Henry Cavill is the Last Son of Krypton in Zack Snyder’s Superman!

Truth, Justice, and… the English Way? Though long-rumored, today Legendary Pictures announced that Brit Henry Cavill, best known for Stardust and TV’s The Tudors, will don the tights as the next Clark Kent/Superman in Zack Snyder‘s upcoming Superman: Man of Steel. Hit the jump for all the details about the newest Superman actor and film!

Cavill was previously considered for the Superman role when director McG was working on his never-released Superman: Flyby film in 2002, but when Warner Bros. went with director Bryan Singer, Brandon Routh was cast instead. Now that the Superman franchise is being rebooted, a new Superman was needed. It looks like Cavill has finally found a franchise, after losing out the role of James Bond to Daniel Craig several years ago.

Though Superman: Man of Steel is considered a reboot, it’s been reported that the film is NOT an origin story. David S. Goyer (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) is writing the screenplay based on a story developed by Goyer and Christopher Nolan, who will also produce the film.

Cavill definitely looks the part, and Brit Christian Bale has earned raves for his role as Batman, so this looks like a winning casting decision all around. Considering that the film is being put together by the minds behind the Batman franchise and Watchmen it seems like Superman is in good hands. Poor Brandon Routh, though… he’s a talented actor, so I hope he finds some other work!

Superman: Man of Steel is set for a December 2012 release. Previous rumors have indicated that General Zod will be the main villain of the film, although it’s not confirmed.

What’s your take on the Superman: Man of Steel casting? Give us your thoughts in the comments!