Henry Cavill cast as Superman

British actor Henry Cavill has been cast as Superman in Zack Snyder's Superman: Man Of Steel.

The actor, currently known for starring as Charles Brandon in TV series The Tudors, was very close to winning the part of Batman for 2005's Batman Begins , but director Christopher Nolan felt he was too young.

Well now Cavill has come of age, and how.

Christopher Nolan - now 'Creative Godfather' for the Superman reboot - and director Zack Snyder, have given the 27 year-old one of the biggest roles in cinema.

Synder said; "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 (pictures) 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."

Though hardly an unknown akin to predecessor Brandon Routh, Cavill has yet to prove himself in a big-screen leading role.

And despite the obvious pressure of the job, his biggest test might be getting US audiences to buy a Brit as the most American of superheroes.

Cavill will next be seen in the upcoming Immortals alongside Mickey Rourke (pictured above).

Superman: Man Of Steel is due in cinemas December, 2012.