The second longest stint that Henry Cavill has pulled with a series was of him portraying Charles Brandon in The Tudors. Before spending 4 years as the sword-wielding warrior on The Witcher, the Brit had put in 3 years playing a similar noble character in the BBC series. Cavill’s magnetic presence on-screen elevated the historical drama, making a mere courtier like the Duke of Suffolk, Charles, a force to be reckoned with. However, he was a man filled with regrets, despite his passionate support for the king. 

The 40-year-old once shed light on his character’s complexities that riddled him with guilt. 

Henry Cavill once counted down Charles’ burdens

In 2010, Cavill spoke to Showtime about the developments his character undergoes in the second-to-last season of The Tudors. He remarked while snickering that “poor Charles” had to battle “his personal feelings about his religion” clashing with the “choices” he’s forced to make. Through a nuanced performance, Cavill captured the internal conflict within Charles who has to “represent the crown” while agreeing with the demands made by rebels. 

After the rebellion in that season, he felt that Charles’ relationship with his son got “worse” adding to the darkening clouds hanging over his head. Laden with the responsibility to slay “honest men”, his character began “losing his mind” due to the “guilt” he carried. For viewers, what started out as an endearing relationship with the Duke of Suffolks ended in hatred for Cavill’s character.

His unlikable characteristics ultimately turned Charles into a widely hated character. Regardless of that, Cavill became an icon. 

The unremarkable end to Charles’ life in The Tudors vs. Cavill’s new stardom

By the end of season 3, Charles was seen as a murderous semi-lunatic. Additionally, he was unfaithful in his many marriages and failed to redeem his relationship with his son, too. So, when he died of illness in season 4, not many were saddened by the event except his best friend, King Henry. However, the impact that Cavill’s portrayal of the man had on audiences was quite substantial.

Revealing a man of both passion and pragmatism, the Man of Steel actor displayed such versatility in acting that it established him as the biggest success story to emerge from the show’s cast. Even while turning into as deranged a warrior as the king, Charles retained his fandom as a loyal supporter. Especially since he stood by the king’s questionable need to conquer throughout it. 

What do you think of Cavill’s opinions of the Duke? Share your thoughts in the comments.