Henry Cavill was determined to bring authenticity to his portrayal of Superman, and that commitment extended beyond just acting. When preparing for the role, he made a conscious decision to avoid using steroids or any performance-enhancing drugs to build his physique.
Cavill believed that honesty was essential, especially given the iconic nature of the character. He wanted his body to reflect genuine hard work and dedication, rather than relying on digital touch-ups or CGI enhancements during his shirtless scenes. Cavill felt it would be dishonest to use trickery or artificial means to achieve the look of Superman, as it would undermine the integrity of his performance and the character’s credibility.
Instead, he pushed himself physically to the limits through rigorous training and disciplined diet plans, aiming to develop a physique that truly embodied strength, heroism, and authenticity. His approach not only demonstrated his respect for the role but also set a standard for realistic portrayals of superheroes in film.