Henry Cavill, the British actor most recently known for his role as Charles on The Tudors, has been cast as one of the most iconic superheroes, taking on the role of Superman in the movie franchise’s next film.

Director Zack Snyder, who has previously helmed the film ‘300’ and ‘Watchmen,’ in a statement said “how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

The film is set to be released by Warner Bros. in December 2012.

Cavill has previously said he had been considered for the role in the last version of the film to be released in 2006 titled “Superman Returns.”

That film had actor Brandon Routh in the lead role. The film took in $200 million at the box office with a production budget of $270 million, according to box office tracking company Box Office Mojo.

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Cavill strikes somewhat heroic poses in a cologne commercial from two years ago: