Fans gearing up for the new Superman film have found a new pastime: poking fun at Henry Cavill’s famously stoic portrayal of the Last Son of Krypton. While the DC Universe buzzes with excitement over the upcoming reboot, Cavill’s deadpan expressions have become meme-fodder on X posts. Fans (or those frustrated) are having a field day dissecting every pixel of his emotionless gaze, turning it into a running joke among superfans. But why all this fuss now?

The trolling frenzy stems from Henry Cavill’s portrayal in the DCEU, where his Superman often appeared more brooding than beaming, a stark contrast to the sunny optimism many associate with the character. Fans on X have been quick to lampoon his “like a board” acting, joking that there might be no difference between when the actor is “sad, happy, confused”. This sentiment is not new; critics have long debated Cavill’s limited range, attributing it partly to the scripts and partly to his own, “show don’t tell” style. Yet, the memes keep coming, fueled by nostalgia for the original Superman and the anticipation of the new, more colorful take by David Corenswet in the DCU reboot

Interestingly, Henry Cavill himself once explained to GO POP in 2013 that his subdued performance had been a deliberate choice to reflect Clark Kent’s alienation and loneliness on Earth. He viewed Superman not just as a flashy hero but as an outsider trying to find his place in a world that fears and misunderstands him. This introspective angle gave Cavill’s Superman a more contemplative, sometimes somber demeanor, a nuance that some fans appreciated but others found too brooding for the Man of Steel. Despite the trolling, this deeper interpretation shows there is more to Cavill’s performance than meets the eye.

Henry Cavill’s performance as Superman and even other numbers have time and again been targeted into a viral comedy. And as relentless as Clark Kent shuttling up into space, they prove that even a steel physique does not make one immune to the internet’s roast fire. 

Henry Cavill’s Superman is the internet’s favorite punchline

Fans did not hold back in their hilarious critiques of Henry Cavill’s assumedly under expressive acting, flooding X with comments. While some were heated up about a definition of “show do not tell” being wrong to describe Cavill’s acting, others were pointed about how the actor might as well be a statue, something that might add up to his tall and broad stature as well. The roasting did make one thing clear: Cavill’s poker face is both his trademark and his meme-worthy Achilles’ heel.

The new Superman, played by David Corenswet, who got approval for his performance from the most important people, promises a shift toward a brighter, more vibrant hero, which has only intensified the online banter.

Whether you see Henry Cavill’s Superman as a brooding alien or a misunderstood hero, the fanbase’s spirited trolling reflects their passion for the character and the franchise. As the new DCU takes flight, the memes and jokes will likely continue, proving that even the Man of Steel is not immune to a little internet ribbing. After all, if Superman can survive Kryptonite, surely he can survive a few good-natured jabs about his poker face.

Are you Team Zack Snyder or Team James Gunn when it comes to Krypton’s best portrait? Let us know in the comments below!