Henry Cavill’s surprising cameo in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film has been the talk of the town, and for good reason. In a recent interview with The New York Times, director Shawn Levy shared insights into the exciting casting decisions, revealing Cavill’s unforgettable portrayal of a Wolverine variant — affectionately dubbed “the Cavillrine” by Ryan Reynolds.

Cavill’s cameo comes on the heels of his departure from DC’s Superman role, making the timing of his inclusion in the Marvel universe both poignant and playful. Levy explained that Cavill’s casting was more than just a nod to the actor’s superhero past — it was a chance to inject humor and cultural commentary into the film.

“Given that Deadpool is in constant conversation with culture, it felt like a great opportunity to first of all cast Henry Cavill in a part that he would kick ass at, but also to poke fun at that other comic-book-founded movie studio and play with some self-awareness there,” Levy said.

Despite the brief nature of Cavill’s role, fans can expect an electrifying performance. Levy praised the 41-year-old actor for his dedication to the role, even under physically taxing conditions. Cavill, known for his impressive physique, not only sported the signature Wolverine build but also committed to a crucial prop: a cigar that remained lit throughout the day’s shoot.

“I remember hearing the next day that Henry was sick to his stomach because he had been inhaling cigar smoke for eight hours straight, but never once did he waver,” Levy shared. The actor’s dedication clearly extended beyond his muscles, enduring the nauseating effects of constant cigar smoke to deliver an authentic performance.

Cavill later took to Instagram to reflect on his cameo, humorously adding, “To be safe, I shaved the moustache off for this one. Just the moustache.” Fans appreciated his light-hearted comment, referencing the infamous mustache debate during his time as Superman.

Henry Cavill isn’t the only familiar face to make a surprise appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. The star-studded list of cameos includes Jennifer Garner reprising her role as Elektra, along with Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, and their children. But it’s Cavill’s brief but powerful portrayal of a Wolverine variant that’s likely to stick with fans long after the credits roll.

As the MCU continues to expand and evolve, Cavill’s entry, even in a cameo capacity, demonstrates how superhero films are ever-engaging with both their audiences and pop culture at large. His commitment to the role — even if it made him sick to his stomach — is another testament to Cavill’s dedication and skill as an actor. Fans will no doubt be eager to see how “the Cavillrine” leaves his mark on Deadpool & Wolverine.