After months of speculation following the announcement of plans for a Superman reboot, Warner Bros. revealed today who will be donning the  iconic blue and red costume in director Zack Snyder’s upcoming film.

Playing the titular role in Superman shall be Henry Cavill, who has also appeared in Showtime’s The Tudors.  The film is a reboot, which will be taking Superman back to his origins, that has been masterminded by the Christopher Nolan and David Goyer, the creative team behind Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

Cavill was one of the names that had surfaced in the rumor mill prior to the casting.  He was also joined by actors such as Joe Manganiello and John Hamm.

Warner Bros.’ press release said:

HENRY CAVILL WILL TAKE ON THE DUAL ROLE OF CLARK KENT / SUPERMAN IN THE NEW FILM FROM

WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES

BURBANK, CA, January 30, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Henry Cavill has won the coveted role of Superman, the iconic superhero.

The film will be directed by Zack Snyder, who stated, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

Cavill recently wrapped production on “The Cold Light of Day” and stars in the upcoming “Immortals,” opening this fall.

Targeted for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Ian Candish
Ian@ComicImpact.com