d+ WATCH Henry Cavill drop his character mid-take and rescue co-star Alex Pettyfer from plunging into open ocean during a high-risk $60-million production scene

Henry Cavill, internationally famous for portraying the archetypal hero Clark Kent / Superman in the DC Extended Universe, has long embodied strength and heroism on screen. During the intense, high-risk production of the 2024 film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the actor proved that his heroic instincts are anything but fictional. He dropped his role as squad leader Gus March-Phillips to become a real-life savior.

Danger on the High Seas

The Guy Ritchie-directed film is based on the unconventional and true story of Britain’s first-ever special forces unit during World War II. Its action-heavy, water-based sequences often placed the cast in precarious situations. During the filming of a boat sequence—part of the film’s modest $60 million production—co-star Alex Pettyfer, who plays Geoffrey Appleyard, faced a potentially fatal accident. Pettyfer nearly lost his footing and plunged off the boat into the open ocean.

Lightning Reflexes Prevent Disaster

The danger was swift and severe. Before the on-set safety team could react to the developing peril, Henry Cavill rushed in. Demonstrating the “lightning-fast reflexes” usually reserved for his comic book character, he grabbed Pettyfer, preventing him from going overboard into the water. It was an unscripted moment of pure heroism that overshadowed any box office data, offering a powerful testament to Cavill’s character.

The Co-Star’s Declaration

The immediate aftermath of the near-drowning incident became a major talking point for the cast. Alex Pettyfer made the severity of the situation clear when he publicly lauded Cavill. He declared to Entertainment Tonight and other outlets: “He saved me from falling off a boat. I nearly drowned! So I can officially say I’ve been saved by Henry.”

Pettyfer also praised Cavill’s leadership, noting he was the first to send a welcoming email to cast members, proving he “brings a humbleness to the set with everyone.” The story quickly went viral among fans, leading to a massive outpouring of praise online, with many affectionately reiterating the sentiment: “Once a Superman, always a Superman.” Cavill proved that the heroic persona he carefully cultivated on screen is truly an extension of his own commitment to protect those around him.