Henry Cavill’s Near Miss: The Harry Potter Role That Launched Another DC Star

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In 2005, the release of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” was met with tremendous success. The fourth movie earned over $890 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film of the year and receiving numerous favorable reviews. One intriguing element for fans was encountering a wider array of characters from the magical universe. One such character who garnered much attention was Cedric Diggory, who swiftly became a beloved favorite among fans. Although he had a minor role as a Quidditch player in “The Prisoner of Azkaban,” it was this film that truly brought the Hufflepuff student chosen to represent Hogwarts in the Triwizard Tournament into the limelight, only for him to unfortunately meet his end. The talented actor who portrayed Cedric Diggory was Robert Pattinson, an unforgettable presence on screen.

It’s intriguing to note that taking on this role boosted Pattinson’s fame and launched him into another major franchise. It’s worth pondering how events might have unfolded differently for another well-known actor, Henry Cavill, who also tried out for the same part. At the time, he was a promising newcomer aiming to make his mark in Hollywood. Today, he is recognized as Superman from the old DCEU and Geralt of Rivia in ‘The Witcher’, but back then, he aspired to be part of the Harry Potter universe. Regrettably, his abilities and screen presence weren’t sufficient for him to secure the role.

It’s generally thought that Cavill’s age was a key factor in the casting choice, even though no specific reason was announced. The character Cedric Diggory needed to look young and believably high school-aged, which Cavill, who was around 21 at the time, didn’t quite fit. Pattinson, on the other hand, was three years younger, making him a more suitable age for portraying a Hogwarts student. During an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Cavill shared his thoughts on the matter. He revealed that he didn’t realize he hadn’t been cast until the news was made public.

Indeed, I recall trying out for that particular part, unfortunately without success,” the actor reminisced. “The audition could have gone smoothly or it might have been a disaster. Somewhere out there, there may be footage of it, hopefully tucked away and never seen again. Yes, I didn’t get the role. It simply wasn’t a good fit.” For him, the movie was significant as it influenced his decision to persist with acting, and he acknowledges that Harry Potter greatly impacted his early career. He attributes much of his professional commitment to this film.

Fans still fondly recall Pattinson’s portrayal of Cedric, as he skillfully combined depth and charm in the role. One wonders if Cavill could have had a similar impact; with his current popularity, it’s definitely plausible. However, what makes this casting history fascinating is that Pattinson wasn’t just the preferred choice for Harry Potter, but also for Twilight. Indeed, Cavill was in contention for the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight. Author Stephenie Meyer publicly declared that Cavill was her top pick after watching him as Albert Mondego in The Count of Monte Cristo. Interestingly, Cavill himself wasn’t aware of this preference at the time.

He shared that he wasn’t aware they were planning to include him in the film, as the internet wasn’t as widespread back then and he discovered it later. He expressed something like, “Oh, that would have been interesting,” upon finding out. Unlike the case with Harry Potter, Twilight producers didn’t reach out to Cavill for an audition. It seems that his age might have played a role in their decision – Cavill was considered too old at the time to convincingly act alongside Kristen Stewart, who was just 17 years old.

It’s amusing to contemplate a real-life battle between Batman and Superman, considering Robert Pattinson later donned the cape and cowl as the latest Batman – an interesting twist since he didn’t fight Henry Cavill on screen. In jest, they’ve both spoken about their rivalry, but he’s consistently expressed that there are no ill feelings. Instead, the unrealized opportunities have paved the way for both actors to carve unique and successful careers. While Pattinson excelled in the Harry Potter series and Twilight saga, Cavill made a name for himself as Superman and the Witcher armed with a sword.

This type of circumstance highlights how a small choice in casting can significantly impact an actor’s career trajectory. One successful audition propelled Pattinson into two significant franchises, while Cavill embarked on a parallel yet equally influential path. If Cavill had been chosen for the role of Cedric, things might have unfolded differently. Perhaps he wouldn’t have fit the part as seamlessly, and Pattinson may never have embodied the character of Edward in Twilight. Ultimately, that single casting decision didn’t just mold the Harry Potter series – it laid the groundwork for a succession of memorable roles and groundbreaking performances on both actors’ resumes.

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2025-04-28 01:40