Henry Cavill, the man behind Superman’s iconic cape, has earned global recognition for his chiseled features, charming personality, and undeniable talent. But before he graced the big screen in roles like the Man of Steel, Geralt of Rivia, and Napoleon Solo, Cavill was a young boy in awe of the silver screen, just like many of us. Who did he look up to? Which movie stars fueled his Hollywood dreams?

Let’s take a deep dive into the actors who shaped Cavill’s career and inspired him to pursue acting.

1. Russell Crowe: The Gladiator Legend

Long before Cavill was cast as Superman, he admired Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning actor known for his performances in Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and L.A. Confidential. Cavill has often spoken about how Crowe’s powerful portrayal of characters left a lasting impression on him. Ironically, years later, Cavill and Crowe would share the screen in Man of Steel, where Crowe played Jor-El, Superman’s father. For Cavill, this was a full-circle moment, sharing the set with an actor who had once seemed unreachable.

2. Mel Gibson: The Icon Behind Braveheart

As a young boy, Cavill was captivated by the raw intensity of Mel Gibson’s performances, particularly in Braveheart. Gibson’s ability to convey deep emotional complexity and heroic determination struck a chord with Cavill, who often found himself drawn to strong, commanding roles. Watching Gibson in films like Lethal Weapon and Braveheart laid the groundwork for Cavill’s desire to take on similarly intense roles, where he could portray strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

3. Marlon Brando: The Method Acting Master

No list of Cavill’s idols would be complete without mentioning Marlon Brando. Known for his groundbreaking performances in A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather, Brando’s commitment to Method acting set the standard for future generations of actors. Cavill, with his own focus on bringing authenticity to his roles, has often cited Brando’s work as a benchmark of excellence. In an ironic twist of fate, Brando also portrayed Superman’s father, Jor-El, in the 1978 film Superman: The Movie—another parallel between the two stars.

4. Sean Connery: The Suave, Charismatic 007

Like many aspiring actors of his generation, Cavill was mesmerized by the suaveness of Sean Connery’s James Bond. Connery’s portrayal of the British spy was not just about action and gadgets but also about charm, wit, and impeccable timing. Cavill, who has expressed interest in one day donning the Bond tuxedo himself, grew up watching Connery and aspired to bring a similar level of elegance and charisma to his own career. Connery’s work undoubtedly left its mark on Cavill’s choice to embrace sophisticated, debonair roles, such as his portrayal of Napoleon Solo in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

5. Tom Cruise: The Action Hero Extraordinaire

Tom Cruise’s relentless work ethic, physical commitment to his roles, and ability to switch between genres made him another source of inspiration for Cavill. Whether it was Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, or Jerry Maguire, Cruise’s versatility and energy showed Cavill that an actor could excel in both high-octane action films and emotionally-driven dramas. The two even worked together in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, where Cavill held his own alongside Cruise in some of the most intense action sequences of the franchise.

6. Christopher Reeve: The Original Superman

It’s no surprise that Cavill, who went on to become the modern embodiment of Superman, looked up to Christopher Reeve, the actor who first brought the character to life on the big screen in 1978. Reeve’s portrayal of the Man of Steel left an indelible mark on pop culture and undoubtedly inspired Cavill as he prepared to step into the red cape. Cavill has spoken fondly of Reeve’s performance, highlighting how it set the standard for what Superman should represent—hope, courage, and humanity.

Conclusion: Shaping the Superhero

While Cavill has undoubtedly carved out his own place in Hollywood, these movie icons played an essential role in shaping his journey. From Russell Crowe’s commanding presence to Sean Connery’s suave sophistication, the actors who inspired Cavill helped mold him into the actor we admire today.

As fans, it’s fascinating to see how Cavill’s idols influenced his career path, and as he continues to evolve, there’s no doubt he’ll inspire a new generation of actors, just as his heroes did for him.