f.“Like Hollywood’s Lost Golden Age”: Anya Chalotra Reveals Henry Cavill’s Quiet Habit That Left The Witcher Set in Awe.f

In an era where Hollywood headlines are dominated by explosive scandals, toxic egos, and the relentless churn of cancel culture, stories of genuine kindness feel like relics from a bygone time. The industry, once romanticized as a dream factory, now often resembles a battlefield littered with fallen stars—accusations of misconduct, power abuses, and bitter feuds playing out in real-time on social media. From the fallout of high-profile trials like Johnny Depp’s defamation case against Amber Heard to the ongoing revelations in the #MeToo movement, which exposed figures like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, trust in Tinseltown’s elite has eroded. Add to that the inflated personas of celebrities who demand diva treatment, like the infamous tales of on-set meltdowns from actors such as Christian Bale or the extravagant rider lists of pop icons, and it’s easy to see why cynicism reigns supreme.

Yet, amid this chaos, a beacon of old-school decency shines through: Henry Cavill. The British actor, best known for his chiseled portrayal of Superman and the brooding Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, has long been whispered about as Hollywood’s anomaly—a man whose politeness isn’t performative but ingrained. Now, in a recent revelation that’s gone viral, his former co-star Anya Chalotra has pulled back the curtain on Cavill’s daily ritual during the filming of The Witcher, painting him as a throwback to a “lost golden age” of cinema, where respect was currency and humility was king. Chalotra’s account, shared in interviews and amplified across social platforms, describes how Cavill shook hands with every single member of the cast and crew each morning, remembering their names and sustaining this habit throughout the grueling production. Without fanfare or self-promotional slogans, Cavill transformed simple courtesy into a set culture, earning him the unofficial title of “the most polite man in Hollywood”—not for the label, but for the profound way he treats people.

This story, emerging in late 2025, couldn’t come at a more poignant moment. As the industry grapples with its identity crisis—exemplified by the recent controversies surrounding actors like Jonathan Majors, whose assault convictions derailed his Marvel trajectory, or the public backlash against stars perceived as out-of-touch amid economic hardships—Cavill stands as a refreshing counterpoint. His approach harkens back to legends like Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart, who embodied grace under pressure. But what makes Chalotra’s anecdote so compelling? It’s not just the act itself, but the ripple effect it had on a massive production like The Witcher, a fantasy epic that spanned continents, involved hundreds of crew members, and navigated the challenges of a global pandemic. In her words, Cavill’s ritual wasn’t about ego-stroking; it was about fostering a sense of community in an often impersonal machine.

Anya Chalotra, the 29-year-old British actress who rose to fame as the powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg in The Witcher, has always spoken fondly of her time on the show. In a October 2025 interview with The Guardian, Chalotra reflected on the series’ seven-year run, touching on everything from toxic fan backlash to the emotional weight of saying goodbye to her character. But it was in subsequent discussions, including fan Q&As and social media shares, where she delved into Cavill’s on-set demeanor. “He shook everyone’s hand,” Chalotra recounted in a viral clip that’s amassed millions of views on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. “From the most unassuming grip to the most inconspicuous runner, he remembered their names and did it every morning throughout filming. It wasn’t for show—it became a habit, and that habit shaped the culture of the set.”

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Imagine the scene: The Hungarian forests doubling as the Continent’s wild landscapes, or the soundstages in London buzzing with activity. The Witcher, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s beloved book series and video games, was no small undertaking. Launched in 2019, the show quickly became Netflix’s flagship fantasy series, rivaling Game of Thrones in scope and ambition. Cavill, a self-professed fan of the source material—he famously lobbied for the role of Geralt after playing the games obsessively—brought a level of dedication that extended beyond his sword-swinging prowess. Filming seasons often lasted months, with early calls and late nights, yet Cavill made it a point to start each day with personal connections. Chalotra elaborated that this wasn’t limited to stars like herself or Freya Allan (who plays Ciri); it included makeup artists, lighting technicians, caterers, and even the occasional extra. “It made everyone feel seen,” she said. “In an industry where people can feel like cogs in a wheel, Henry turned politeness into something powerful.”

