Amy Adams Says Henry Cavill Was the Perfect Gentleman—But She Wanted “A Bit More Cheek”

Henry Cavill’s reputation in Hollywood is as polished as his Clark Kent glasses—a consummate gentleman known for his politeness, professionalism, and quiet charm. But according to his Man of Steel co-star Amy Adams, the British actor might just be too well-mannered.

In a candid interview, Adams—who played Lois Lane opposite Cavill’s Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017)—praised Cavill for his humility, warmth, and undeniable screen presence. But she also confessed she wished he’d brought “a bit more mischief” to their off-screen interactions.

“He’s the nicest person on top of being just a wonderful actor and wonderful looking,” Adams said. “He’s also got this great humility and he does a really great job in the role. He’s got a great sense of humor, but he’s not cheeky at all, so… I kind of wish he’d misbehaved!”

Cavill, who reportedly stands up whenever a woman enters the room, is well-known for his old-fashioned courtesy—a trait that, according to Adams, kept things strictly proper between takes. While she admitted to being dazzled by his charm (“Yeah, that will definitely keep your feet off the ground for a bit”), she joked that a dash of roguishness might have made their behind-the-scenes rapport even livelier.

The pair’s chemistry translated seamlessly to the screen, with Cavill’s Superman and Adams’ Lois Lane becoming a modern iteration of one of comic book history’s most enduring romances. Off-screen, their camaraderie reflected the same mutual respect and professionalism.

Though Cavill has since hung up the cape following DC Studios’ new creative direction—David Corenswet is set to play the next Superman—his legacy as both a superhero and a gentleman endures. And if Amy Adams’ playful wish is anything to go by, even the nicest guy in the room can leave his co-stars curious about what a little “cheek” might look like.

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