In 2001, Henry Cavill marked his filming career debut at just 17 years of age. The actor’s previous stints did involve him working as an extra, but Laguna and The Count of Monte Cristo propelled him to the mainstream in the first two years of the 2000s. Soon after, the actor began featuring prominently in new movies with one landing him alongside NSYNC’s Joey Fatone. Long before he had taken up the red cape along with the grit and determination of Superman, the actor spoke freely as a charming young adult about his filming experience with the former.

At his career’s infancy, the Brit spoke on just how hard it felt to work with Fatone.

Henry Cavill once spoke about the ‘troubles’ of having Joey Fatone as a co-star

Henry Cavill and Joey Fatone starred as the Hunter and the Wolf respectively in the 2006 musical, Red Riding Hood. However, back in 2003, while on set during its filming, the two actors opened up a fun banter while speaking to E! News. Standing as co-stars for the first time, the two quickly worked up a close comedic bonhomie. Dishing out playfully, Cavill teased that Fatone was “impossible to work with” and thus, “I hate him”.

The comments brought out the comedic chops of the two with the former NSYNC member firing back with “he can’t address me unless he says ‘Mr. Fatone’”. All smiles in the moment, the interview also catches one’s eyes for a characteristic difference. Then at 20 years of age, Cavill featured a significantly less bulky body, although rocking long, luscious, wavy hair. Additionally, the actor also had yet to land a role anywhere close to his massive action sets in 2013’s Man of Steel.

In terms of throwbacks, The Witcher actor also can count upon one twist of fate with another one of his famed co-stars.

Russel Crowe sent gifts to the actor long before Man of Steel

In Man of Steel, Russel Crowe played Jor-El, the father of Henry Cavill’s Superman. However, the duo had already met once long before the movie had even been pitched to Warner Bros. At 16 years of age, in 2001, the British actor starred as an extra in Crowe’s Proof Of Life. During a break in the shoot, the then-teen came across as the only one with the courage enough to approach the lead to ask for tips on making a big break.

A few moments into the talk, others also followed suit and started swarming Crowe. Taking a heads-up to defend him, Cavill sheltered the other, giving him ample time to head back to safer grounds. In return, he received tips, gifts, and a new favorite movie before starring beside him in Man of Steel.

What are your reactions to Henry Cavill speaking the truth about Joey Fatone? Let us know in the comments below.