Henry Cavill, quite rightfully so, is often considered the epitome of the male form. One of the most visually appeasing actors in the industry, Cavill has also proven that he is indeed much more than a pretty face.

However, somewhat surprisingly, the British actor’s rise to fame wasn’t without its challenges. Early in his career, Cavill faced a demoralizing incident during the production of The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), a $75 million adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel. Producers of the film not only demanded he lose weight for his role but chose an unconventional and, arguably, inappropriate way to convey this.

Henry Cavill was not happy when producers said this to his mom Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher | Credits: Little Schmidt

In The Count of Monte Cristo, Cavill, then just 19 years old, played Albert Mondego, the son of Mercédès (Dagmara Dominczyk). The role was significant for the young actor,...