Actor Henry Cavill is creating a serious buzz with his new show The Witcher where he plays Geralt of Rivia. Could this be his new iconic role? Cavill is known for portraying DC Comics' famous hero, Superman. Before The Witcher, Cavill wasn't highly recognized within Hollywood having only been a part of a handful of high-profile roles before his big break as the caped hero.
At the time he was cast to play Clark Kent/Superman, no one really knew who he was. There were high hopes for Cavill as he fit the physical description that was required for Superman. Over the years, Cavill has been climbing the Hollywood ladder with his film roles. While he has recently been a part of some noteworthy films, there are also some of his previous works that are best to be left behind.
Forgettable: Laguna (2001)
The film Laguna is one of Cavill's earliest works when he was still a young lad. At the time of the film, he was 18-years-old. Laguna is one of his films that is best to be forgotten. The film follows the story of Thomas (Cavill) who is sent away to the home of his Uncle Nico (Joe Mantegna) oversees. Thomas is coming of age in the film and starts to develop a romantic relationship with Uncle Nico's wife, Thelma (Emmanuelle Seigner).
While the film does have thriller undertones to the story, it's mostly based around Thomas and Thelma's forbidden love. The film itself doesn't capture much attention having only a 5.5 star ranking on IMDb. It's one of Cavill's earliest works that got his foot in the water when it came to acting.
Iconic: The Tudors
While Henry Cavill has recently been seen in films, he did have previous television experience. The 2007 historical fiction show, The Tudors became one of Cavill's memorable on-screen roles when it came to television. The show in 16th century England during the reign of Henry VII. The show is based around the turmoils he faces as king and the deception within his own court. In the show, Cavill played the role of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.
Charles Brandon was a close friend and advisor to Henry VII in the show. Cavill played the role from season one until season four. One of the reasons Cavill was popular in the show was not only for his charming charisma but also for his acting skills. He became one of the fan favorites while the show was on the air. It is also highly recommended if you're a fan of historical dramas.
Forgettable: Whatever Works
Cavill's role in the film Whatever Works is one you really wouldn't have known existed unless you Googled him. The 2009 romance-comedy starred Larry David, Ed Begley Jr. Evan Rachel Wood, Patricia Clarkson, and Micahel McKean. The plot of the film revolves around Larry David's character, Boris. Boris is an older man who helps a young woman named Melody (Wood). Melody soon falls in love with Boris and they get married. Melody's mother then intervenes years alter and tries to set up Melody with a young man named Randy (Henry Cavill).
While the film has its certain charm and life lesson, it's not a film that can be considered one of Henry Cavill's greats. Cavill's character, Randy is more seen as an impromptu opportunity that ends up becoming a permanent love interest.
Iconic: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. can be considered one of Cavill's memorable films because of its appropriate timing and his growing acting repertoire. The film premiered in 2015, two years after his debut as Superman in Man of Steel. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. allowed Henry to shine even more as a leading role alongside Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander.
The film did well at the box office with Rotten Tomatoes scoring it at 63% and audiences giving the film a 73% rating. Cavill played American spy Napolean Solo who must team up with KGB agent Ilya Kuryakin (Hammer) to stop a shadowy organization of former Nazis.
Forgettable: Stardust
In Stardust, its not easy to spot Cavill in character. The film is another forgettable film as far as Cavill is concerned seeing as it premiered in 2007 before Cavill got any traction in Hollywood. Cavill played a supporting role as Humphrey. It might not be easy to spot him since he wears a blonde wig and mustache. In the film, Humphrey is the boyfriend of a girl named Vicotria. Victoria becomes the infatuation of the film's main protagonist Tristan, played by Charlie Cox.
While the film did well at the box office and audiences gave it an 86% rating, it's not on the memorable list for Cavill.
Iconic: Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission: Impossible – Fallout was one of those rare roles where Cavill played a villain. Cavill played the role of CIA agent August Walker who is given the mission to monitor Ethan Hunt as he looks for missing plutonium.
August Walker is much more than meets the eye and Cavill amazed fans with his cold demeanor in the film. This was a moment in Cavill's career where he gained a lot of social media attention for his look as August Walker. Particularly the mustache. Overall the film hit big and gained a 97% rating from Rotten Tomatoes.
Forgettable: Hellraiser: Hellworld
Along with the film Laguna, Hellraiser: Hellworld was also one of Cavill's earliest works that didn't get much recognition. The 2005 film was the eighth installment in the Hellraiser film series. One of the reasons the Cavill's role int eh film wasn't popular was because the film went straight to DVD in the U.S.
The film follows the same storyline of the previous films. A group of teenagers are infatuated with the video game Hellword and are invited to exclusive 'gamers only' party that becomes horrific. Cavill played the role of Mike. He could be described as the group's pretty boy but also quite naive and childish.
Iconic: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
When Henry Cavill came to play the role of Superman in Man of Steel, audiences thought the DCEU was finally underway with creating a sustainable film universe. Cavill gained an enormous following when he played the famed hero. When it was announced that he would reprise his role in Batman v Superman, there were high hopes.
The film became an iconic milestone for Cavill's career and one of the most famous character portrayals of Superman. Combined with the turmoil between Superman and Batman (Ben Affleck), the film has created no shortage of discussion.
Forgettable: The Cold Light of Day
The Cold Light of Day isn't necessarily a film you would want to watch over again. The film starred Henry Cavill as Will Shaw and Bruce Willis as his father, Martin Shaw. The film follows Will as he tries to save his family from kidnappers who are after a briefcase his father took on a CIA assignment.
The film wasn't received well with audiences and made 16.9 million at the box office with Rotten Tomatoes giving the film a 4% rating. Audiences weren't impressed either only giving the film a 29% rating overall. This film might be best left in the back of the vault for Cavill.
Iconic: The Witcher
The new Netflix show The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill has been an absolute hit for the actor. Based on the novels and video game. Cavill plays the role of Geralt of Rivia. Fans were skeptical at first when Geralt's look was revealed. Cavill surely proved himself worthy of the role when the show was already approved for a second season before the debut of the first.
Cavill surpassed fans' expectations as Geralt. The sword-wielding Witcher won the hearts of fans and Cavill erased any wavering thoughts about his role. It might be up to par with his role as Superman or even better.