Henry Cavill's Role in "The Tudors" and His Career Beyond the Show
Fans of Henry Cavill might be most familiar with his portrayal of Superman in Zack Snyder’s DC films or his iconic role as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s "The Witcher." However, many may not know that Cavill played a significant supporting role in the historical drama "The Tudors," which aired on Showtime from 2007 to 2010. In this series, he portrayed Charles Brandon, the first Duke of Suffolk, who was a key figure in the Tudor court.
"The Tudors" follows the life of King Henry VIII, played by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. This show offers a dramatized look at the rise, reign, and fall of one of England's most infamous monarchs. While some viewers might find Henry VIII difficult to admire due to his temperamental nature and controversial decisions, the series also highlights the complex relationships and power struggles within the royal family.
Charles Brandon plays a crucial role in the narrative as Henry VIII’s closest friend. Despite their bond, Brandon finds himself in a challenging situation when he falls in love with Henry’s sister, Princess Margaret Tudor. Their secret marriage leads to conflict, as Henry is furious and banishes both of them from the court. However, he eventually allows them to return, though their relationship is tested by Brandon’s infidelity.
Throughout the four seasons of "The Tudors," Cavill’s character evolves, showcasing the challenges of navigating the Tudor court. After Margaret’s death from tuberculosis in the first season, Brandon begins to reflect on his actions and becomes more loyal to Henry. He later marries Catherine Willoughby, but his struggles with fidelity continue. The series concludes with Brandon’s death, mourned by both his wife and a French mistress.
It’s worth noting that "The Tudors" takes creative liberties with historical facts. For instance, the show combines Henry VIII’s two sisters into one character, whereas historically, Charles Brandon married Mary Tudor, not Margaret. These inaccuracies are common in historical dramas, which often prioritize storytelling over strict adherence to history.
Henry Cavill’s Career After "The Tudors"
After "The Tudors" ended in 2010, Cavill continued to build his career, primarily focusing on film. He appeared in movies such as "Immortals" (2011) and "The Cold Light of Day" (2012). His breakthrough came in 2013 when he was cast as Superman in Zack Snyder’s "Man of Steel," marking the start of his involvement in the DC Extended Universe.
Cavill went on to portray Superman in several major films, including "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Justice League," and the reimagined "Zack Snyder's Justice League." He also made appearances in "Black Adam" and "The Flash." In 2025, he was replaced by David Corenswet in James Gunn’s rebooted "Superman," though he offered guidance to the new actor.
Beyond his superhero roles, Cavill has appeared in action films like "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." He also joined the Netflix franchise "Enola Holmes," where he played Sherlock Holmes. In this series, he shares the spotlight with Millie Bobby Brown, who portrays the titular character. Cavill reprised his role in "Enola Holmes 2," indicating that his portrayal of the famous detective is far from over.
Where to Watch "The Tudors" and More
For those interested in revisiting Cavill’s performance as Charles Brandon, "The Tudors" is available on Paramount+ with Showtime. Fans of Cavill can also keep up with his latest projects through various streaming platforms and media outlets.
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