Happy 2014: New Pictures From The Illinois Set Of 'Man Of Steel 2'

Yes, we know it's not a set just yet. But it should be buzzing with activity just a few weeks from now. Lauren shared with us these exclusive pictures from the Kent farm in Yorkville, as well as her observations:

The house still needs A LOT of work it seems, but is even closer to my home then I thought (about a 5 minute car trip). 

The barn still needs a bit of work as well.  Unfortunately, no pictures of the barn behind the Kent House because it is EXTREMELY hard to get photos of that. In order to be able to take pictures I needed to park in a subdivision across the street from the set, walk through a field, and then take the photographs across the street in a berm area. 

Something really cool they did was put a medium size American flag on the property to the left of the house right next to the large light which shines on the entire set for security. 

Thanks Lauren, we can't wait for filming to begin. Just like we did with The Man from U.N.C.L.E., we are hoping to bring you updates from the Man of Steel 2 sets as production gets going in February. Happy 2014 everyone!

2013: The Year Superman Brought Hollywood To Jersey

In the final hours of 2013, we are highlighting the best moments of the year for Henry and we bet this one tops them all. In between London and Italy Man of Steel promo stops, Henry had a hometown premiere. We could see how happy he was to be going back to Jersey when we talked to him in New York.

By now you've probably heard about the specially commissioned stamps, that pay tribute to Henry and Man of Steel. As the year comes to a close, we reached out to the Jersey Post to get their feedback on the reception the stamps have received and what it's meant to have Henry represent the island on a global scale.

What has it meant to Jersey to have Superman come from there?

Ever since is was announced that Henry would be playing Superman, the island closely followed the filming and news snippets surrounding Man of Steel.  The build up to the film's release, especially following the announcement that Henry would attend the Jersey premiere, fuelled even more excitement. Henry is an ambassador for Jersey and his fellow islanders are very proud of him.

What has been the response to the commemorative stamps issued in Henry's honour?

We've been overwhelmed with the number of non-stamp collectors that bought these stamps. We've received critical acclaim from all over the world for the clever design and print techniques, and we were delighted to mark Henry's achievement in this way.

Can you tell us about the process of getting the 'Man of Steel' stamps issued and for how long will they be available?

This was the first time Jersey Post has ever issued stamps for a Hollywood film and we'd been working on it with Henry Cavill's Management Team for two years, ever since it was announced that he would be starring in the lead role.

As soon as we'd gained approval from Warner Brothers, it was a race to condense the usual two years of work on a stamp issue to just five months before issue date.

The project was complex and intense, but fun. We spent considerable time investigating different print techniques that would truly reflect the Man of Steel's powers. With the assistance of Warner Bros, we also carefully considered all the images that were made available to us before settling on the final selection.  

The powdered granite stamp was the most fun. We wanted Henry to choose something to embed in to the designs so that his island home would be encapsulated into his set of stamps. As soon as he'd confirmed his favourite beach in the island we knew the print technique would work. There were slight concerns that the powder would be too pink, as Jersey granite is pink rather than grey, but the end result was excellent.

Henry was involved in the project right from the start, and we secured his approval on the final designs before submitting them to HM The Queen for Royal Approval.

The stamps will be withdrawn from sale 30 September 2014.

What was the local reaction when Henry came home for the 'Man of Steel' premiere in Jersey?

Thousands of fans lined the waterfront in Jersey to welcome their local hero home for the Jersey premiere of Man of Steel.  Everyone was so proud to be an islander on that day and for Henry to bring Hollywood with him, in the shape of fellow actors Russell Crowe and Amy Adams, was the icing on the cake.

Are you planning a second set of stamps for the sequel?

It's the most high-profile stamp issue we've ever produced and we were very lucky to have worked with so many people to make it happen - Warner Bros, Henry Cavill's Management Team, who gave us access to the Man of Steel images and branding, the designers and the security printers who were able to provide the design and print technology for the unusual techniques on the stamps.  

Jersey Post has no plans for another set - we couldn't top this one!

We'd like to thank Catherine Gasston from the Jersey Post for answering our questions. Henry spoke about what it means to have the stamps issued in his honour during his appearance on Daybreak (at about 2:35).

Here's the link to order the stamps that any fan would love to have as Henry wraps up a Super year. We are so proud to support him as he prepares for the Man of Steel sequel. 2014 here we come!

2013: Our Favorite Henry Cavill Moments By The Numbers

This is it. Only one more day and we'll be in 2014. There were so many great Henry Cavill moments over the past year, that we are spending the next 24 hours highlighting them for you. Starting with a look at Henry Cavill by the numbers.

Number of times we saw Henry wear blue during the Man of Steel promo: 9  10 (Jersey)  (at last check his favorite color).

Number of times Henry rocked those Aviators (and made us squee with delight): 6.

Number of selfies w/Henry we wish we would have been in: 3. 

Number of times Henry was asked whether he was a man or a God: 1. Yeah. That happened.

But then again understandable, when you see the number of pics from fans who met him at the gym: 7 (clearly not enough).

What was your favorite Henry Cavill moment? more of our look back at 2013 on the way. What a year for Superman!

Henry Cavill Named Best Actor In A1Film's Inaugural Awards

Alpha1Media has just announced the winners of its first-ever film awards and Henry has been named Best Actor for his role in Man of Steel:

The A1Film 2013 Best Actor Award is given to British actor Henry Cavill for his portrayal of Superman and Clark Kent in ‘Man of Steel’, No 2 in the A1Film List 2013. Casting the role of Superman has been very difficult historically and Cavill not only revived the character for a global audience in the 75th anniversary of the creation of Superman in 1938, but also revived the franchise for both of DC’s leading characters, with 2014 heralding Batman Vs Superman, also to be produced by Charles Roven. 

Man of Steel producer Charles Roven was also honored. It's so great to see Henry's work on Man of Steel being recognized. Our congratulations go out to him as he prepares to once again take on the role of Superman in the sequel, set to begin filming in February.

  

More Praise For Henry Cavill As 2013 Winds Down

2013 was definitely Henry Cavill's year to shine. He started it by attending the Critics' Choice Awards as a presenter and now he's nominated for an award for Man of Steel. And as you can see, it's all 'A-list' up for Best Actor in an Action Movie. 

Henry worked hard to prepare for the role of Man of Steel and was busy promoting the film pretty much all year long, so we're very happy to see him being recognized for his work.

People magazine named Superman among The Great Comebacks of 2013. One of the main reasons of course, was Henry Cavill:

"And holy kryptonite, did Henry Cavill, the latest actor to fill out the "S" costume, deliver! The film took in more than $115 million the first weekend alone."

Yahoo Movies lists Henry among its Biggest Breakout Stars of the year, while VH1 calls him one of  'The dudes they lusted after in 2013' with the tagline: "The Sexiest Superman Ever."

Simple and to the point and we couldn't agree more. (Images by Warner Bros.)

Yes, we're a little gif-happy these days. But seriously. Look. At. That. Smile.

Finally The Hollywood Reporter is showing some love for Superman, naming the Man of Steel trailers among the Most Talked About of the Year:

Anticipation for Man of Steel was at a fever pitch by the time Zack Snyder's Superman epic hit theaters. The trailers for the film were filled to the brim with action, but still left plenty on the table for fans to see in theaters.

The site's review of the film was also among their most read of 2013. Only a few days left in the year and we are gearing up for an exciting 2014. Man of Steel 2 is set to begin filming in Detroit soon and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. comes out in the fall. Join us as we support Henry all year long!

Did Somebody Say 'The Tudors' Marathon On New Year's?!

Here's a royal way to start the New Year: The Tudors marathon on BBC America!

We're already imagining Charles Brandon at our beck and call (if only). Check out the schedule and enjoy.

By the way, The Tudors is also available on Netflix, where you can schedule in some quality time with the Duke of Suffolk whenever you're free.

Thanks to our friends at Henry Cavill Facebook for the heads up.

