When you take on an iconic role such as Superman, fans will likely compare that portrayal of the character to someone who previously held the role. That goes the same for the man of steel's alter ego, Clark Kent.
Actor Henry Cavill, who portrayed Clark — and Superman — in Man of Steel and reprises the role in next year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, recently spoke to French magazine Studio Cine Live about his depiction of that character, as well as how he approached it differently than Christopher Reeve, perhaps one of the most beloved actors to ever take on the role.
In both the comics and the movies, Superman's secret identity as Clark serves to prevent people from realizing that they are, in fact, the same person. To Cavill, that means that Clark must draw as little attention to himself as possible.
"Comparisons with Christopher Reeve's clumsy Clark Kent are inevitable," said Cavill to the French magazine, as translated by Batman News. "My Clark Kent is trying to be as small and invisible as possible. If you're awkward and spilling things constantly, people are going to notice you, and that's not the best way to go unseen. You have to admit, it's not a remarkable disguise, just a pair of glasses. He'd like to think that no one will believe he could be Superman. How could such a delicate flower be a living god? Preposterous."
Cavill also discussed how his version of the character has grown since the Man of Steel movie. It turns out that Superman is still himself, but that the world around him has changed since events in that film.
"Superman himself isn't that different," said Cavill. "He does, however, have to deal with a new set of problems because he's now been revealed to the world. This film is more about how the world in general — and Batman in particular — sees this alien, and less about the evolution of Superman."
Cavill points out that this is the first time we've seen Superman and Batman together in a live-action film and that they have the same goals, but different ideas on how to achieve their missions. He called this conflict "a historic moment."
The magazine also spoke with Ben Affleck, who portrays Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, in the movie. He describes his Batman as an older version from what we've previously seen in film, saying that the character's judgment "is clouded by frustration, bitterness and anger."
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens in theaters on March 25.
