Superman actor Henry Cavill, who will appear in this summer's "Man of Steel," talked about his childhood nicknames, landing the role of Superman, and girlfriend Gina Carano in an interview with Details Magazine.

The actor, starring in what is sure to be one of the summer's biggest blockbusters, is reportedly in talks to replace Tom Cruise as the lead in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."

Henry Cavill revealed in the interview that he didn't always fit the mold of a superhero. He once was a fat kid, who was even nicknamed "Fat Cavill."

Cavill told Details that as a child, "I was fat. I was Fat Cavill. I bawled on the phone to my mom four times a day. I became an easy target."

To combat that loneliness, Cavill started acting and studying drama. The nickname faded when he was 17 and landed the part in "The Count of Monte Cristo" and lost weight.

"I lost one and a half stone [21 pounds] and I wasn't Fat Cavill anymore," he said.

But, Cavill had to pack on some weight for his role as the hulking Superman in "Man of Steel," although he won't reveal how much.

"It's modesty about the weight - I've always been worried about my weight - but I also don't want to invite that debate: Henry weights this, so he's the perfect Superman. Or, Henry doesn't weigh this, and therefore he's not believable in this role."

Since Cavill has landed the ultimate superhero role, it's only right that he has 'gotten the girl,' as well, and she's not just any girl.

Gina Carano, a former Mixed Martial Artist, is rumored to be the next Wonder Woman. Cavill said, "She's amazing," of the actress, with whom he lives when he's not in his London home.

But just because Cavill is physically fit doesn't mean he's given up his 'nerdy' tendencies. Cavill is a big fan of Robert Jordan's fantasy series Wheel Of Time and playing online games.

"The books are about the rise of a chosen one with great powers. I'd stay up until five, six in the morning reading. I couldn't put them down."

He also is a fan of what many consider the ultimate RPG - World of Warcraft. Cavill talked to Details about what he was doing when he found out he had landed the role of Superman.

"When I found out I got the part. I was home playing World of Warcraft. [The director] called, and I thought he was calling to let me down easy. But then it dawned on me that he was giving me the part. I had to play it cool. Be appreciative, respectful, professional. But the second we hung up, I just sprinted up and down my stairs cheering and whooping like a madman. I kept looking in the mirror, going, 'I don't believe it. I'm Superman? I'm Superman!'"

Cavill's reputation as an actor is certainly growing; just a week after Tom Cruise left "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." to focus on "Mission: Impossible 5", director Guy Ritchie has reportedly picked Cavill to lead the secret agent film.

Variety magazine reported Cavill's involvement in the film, noting his growing star power as Superman.

"The Man From U.N.C.L.E." film will be adapted from the original 1960's TV series. There is no release date yet for the film.

"Man of Steel" will be released on June 14. Check out the official trailer of the film below: