Key Takeaways:
– Actor Henry Cavill showcases his lighthearted side during filming for 2013's Man of Steel.
– Cavill can be seen “flying” on set, similar to Mary Poppins.
– Man of Steel's director Zack Snyder and VFX supervisor explains the technique behind these cinematic flight scenes.
Star actor Henry Cavill, who masterfully enacted the role of Clark Kent or Superman in 2013's Man of Steel film, recently charmed his fans with an entertaining behind-the-scenes (BTS) video. The clip shows the actor having fun, exhibiting his humorous side while set on duty.
Cavill Channels His Inner Mary Poppins
Not many would think of connecting the Superhero from Krypton and the beloved magical nanny. Yet, Henry Cavill managed to do just that while filming his flying scenes for the Man of Steel! In the BTS footage, Cavill dons his harness setup meant to replicate aerial movement needed for Superman's flight. But when the cameras stopped rolling, the actor was seen mimicking the classic portrayal of Mary Poppins by levitating with an umbrella, and needless to say, he did give Emily Blunt, who played Mary Poppins in 2018's Mary Poppins Returns, a benign rivalry.
The Science of Superman's Flight
Creating believable flight scenes, especially for a character like Superman, is no easy task. Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, laid out the complexities involved in rendering these sequences. According to him, elements such as the speed of Superman's flight and the continual acceleration were vital to imbue rawness and reality into the scenes.
John “DJ” Desjardin, the visual effects (VFX) supervisor of the film, also pitched in about how the team utilized advanced filmmaking technology and techniques to manifest the illusion of Superman flying. Inspiration was drawn from Richard Donner's 1978 Superman movie, but when the methods didn't complement Snyder's vision, the team had to reinvent their approach.
Creating Reality From Illusions
The Zoptic technique, commonly used in the original Superman film, was initially considered. However, it didn't align with Snyder's unique vision for the Man of Steel. As a result, the VFX team had to conceive an innovative way to showcase Superman's flight that synchronized with Snyder's intended visual platform.
The exhaustive process of trial and error ultimately paid off as fans and audiences highly praised the resultant depiction of Superman's flight in Man of Steel. The rigorous challenges of simulating flight scenes while maintaining the essence of an iconic character like Superman were overpowered. The outcome was both authentic and exciting, pulling the audience closer to Superman's super world.
Behind The Scene Glimpses
These details that surface from behind the scenes serve to enhance the fans' experience, letting them appreciate the efforts invested in their favorite scenes. Cavill's playful, off-screen mimicry of Mary Poppins between his intense Superman flights only amplifies the human and relatable side of the superheroes we adore.
To witness the condensed journey from harness suits to flying superheroes and down-to-earth actors, make sure to watch the comic BTS video. Meanwhile, if you haven't yet or wish to revisit, Man of Steel is currently available for streaming on Max. Being privy to these BTS reveals are bound to make your viewing even more interesting!
To plunge deeper into the Superman universe and celebrate the charming quirks of our favorite superheroes, watch this space! We promise you more such enticing details from the heart of the action!
The charm of Henry Cavill's Superman and his unsuspected Mary Poppins' mimicry is undeniable. As awe-inspiring as Cavill is in the Superman avatar, he is equally delightful and relatable in his Mary Poppins mode! Who would have thought that one could be a famed superhero and a much-loved nanny too, all in a day's work!
