Truth? Check? Justice? Double check. The American Way? Well, not so much. Nope, in his next cinematic incarnation, British actor Henry Cavill will play Superman.

Announcing the choice in a statement from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, Superman director Zack Snyder gushed, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honoured 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.”

Speculation has been rife as to who might play Clark Kent and the man who is possibly the most iconic superhero in the world. But we’ve been spared too many of the casting rumour stories and now Cavill is in the suit.

Ironically, he was actually close to snagging the role back around the time that Superman Returns was being developed, as a prime choice of McG. But when the director was replaced by Bryan Singer, the new man in charge picked Brandon Routh instead.

He’s appeared in films such as I Capture The Castle and Tristan + Isolde, and a decent turn in Stardust, and has also been seen on the small screen, with a big role in The Tudors. He has kidnap thriller The Cold Light of Day and fantasy action epic Immortals coming up this year, but now he’s been handed the biggest opportunity of his life. Naturally the role comes with some heavy baggage and even the fear of career kryptonite (just ask Routh), but if he pulls it off, Cavill will be launched to the next level.

With a script by David Goyer, and Christopher Nolan Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Deb Snyder as producers, the new Superman pic (working titled Man of Steel) is scheduled for release in December 2012.