Henry Cavill and Amy Adams, who star in the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Superman and Lois Lane, talk to Parade about love, trust, complicated relationships and why this dynamic duo has endured for nearly 80 years.
On why they identify with their characters:
Henry Cavill: “Superman and I have a lot in common. I really want to protect the people I love, and I really try to do the right thing at all times. Sometimes I’m going to mess up your life, but my intentions are to try to be as helpful as possible.”
Amy Adams: “When I was growing up I used to play Lois and Clark with my Barbie dolls. I loved Lois Lane with Christophe Reeve, and I played out stories for them. I had a big crush on Superman. I used to take tin foil and make the ice from Superman II when he gave up his powers for Lois so he could be a mortal man and be with her.”
On the Superman/Lois relationship:
HC: “The Superman and Lois Lane relationship is complicated…But their relationship is also honest, because in Man of Steel Lois knows Clark Kent is Superman from the very beginning—and that’s where it differs a little from the comic books. This time around, Lois knows exactly who he is. And I don’t think the secret of him being Superman affects their relationship; I think they’re way beyond that.”
AA: “Ultimately, the most powerful thing about Superman and Lois is trust. He trusts her because she gives him a place to be vulnerable. And she trusts him with her life. As a journalist, she wants to believe in hope and integrity, yet she’s become jaded: learning to take somebody at their word is new for her … I think Lois balances Superman.”
On how their characters relate to real life:
HC: “They still go through ups and downs. They have fights. He lets her down, and she lets him down. It’s like normal everyday life, but in a slightly larger arena than our average relationship. They probably have some similarities to anyone in the armed forces: You have these men and women who do extraordinary things for their country. But supporting the other person is a Herculean effort, and providing a safe place to come home to is also extraordinary.”
AA: “In Batman v Superman their issues are very much about communication—being able to talk to the other person and trusting that what they say is taken at face value. It’s like with my husband [actor Darren Le Gallo], I’d be like, ‘Are you going to be here when I’m 80?’ And you have to trust that when they say yes they mean it. That’s hard for any couple.”
On imagining a home life, and a future, for Superman and Lois:
AA: “I think together they probably make a very nice home. I think he’s the better cook … But they’re the kind of couple who aren’t that exciting. They probably just chill out at home. I think Lois likes watching news and tries to rope him into watching The Bachelor. But Superman’s not interested—he’s too busy making dinner. And I imagine he gives her foot rubs…Going forward, I hope Lois and Superman’s story continues to be told, whatever that is. And a vacation would be nice … they need some nice light time, just the two of them. No reporting, no world in peril—just a nice cabana!”
For more from Henry and Amy: http://parade.com/464337/