Henry Cavill Opens Up About His Most Embarrassing Moment On Set—And It Involves a ‘Tudors’ Sex Scene

Henry Cavill, the British actor best known for his iconic roles as Superman in the DC Extended Universe and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has become a beloved figure in Hollywood. While his career has been filled with remarkable highs, including his critically acclaimed performances and major franchise roles, Cavill has also shared moments of vulnerability, offering fans insight into his personal challenges. One such moment, which Cavill himself has labeled his “worst experience,” occurred while filming The Tudors in 2015—a time when the actor was still solidifying his place as a leading man in Hollywood.

An Embarrassing Incident on Set

In a candid interview with Men’s Fitness magazine, Cavill recounted an awkward and deeply embarrassing moment that occurred during a sex scene in The Tudors. The actor, who played the young King Henry VIII in the historical drama, was required to engage in a highly intimate scene with a female co-star. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Cavill inadvertently became aroused while his co-star was positioned on top of him.

Cavill admitted that he had not properly “rearranged his stuff” before the scene, leading to the unintentional reaction. He reflected on the experience with a mix of humor and regret, telling Men’s Fitness, “It’s not great when you’re in a professional acting environment and somebody gets a boner, is it?” The actor further described the event as deeply unprofessional, stating that it was an uncomfortable and awkward situation for both himself and his co-star.

As a result of the incident, Cavill was forced to apologize profusely to his co-star afterward, emphasizing the discomfort and embarrassment he felt about the situation. This moment, which has since become one of Cavill’s more infamous anecdotes, stands in stark contrast to the polished, superheroic image that many fans associate with the actor.

More Than Just a Career Setback

While Cavill’s career has been marked by public controversies—such as his infamous interviews during the promotion of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and his comments on the #MeToo movement—this incident in The Tudors is unique in its personal and embarrassing nature. Unlike the professional setbacks that have made headlines, this particular moment was a deeply personal misstep, revealing a rare and relatable moment of discomfort for the actor.

While Cavill’s career has faced its share of challenges, including struggles with the DC Extended Universe and his departure from The Witcher, this particular anecdote sheds light on the human side of the actor—one who, like many, has faced awkward and uncomfortable situations on set. It also highlights the vulnerability that often accompanies acting, especially when intimate and personal scenes are involved.

A Moment of Growth and Reflection

Looking back on the incident, Cavill has since expressed that it was a learning experience—one that allowed him to better handle awkward moments in his career. Despite the initial discomfort, Cavill has maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging that such experiences are part of the journey in an actor’s career. His ability to laugh at the situation, while still recognizing the unprofessionalism of the moment, demonstrates his self-awareness and resilience.

The The Tudors incident, while embarrassing, has become a story Cavill has shared with fans, reinforcing his relatability and willingness to embrace imperfections. It serves as a reminder that even the most successful actors have their own awkward moments, making Cavill’s candidness a refreshing glimpse into the life of a Hollywood star.

As Cavill continues to rise in his career, with major upcoming projects like Warhammer 40K and other high-profile roles, it’s clear that the actor has learned to navigate both the glamorous and awkward sides of his profession with humor and grace. Fans continue to root for him, not just because of his remarkable performances, but also because of his willingness to embrace his humanity, flaws and all.