Henry Cavill Was Stephanie Meyer’s Top Pick for Edward Cullen in ‘Twilight’

Henry Cavill had no idea that he was a frontrunner for the role of Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise. Or, at least, he was the frontrunner for Stephanie Meyer.

The movies, which were based on the book series authored by Meyer, had a long list of actors that were considered for the lead male role. However, Meyer specifically wanted Cavill for the part, citing that he was the only one that she could see pulling off the character.

Writing in a blog post back in 2007, a while before the casting had been finalized, Meyer noted that she had no influence on what happens with the movies, peculiarly with who would be cast in the films. That being said, she did offer up her thoughts on what she envisioned, naming Cavill her top pick.

“Indisputably the most difficult character to cast, Edward is also the one that I’m most passionately decided upon,” Meyer confessed. “The only actor I’ve ever seen who I think could come close to pulling off Edward Cullen is Henry Cavill.”

Henry Cavill Had No Idea He Was Being Considered for the Role

This was all new information to Cavill, 39, who just recently found out he was Meyer’s pick. Appearing on the “Happy Sad Podcast”, Cavill spoke about the news, “I didn’t know about them wanting to cast me and the internet wasn’t quite the tool that it is now. I only found out afterwards. I was like, ‘Oh okay, that would have been cool.'”

Cavill went on to say that he doesn’t mind missing out on certain roles. And that it can actually be a “good thing” for an actor’s career.

“Essentially, I got close to a bunch of stuff and didn’t get it, but it’s funny that people think that’s a bad thing,” Cavill expressed. “In Hollywood — or in the acting industry — everyone’s trying to get a role, and they’re not necessarily getting them. And so, to get an opportunity to be in the limelight by missing out on the big roles is actually a good thing as opposed to a bad thing. And I count my lucky stars for each one of those.”

Stephanie Meyer Was Happy with Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen

Ultimately, the part went to Robert Pattison, who famously starred in all five of the Twilight movies. And Meyer was more than happy with Summit Entertainment’s casting.

“I am ecstatic with Summit’s choice for Edward. There are very few actors who can look both dangerous and beautiful at the same time, and even fewer who I can picture in my head as Edward,” Meyer had said after casting was announced.  “Robert Pattinson is going to be amazing.”

Previously, Meyer had also blogged about popular suggestions from fans for who should play Edward Cullen. That list included Hayden Christensen, Orlando Bloom, My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way, and Robert Pattinson himself. However, those four were never included in her own top four. 

Could you have seen Henry Cavill in the role of Edward Cullen? Sound off in our comment section below!