Henry Cavill will be the next Superman

British actor Henry Cavill, from Showtime's The Tudors, has been chosen to be the next Man of Steel in Zack Snyder's Superman reboot due in December 2012, Warner Brothers announced today. This means that America's most cherished troika of superheroes, Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man, are now all portrayed by British actors. (At least Edward Norton took over Hulk duties from Aussie Eric Bana.)

Cavill is no stranger to the role, as he was almost cast in 2006's Superman Returns, before director McG was replaced by Bryan Singer, who cast Brandon Routh instead. He was also considered for the Batman Begins role that went to Christian Bale, as well as the James Bond lead that went to Daniel Craig. Based on these near-misses, Empire Magazine christened him "the most unlucky man in Hollywood."

Superman fans will get a better look at the twenty-seven-year old this November when he stars with Mickey Rourke in the Greek myth drama, Immortals. Describing Cavill as "the perfect choice to don the cape and shield," Snyder said: "In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen." If Cavill doesn't cut it, maybe they can get Shaquille O'Neal next.