After months of speculation, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have announced that Henry Cavill will play Clark Kent/Superman in the upcoming Superman film directed by Zack Snyder.  Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  The untitled Superman film is scheduled for a December 2012 release. Here's what Snyder said about Cavill:

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen.  I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry.  He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

More, including the official announcement, after the jump.

Cavill is perhaps best known for his role on The Tudors, but this will surely thrust the 27-year-old actor on to a ridiculously large stage.  I'm not too familiar with Cavill's work, but I count that in his favor.  Superman is such an iconic role, that it's probably best to hand it to a relative unknown to free the audience of preconceived notions.  I'm eager to see Cavill in a Superman context -- how he wears the costume, his physical presence, his take on the Clark Kent mannerisms, etc.

And you can bet I'll be watching his upcoming projects more closely.  Cavill recently wrapped production on The Cold Light of Day and stars in the upcoming Immortals, due November 11.

Here's the official announcement:

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HENRY CAVILL WILL TAKE ON THE DUAL ROLE OF CLARK KENT / SUPERMAN IN THE NEW FILM FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES

BURBANK, CA, January 30, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Henry Cavill has won the coveted role of Superman, the iconic superhero.

The film will be directed by Zack Snyder, who stated, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen.  I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry.  He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film.  The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan.  Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

Cavill recently wrapped production on “The Cold Light of Day” and stars in the upcoming “Immortals,” opening this fall.

Targeted for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.