cost him the role that would define his career.

The Secret Obsession That Almost Lost Him Superman

It might come as a surprise, but one of the most pivotal moments in Cavill’s career almost didn’t happen. Cavill’s passion for gaming, specifically World of Warcraft, was so intense that it caused a major delay in his career-changing moment. While director Zack Snyder was trying to reach him to inform him that he’d been cast as Superman, Cavill was too absorbed in his gaming session to notice the call. In fact, he didn’t pick up until much later, nearly missing the opportunity that would define his legacy as the Man of Steel.

This isn’t just a one-off incident; Cavill’s devotion to gaming has influenced multiple aspects of his life. He pursued the role of Geralt in The Witcher not only because he was a fan of the Witcher books but also because of his deep love for the video game series. For Cavill, gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a passion that has shaped his career choices.

An Unexpected Martial Arts Passion

Beyond gaming, Cavill is also a committed Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, something that’s not as widely known by his fans. He’s been spotted honing his skills at the prestigious Roger Gracie Academy in London, further highlighting his dedication to physical challenges both on and off the screen. His martial arts training undoubtedly helped him embody some of his most physically demanding roles, including the gritty action scenes in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

From Warhammer 40K to Hollywood

Cavill’s interests don’t stop at gaming and martial arts. He’s also an avid fan of Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop wargame that has a massive, loyal following. His passion for the franchise goes beyond playing the game—he’s actively involved in painting miniatures and diving deep into the Warhammer lore. This love for the Warhammer universe led to a significant development in Cavill’s career: after Amazon Studios acquired the rights to Warhammer 40,000, Cavill became involved in developing related projects, cementing his place not just as an actor but as a producer within the Warhammer world.

Cavill’s Missed Opportunities and Iconic Roles

Despite his success, Cavill’s journey to the top has been paved with some missed opportunities. He was considered for several roles that eventually went to other actors, including James Bond in Casino Royale, and he was the ideal choice for Edward Cullen in Twilight. Additionally, Cavill was originally slated to play Superman in an earlier project before it was re-imagined, which led to Brandon Routh being cast in Superman Returns.

However, Cavill’s persistence paid off when he finally donned the cape in Man of Steel, becoming the definitive Superman for a new generation of fans.

A Professional in the Face of Media Scrutiny

Cavill has also shown incredible professionalism in his interactions with the media, even when confronted with awkward or intrusive questions. Despite the often intrusive nature of celebrity interviews, Cavill has managed to keep his cool, exemplifying a level of grace and poise that stands in stark contrast to some of the more chaotic moments in Hollywood interviews.

A Love for Sports and Charity Work

Outside of the entertainment industry, Cavill has cultivated a love for sports, particularly rugby and American football. Growing up in the Channel Islands, he became a supporter of the Jersey Rugby Club. Later, while living in the United States, Cavill developed a strong appreciation for American football, even becoming a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Moreover, Cavill’s dedication to giving back to the community is evident in his philanthropic work. He’s a vocal supporter of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and The Royal Marines Charity, participating in various events and helping raise awareness for wildlife conservation.

The Unexpected Side of a Superhero

From gaming marathons to martial arts and Warhammer miniatures, Henry Cavill’s passions and personal interests reveal a side of him that fans might not expect. His journey to becoming Superman was filled with some surprising detours, and yet, it’s these very quirks and passions that make him a beloved figure both on and off the screen. Whether it’s battling villains in The Witcher or spending hours strategizing in Warhammer 40K, Cavill’s secret obsessions have only added to the mystery of the man behind the superhero.