Henry Cavill, renowned for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe and his iconic role as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. While fans have admired him for his powerful performances and larger-than-life characters, many may be surprised to learn that one of Cavill’s greatest passions lies in a completely different realm—video games.

Yes, you read that right. Henry Cavill is not only a fitness enthusiast but also a dedicated gamer, with a love for immersive fantasy worlds and strategic gameplay. Gaming has not only served as a form of personal enjoyment for Cavill but has also had a surprisingly significant impact on his career. The connection between his gaming hobby and his acting roles reveals an interesting side to the actor that many fans might not know.

One of Cavill’s favorite games is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft (WoW), a game known for its vast open world and complex quests. His love for the game was so consuming that it nearly caused him to miss a career-defining phone call informing him that he had been cast as Superman. “I was so wrapped up in World of Warcraft that I didn’t answer the call,” Cavill confessed in an interview. Thankfully, the call eventually went through, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Cavill’s gaming interests don’t stop at MMORPGs. He’s also a fan of turn-based strategy games, particularly the Total War series, with a special fondness for the Warhammer editions. He spent countless hours playing the tabletop version in his youth, which naturally translated to an enthusiasm for the PC versions of the games, where he could indulge in world-conquering strategies from the comfort of his home.

Fantasy gaming clearly holds a special place in Cavill’s heart, and it was a single-player game that helped him get through a dry spell of multiplayer gaming with his brothers. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a critically acclaimed open-world RPG, became Cavill’s go-to game when his brothers were busy. “Goodness me, that’s a great game,” he remarked in an interview with GQ, describing the adventures he embarked on in the snowy mountains and vast landscapes of Skyrim.

But perhaps the most notable link between Cavill’s love for video games and his acting career comes through his role as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher. Long before he was cast in the iconic role, Cavill was an avid player of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a game praised for its storytelling, deep lore, and unforgettable characters. In fact, it was his extensive knowledge of the games that led him to secure the role. “I learned about these games, and then I learned about the books,” Cavill explained. “The universe of The Witcher began to mean so much to me right away. I didn’t even have to prepare for the role because I live and breathe in this universe every day.”

This deep connection to the Witcher games allowed Cavill to bring an authenticity to his portrayal of Geralt, a role he has said he didn’t have to prepare for because of his familiarity with the source material. His passion for the games made him the perfect fit to embody the grizzled monster hunter, cementing The Witcher as one of Netflix’s most successful and beloved series.

Henry Cavill’s story is a testament to how hobbies and passions outside of one’s primary career can shape and influence success. For Cavill, gaming is not just a pastime; it has played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory, particularly when it comes to landing roles in iconic fantasy series. His love for immersive worlds and intricate storylines has translated into memorable performances on-screen, and it’s clear that Cavill’s passion for video games is one of the driving forces behind his multifaceted career.

Henry Cavill’s Favorite Video Games:

World of Warcraft
Total War: Warhammer 3
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt