Brandon Routh vs. Henry Cavill: Who Really Nailed Superman?

Who truly embodies the essence of Superman? Is it Brandon Routh’s classic homage or Henry Cavill‘s modern interpretation? There can be only one perfect Superman. Who is it?

How Cavill Took Over From Routh

Crisis on Infinite Earths reminded everyone why Brandon Routh is an amazing Superman. This reminder recalls how the lacklustre box-office reception for Superman Returns (2006) pulled the rug out underneath Routh’s career and seemed to kill any chance of seeing him portray the character in film again. Luckily, he returned to the same character in the recent CW cross-over, even if it was only for television. Whatever creative mistakes were made with Bryan Singer’s Superman film, Routh’s charisma and natural embodiment of the Last Kryptonian shone through.

After Routh’s unfortunate dismissal from the role, it was Henry Cavill’s turn as Superman in 2012’s Man of Steel. While the film made decent money, performing much better than Superman Returns, it too failed to live up to box-office expectations. Critical backlash hurt the film more so than financial underperformance. Nevertheless, Man of Steel (written by David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan) was successful enough for the possibility of a sequel and enabled the character to appear within DC’s shared film universe. Like Routh, Henry Cavill gave a standout performance despite appearing in another ‘underachieving’ Superman film.

Both actors gave strong portrayals, but if you had to choose which actor was the better Superman, which would it be?

Differences Between Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill

Christopher Reeves’s performance heavily moulded Brandon Routh’s original Superman portrayal. Both actors played Superman with brightness and idealism, the classic version of the character. Routh excelled in the role. His natural, clean-cut image and ability to convey small-town charm made him a perfect fit. Routh was also able to manifest Superman’s altruism and care for humanity, which are essential qualities for Superman. Routh reminded us of this once again in Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Henry Cavill has similar qualities, but he portrays Superman as a slightly different one, one who is uncertain of his identity and place in the world. Cavill is more adept at portraying the darker, more conflicted elements of the character, whereas Routh is more able to portray the hope-filled idealism of the character.

With regards to Superman’s physicality, Cavill’s version was more muscular and seemed stronger, more powerful, more of a warrior and a fighter. Routh exudes a more noble persona. Yes, he is strong and a fighter as well, but Cavill conveys the power of Superman in his physical strength to a greater degree. Routh, more than Cavill, however, embodies the benevolent, almost saint-like aspects.

For example, when in Superman Returns, Kal-El hovers above Metropolis with Lois Lane and explains to her how the masses call out for a saviour, it sends chills down the spine. The way Routh delivered those lines and his bearing was an amazing example of a benevolent being from another world.

Cavill’s Strength

Cavill’s ability to convey the power of Superman is perfectly shown in Man of Steel when Superman struggles against the world engine in the Indian Ocean. This gut-wrenching scene depicts the Herculean effort and strength of will it took for Superman to destroy the machine. It left many with a single man tear running softly down their cheek.

Superman is the ultimate man’s man. He is simultaneously the wise philosopher and the farmer, the thinker and the doer, a common man and yet one of a kind. Both versions of the character were an inspiration and symbols of hope but in slightly different ways. Henry Cavill had the pleasure of exploring an unfamiliar Superman and perhaps putting his own stamp on the character more so than Brandon Routh. Routh, however, has the classic Superman appeal, something which few individuals and actors possess.

Brandon Routh vs Henry Cavill. Which Superman is better?

I suppose that depends on where your tastes lie. Either way, I’m sure fans would agree that they’d love to see more of the character on the big screen. Definitely in Man of Steel II for Henry Cavill, and if Brandon Routh cannot star as Superman on film again, then the CW should wake up and realise that Routh should have his own Superman series.

Both actors are too good in the role and deserve to continue in some capacity. It will be interesting to see how David Corenswet’s Superman compares.

Brandon Routh vs Henry Cavill: Who do you think is the better Superman? Also, check out our article on whether Will Reeve, Christopher Reeve’s son, could suit up as Superman in a DC movie.