Hollywood can be a harsh place, especially for those trying to make a name for themselves in an industry filled with competition and ever-changing trends. Even the most talented actors can have their doubts about their futures. One of the most surprising stories in Hollywood is that of Henry Cavill, the man who would go on to become Superman, but who almost walked away from acting altogether for a much different career path: the military.

As fans, we know Cavill as the dashing Superman, the charismatic Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, and the charming spy in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. But what many may not realize is that, earlier in his career, Cavill nearly walked away from it all to pursue a completely different path: joining the British Royal Marines.

A Soldier’s Dream

Cavill’s early life was marked by a love for adventure, discipline, and camaraderie—qualities that led him to dream of becoming part of an elite military force. Growing up, he admired the brave men and women in the armed forces and longed to join them. “I was very keen on joining the armed forces when I was younger,” Cavill revealed in an interview with Polygon in January 2022. “I have the very good fortune of knowing people who have done extraordinary things in the armed forces. The warrior brotherhood that I see represented in those people… the bond they have with one another… it’s something I found deeply appealing.”

However, as fate would have it, acting would get in the way of his military aspirations. Cavill was well on his way to making a name for himself in Hollywood, and acting soon became his main focus. But there was a time when his future in the entertainment industry seemed uncertain.

The Backup Plan

When Cavill was still an up-and-coming actor, he faced numerous setbacks, doubt, and frustration. In fact, at one point, he was convinced that acting might not be the right path for him. “There were plenty of times I thought it [acting] wouldn’t happen,” he confessed to the Mirror U.K. in 2015. “At one stage I was like, ‘If this next movie doesn’t do well, then I’m out. I’m going to join the Armed Forces.’”

That turning point in Cavill’s career came when he was cast as Superman in Man of Steel in 2013. His portrayal of the iconic superhero would launch him to global fame, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s leading men. However, Cavill’s love for the military and his admiration for the bond soldiers share would continue to resonate with him.

A Different Kind of Brotherhood

Although Cavill left behind his dreams of serving in the military, he found a similar sense of brotherhood in his acting career, especially through his role as Geralt in The Witcher. In the series, Geralt is a lone warrior bound by a strong code, and Cavill found a connection to the character’s “tight-knit warrior brotherhood” and the intense emotions Geralt grapples with. “The opportunity to play a Witcher was similar in a sense to this very tightly knit warrior brotherhood,” he explained. “With an added element of intense sorrow.”

The camaraderie and loyalty he observed in the military were reflected in the world of The Witcher, making the role feel like a true fit for him. It was a way for Cavill to channel some of his deep-seated admiration for soldiers into something that was both physically demanding and emotionally fulfilling.

The Injury That Nearly Ended It All

Just when things seemed to be going smoothly in Cavill’s acting career, another hurdle almost derailed his action-packed roles: a serious physical injury. In 2020, Cavill suffered a severe hamstring tear that could have jeopardized his future in action films. “It was a very, very bad tear, and I was very lucky that it wasn’t a complete detachment of the hamstring,” he revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Despite the severity of the injury, Cavill refused to give up. He made the conscious decision to push through the pain, even though he knew that one wrong move could end his action career for good. “It was having to find that balance between, ‘Yes, let’s push, push, push,’ and, ‘Whoa, hold on, if I tear this further, it’s the end of my action career,’” Cavill admitted. “That was my worst moment of the past year, professionally.”

But, as we know, Cavill’s resilience paid off. He was able to recover and get back to doing what he does best: performing daring stunts and bringing action-packed characters to life on screen.

The Return of Superman?

After a brief hiatus from his Superman role, rumors began to swirl about Cavill’s return to the iconic red cape. Insiders and fans alike have speculated that the star is poised to return to the DC Universe as Superman once again. With renewed excitement about his future in Hollywood, it looks like Cavill’s path is as strong as ever.

Some sources believe that Cavill’s return to the role could be imminent. A tweet from insider @AjepArts mentioned, “Multiple scoopers 100% believe Henry is back.” The excitement is palpable, and fans are hopeful that the actor will reprise his role as Superman in the near future.

Conclusion

Henry Cavill’s journey to superstardom has not been without its challenges. From nearly abandoning acting for a military career to overcoming serious physical setbacks, Cavill has proven time and time again that he has the resilience to push through adversity. Today, he is one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, known for his unforgettable roles in Superman, The Witcher, and beyond. But even in the face of fame, Cavill’s love for the military and the brotherhood it represents still resonates with him. Whatever the future holds, it’s clear that Cavill’s determination and heart will continue to shape his journey in both Hollywood and beyond.