Matthew Goode, Matthew Bomer, Armie Hammer, Joe Manganiello & More Were In Final Race For ‘Superman’

Colin O’Donaghue Also In The Running

Yesterday, massive news broke that Henry Cavill had won the role of Superman in Zack Snyder’s new adaptation for Warner Brothers. Cavill is best known for his work as Charles Brandon on “The Tudors,” but as predicted, the role went to a relative unknown, and someone who has experienced his fair share of audition hell. Cavill had been eyed to wear tights for “Batman Begins” and “Green Lantern” (among other franchises) and he even once before landed the role of Superman when it was in McG‘s hands, but lost the part when the project changed over to Bryan Singer who eventually went with Brandon Routh for “Superman Returns.”

And while Warner Bros. has finally rewarded the actor after he has clearly impressed in the past, it should be no surprise that there were many other talented actors in the mix before Cavill received the final go-ahead. THR reports that second in line was Matthew Goode, another somewhat obscure actor, best known for his role as Ozymandias in Snyder’s “Watchmen.” He was so serious about landing the gig, the actor took himself out of the running for Timur Bekmambetov‘s “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” to focus on Supes. Oops. Others under close consideration included “White Collar” star Matthew Bomer, “True Blood” werewolf Joe Mangianello (rumored to be “the one” just a few days ago), Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network,” Armie Hammer and unknown Colin O’Donaghue, currently starring in “The Rite” (and really, thank god he didn’t get it; dude has zero personality on screen).

Typical of producer Christopher Nolan‘s working method, auditions took place over November and December in Los Angeles, New York, and London with everyone above (and likely more) attending, but all credit to those around him and insiders with knowledge — everything was kept under lock and key. Then, earlier this month, Cavill was invited to meet with Zack Snyder and the rest was history. Apparently Mangianello was also a strong candidate but scheduling on “True Blood” was cited as a potential roadblock. Bummer. In fact, the casting of Cavill was so secret that only a very small handful of execs knew the decision had been made, with the rest of the Warner Bros. team, Henry Cavill himself and his agency CAA, finding out on Sunday morning.

Now with Cavill cast, momentum will pick up with casting news about Lois Lane probably coming soon as well (and maybe Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder can consider some of our recommendations). And though there are still some reservations about Snyder helming the film, casting Cavill is an inspired step everyone can get behind.