(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Henry Cavill is the perfect choice for portraying the lead role in Superman: Man of Steel.

The 27-year-old British actor will portray Superman a.k.a. the Man of Steel - and his alter ego Clark Kent in director Zack Snyders movie, which is due for release in 2012.

Zack released a statement yesterday expressing his excitement in the casting of Henry, according to the director there were no better contenders for the role.

"In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognised and revered character of all time, and I am honoured to be a part of his return to the big screen," beamed the moviemaker.

"I also join Warner Bros. and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield."

Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, the comic book superhero first emerged in the 1930s, and there have since been numerous takes on his adventures on the small screen and in Hollywood.

Portraying the iconic part will place Henry amid the likes of former Superman stars such as Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh.

Henry is fast becoming one of Hollywoods biggest rising stars. This year he can be seen in action movie Immortals, which sees Greek warrior Theseus battle against imprisoned titans. The film also stars A-listers including Mickey Rourke and John Hurt. (C) Cover Media