Zack Snyder's First Photo of Henry Cavill as Superman

Director Zack Snyder has unveiled a moment frozen in time: the very first photograph he ever took of Henry Cavill as Superman. Captured 15 years ago, this image represents the genesis of a cinematic era.

The photograph shows Cavill wearing the iconic suit worn by Christopher Reeve during screen tests for what would become 2013's Man of Steel. This single image marked the beginning of Snyder's ambitious vision for the DC Extended Universe.

"15 years ago, on this day, I pressed the shutter and met Superman," Snyder wrote in his Instagram post.

The photograph captures Cavill in Christopher Reeve's original Superman suit, a powerful visual connection to the character's cinematic legacy. This screen test was the critical moment that convinced Snyder he had found his Clark Kent.

Snyder has been documenting his time spearheading the now-defunct DCEU through a series of Instagram posts. The latest entry provides a rare glimpse into the casting process that launched a decade of superhero filmmaking.

The director's caption reveals the weight of that moment: "The first photo I ever took of Henry Cavill — moments before he stepped into legend. Shot on my Nikon."

In recent weeks, Snyder has shared additional early photos of Cavill in the same suit, each revealing more about the casting decision:

• The first photo showed Cavill in the original suit with Snyder's comment: "It was undeniable."
• A second image accompanied Snyder's statement about the final screen test.
• These photos collectively helped secure Cavill's role as the iconic hero.

Henry Cavill's portrayal of Superman began with Man of Steel in 2013, which successfully launched Snyder's DC Extended Universe. The film established a darker, more grounded take on the Kryptonian hero.

Cavill reprised his role in subsequent major releases, creating a consistent through-line for the DCEU:

• 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
• 2017's Justice League
• The 2021 Snyder Cut of Justice League
• A cameo appearance in 2022's Black Adam

Following the leadership change at DC Studios under James Gunn and Peter Safran, Cavill's future as Superman became uncertain. The actor initially announced his return to the role on social media, only to later walk back that statement.

The transition to a new DC Universe under Gunn and Safran marked a significant shift for the franchise. In 2023, Gunn confirmed that Cavill would not continue as Superman in the rebooted DCU.

"I like Henry, I think he’s a great guy," Gunn stated. "I think he’s getting d**ked around by a lot of people, including the former regime at this company. But this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons."

Gunn explained that some within the previous studio regime had tried to "force" their vision of the DCU, which was "never part of the equation" for the new leadership. The situation was described as "really unfair" to Cavill.

The director detailed the difficult conversation he had with Cavill about the casting decision. Gunn recalled that Cavill handled the situation with grace, requesting only that he be allowed to announce the news himself.

Following this transition, David Corenswet was cast as the new Superman, starring in the 2024 film Superman. Despite the recasting, Gunn has expressed interest in potentially casting Cavill in a different role within the new DCU.

This photograph represents more than just a behind-the-scenes moment—it captures the beginning of a cinematic journey that would span a decade. From the hopeful screen tests to the complex legacy of the DCEU, Cavill's Superman remains a defining interpretation of the character.

The image serves as a poignant reminder of how casting decisions shape cinematic universes. What began with a single photograph on a Nikon evolved into a global franchise that redefined superhero storytelling.

As DC Studios moves forward with a new vision for its iconic characters, this historic photo preserves the moment when Henry Cavill first stepped into the cape, forever capturing the start of his journey as the Man of Steel.