Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have announced that Henry Cavill (Immortals) has scored the iconic role of Superman in the forthcoming Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises) produced, Zack Snyder (Sucker Punch) directed reboot, written by Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer.

Cavill is probably best known for portraying Charles Brandon on the Showtime period drama The Tudors, and will next be seen in the Mabrouk El Mechri directed thriller The Cold Light of Day, with Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver.

Director Zack Snyder 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.”

The 27-year-old actor is familiar with the role as he was reportedly quite close to becoming the last son of Krypton in Superman Returns, before director McG was replaced by Bryan Singer, who instead chose Brandon Routh to don the cape. Before that, Cavill had unsuccessfully attempted to become another DC Superhero, having auditioned for the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan‘s reboot Batman Begins, a mantle taken up by fellow Brit actor, Christian Bale in 2005. Even though Cavill lost out on the role of the Caped Crusader, he apparently made a good impression on Nolan, who is producing Snyder’s Superman reboot.

According to sources, Cavill’s closest competitor was Matthew Goode (Watchmen), and other actors who met with the studio, or were under consideration for the role were Matthew Bomer (White Collar), Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Joe Manganiello (True Blood) and Colin O’Donaghue (The Rite).

Press Release:

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.

Superman (aka Superman: Man of Steel) is slated to hit theaters in 2012.