Superman Is Not The Only One Training For The Sequel

What did we tell you. Trinity in the making. Gal Gadot recently spoke out for the first time about her new role as Wonder Woman. Batman-News.com posted the translation of the new interview, where Gadot talks about training for the role:

It’s the physical preparations that I’m starting now. A very serious training regimen – Kung Fu, kickboxing, swords, jujutsu, Brazilian…1,000 and 1 things…I’ll gain body mass.

You better watch out Superman, or she may just kick your butt.. #girlpower. Since Gadot is now in training (just like Henry & Ben), it makes us wonder how big of a role Wonder Woman will have in Man of Steel 2. Cameo, Schmameo.. 

Gadot also shared how she found out she had been cast & more. Watch the video and read the rest at Batman-News.com. We're now just weeks away from the beginning of filming on Man of Steel 2. Look for the very latest as it comes in. 

Three Weeks From Today: Critics' Choice Hottie Alert

Yes, we're still doing our happy dance after learning that Henry has been nominated for a Critics' Choice Award for his performance as Superman.   

While we still don't know whether Henry will be attending (he's busy training for Man of Steel 2 in Salt Lake City), clearly we're excited about the possibility of seeing him there.

 

Henry was a presenter at the last ceremony in Santa Monica this year and we can't wait to hopefully see him walk down the carpet again next month, this time as a nominee. Three weeks from today, this could be what we're in for..

SEE THE REST IN OUR GALLERY

Henry attended January's awards show with the lovely Gina Carano, who was nominated for her role in Haywire. Amy Adams was also at the ceremony and is expected to be there this year, since she's nominated for her role in American Hustle.

Stay tuned for the very latest, as we look ahead to the Critics' Choice Awards set to air January 16th on the CW. Bring on that sexy smile!

Santa Delivering Early In Salt Lake City: Fans Meet Henry

Getting lots of beanie love this holiday season and we'll take it! 

"Oh you know, casually running into Superman" 
via/via

Chaparrita_92: Totally met Henry Cavill!!! What the heck? so random, I love meeting famous people at work. Best Christmas Eve ever!! #superman #countofmontecristo #beautifulman

"Jen with the man of steel" (Thanks Lorrina Heisey).

Merry Christmas to them! #HenryIsSuchaGreatGuy

Beanie Appreciation Post, Most Popular of 2013, Go Superman!

The minute we took a first look at Henry in Salt Lake City, we knew this had to happen.. beanie appreciation post!

Luckily for us, it's freezing in Detroit when the Man of Steel sequel gets going, so we're bound to see more of a beanie-wearing Henry if he's spotted in and around town. Stay warm Superman.  

On its January issue, Total Film mentions Batman vs. Superman as one of the main reasons why 2015 will be HUGE, just like Henry. And they have some advice for Ben..

"Gone Girl's costume designers have been struggling with Affleck's increasing bulk, but he's going to need to pack on all the muscle he can to go toe-to-toe with Henry Cavill in Man of Steel 2."   

That's right Ben, hope you're working as hard as Henry is right now. More examples of his awesome Superman-in-the-making moves, over at BuzzFeed.

Of course we're not surprised the praise keeps coming in for Henry. He's #11 on Just Jared's list of its Most Popular Actors of 2013. He's also on Teen's list of Breakout Performances of the Year and We Got this Covered has a nice write-up on why Henry's performance stood out in Man of Steel, while looking ahead at The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

The British actor provided a grounded, gritty take on Superman that cut to the core of his loneliness and uncertainty more effectively than any previous interpretation of the character has.
(..) his performance was nothing short of super.

(..) Cavill will jump-start another franchise with next year’s spy adaptation The Man for U.N.C.L.E., then he’ll reteam with Snyder and screenwriter David S. Goyer for a 2015 Man of Steel sequel that also stars Ben Affleck as Batman.

Henry also landed a spot on Pblcty's Favorite Smiles of the Year. Who can argue with that.

Finally, Yahoo Movies named the Man of Steel poster with Henry in cuffs, as among the Best of 2013, while Collider called this Superman poster a beacon of hope.

Phew.. and the end of the year lists are just getting started as the countdown to 2014 continues. Go Superman!