Warner Bros.
In the world of cinema, Robert Pattinson and Henry Cavill are two prominent figures who have made their mark in multiple blockbuster franchises. Pattinson’s repertoire includes roles like the ill-fated Hufflepuff, Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, the infamous vampire, Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” saga, and the darkest Batman yet in “The Batman.” On the other hand, Cavill’s resume boasts of roles like Superman in Zack Snyder’s DC universe, August Walker in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s “The Witcher”, and a special appearance as Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Not to mention his portrayals of Sherlock Holmes in Netflix’s “Enola Holmes” and a role in a “Hellraiser” sequel. Despite their dissimilar acting styles and approach to stardom, there was a time when Pattinson clinched two roles that could have been Cavill’s.
The idea of these two actors vying for the same roles certainly stirs the imagination. It’s amusing to think about Pattinson possibly playing a convincing Geralt, but Superman? Highly unlikely. While it’s entertaining to speculate, the truth is both actors were young and relatively new in the industry. Pattinson happened to be the better fit for the roles. But imagine a parallel universe where Henry Cavill portrayed Edward Cullen and Cedric Diggory!
Pattinson clinched Harry Potter and Twilight roles over Cavill
Summit Entertainment
Old blog posts by Stephanie Meyer, author of the “Twilight” series, revealed during a talk with Cavill on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via GQ UK), that she initially wanted Cavill to play the on-screen Edward Cullen. However, by the time casting was due, Cavill was 24, making him too old for the role of a teenage vampire.
In her blog posts from July 2007, Meyer expressed disappointment over losing her perfect Edward because Cavill had aged out of the role. She couldn’t envisage an Edward older than 21. She wrote, “The most disappointing thing for me is losing my perfect Edward. Henry Cavill is now twenty-four years old. Let us have a moment of quiet in which to mourn…” Months later, Pattinson, who was just the right age, was announced as Edward. Meyer also considered Cavill for the role of Carlisle Cullen, the patriarch of the Cullen vampire family, a role that ultimately went to Peter Facinelli of “Nurse Jackie”. Perhaps Cavill might still play a Cullen in the rumored “Twilight” revival. Fortunately, there seems to be no animosity between Cavill and Pattinson, as Cavill explained:
“I didn’t know about them wanting to cast me and the internet wasn’t quite the tool that it is now and so I only found out afterwards. I was like, ‘Oh okay, that would have been cool.'”
Cavill also auditioned for Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter,” but Pattinson’s audition evidently had more magic as the role was awarded to him. Cavill, who was speculated to play Superman in James Gunn’s DCEU, humorously suggested a possible Batman and Superman face-off in the future to settle the “rivalries,” but that seems unlikely now.
The future of Cavill and Pattinson’s franchises
Netflix
It appears that Cavill’s time as Superman has ended, with David Corenswet stepping in to wear the cape for the foreseeable future in the DC Universe. Cavill will also not return as Geralt in the final season of “The Witcher”, replaced by Liam Hemsworth, the talented younger brother of Thor actor, Chris Hemsworth. However, Cavill will reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3,” and he’s also working on a “Voltron” film, a “Highlander” reboot, and a “Warhammer 40,000” adaptation for Amazon. It seems Cavill fans have a lot to look forward to in terms of big franchise projects.
Post-“Twilight”, Pattinson has leaned towards more art-house and indie projects to distance himself from the young adult franchise. The only major franchise on his horizon is “The Batman: Part II,” due for release in 2026. He continues to deliver unique performances, like his role in the upcoming Bong Joon Ho film “Mickey 17”. Whether you’re keen on seeing Cavill flex his muscles and look dashing, or watching Pattinson deliver another quirky performance, the future is promising.
FAQs
Q: Who won the roles of Edward Cullen and Cedric Diggory over Henry Cavill?
A: Robert Pattinson was chosen for these roles over Henry Cavill.
Q: What roles has Henry Cavill played in major franchises?
A: Cavill has played Superman in the DC universe, August Walker in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, Geralt of Rivia in “The Witcher”, and had a cameo as Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Q: What are the future franchise prospects for Cavill and Pattinson?
A: Cavill is attached to “Enola Holmes 3,” a “Voltron” film, a “Highlander” reboot, and a “Warhammer 40,000” adaptation for Amazon. Pattinson is set to continue his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman in “The Batman: Part II,” scheduled for a 2026 release.
Q: Why did Stephanie Meyer initially want Henry Cavill for the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight?
A: Stephanie Meyer envisioned Cavill as the perfect Edward Cullen. However, by the time casting took place, Cavill was 24, making him too old for the role of a teenage vampire.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