This ritual, as simple as it sounds, had tangible impacts. Production insiders have noted that The Witcher sets were remarkably harmonious, especially compared to other high-stakes fantasy productions plagued by drama. During Season 2’s filming in 2020-2021, amid COVID-19 restrictions, Cavill’s consistency provided a morale boost. “He was incredibly professional, polite, brilliant, very experienced,” Chalotra told Looper in 2023, confirming suspicions about his behavior. “Clearly, in the world of acting and being on sets that big, he set the tone.” Her recent emphasis on the handshake habit has reignited discussions, with fans dubbing it Cavill’s “handshake ritual”—a quiet revolution against the self-absorbed stereotypes that dominate Hollywood narratives.

But Chalotra’s story is just one thread in the tapestry of Cavill’s reputation. Born on May 5, 1983, in Jersey, Channel Islands, Henry William Dalgliesh Cavill grew up in a family of five boys, where manners were non-negotiable. Educated at Stowe School in England, he endured bullying for his weight (earning the nickname “Fat Cavill”), an experience that built resilience and empathy. His acting career began modestly, with roles in films like The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and Laguna (2001), but it was his breakout as Charles Brandon in Showtime’s The Tudors (2007-2010) that put him on the map. Even then, co-stars like Jonathan Rhys Meyers praised his work ethic and kindness.

Cavill’s ascent to superstardom came with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), where he donned the red cape as Superman. The role demanded physical perfection—he trained rigorously, gaining 20 pounds of muscle—but Cavill never let it inflate his ego. Director Snyder recalled in interviews how Cavill would engage with every department, from visual effects to props. “He’s the real deal,” Snyder said. This sentiment echoes across his filmography. In Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Tom Cruise, known for his intensity, lauded Cavill’s professionalism during grueling stunt sequences. Cavill, playing the villainous August Walker, performed his own helicopter chases and fistfights, yet always thanked the crew afterward.

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Dave Bautista, Cavill’s co-star in the upcoming Highlander reboot, offered one of the most glowing endorsements in November 2025. “He’s not only one of the hardest-working actors I’ve ever worked with, but he’s also one of the nicest guys,” Bautista told reporters. “He’s polite, courteous, and treats everyone with genuine respect. I honestly can’t say enough good things about him—as an actor and as a human being. That means more to me than talent.” Bautista’s words highlight a pattern: Cavill’s politeness transcends sets. Fans who’ve met him at conventions like Comic-Con describe him as “genuinely friendly,” often spending extra time for photos and chats. One viral story from 2024 recounts Cavill pausing a jog in London to help a lost tourist, shaking their hand and wishing them well.

This reputation isn’t without contrast to Hollywood’s darker side. Cavill has navigated controversies gracefully, from his 2018 #MeToo comments (which he later clarified and apologized for) to his abrupt exit from The Witcher in 2022, citing creative differences. He was replaced by Liam Hemsworth for Seasons 4 and 5, a move that divided fans. Yet, even in departure, Cavill remained diplomatic, praising the team in statements. “I’ll always be grateful,” he said. His brief stint as Superman ended similarly in 2022, when DC rebooted under James Gunn, but Cavill handled it with poise, focusing on new projects like Argylle (2024) and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024).

What sets Cavill apart is his “nerdy” side, which humanizes him further. A passionate gamer, he builds his own PCs and nearly missed his Superman callback because he was raiding in World of Warcraft. In interviews, he geeks out over Warhammer figurines, painting them meticulously. This authenticity endears him to fans, who see him as approachable despite his god-like physique. “I’m just a guy who loves stories,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021, explaining his set philosophy: “A set is often rush-rush-rush, and we forget the basic human decencies. I want people to know I respect everything they do.”

Chalotra’s revelation amplifies this narrative, especially as The Witcher wraps its final seasons without him. She described filming his exit scenes as emotional—”I shed a tear,” she admitted—underscoring the bond formed through his leadership. Other co-stars echo her: Freya Allan called him a “mentor,” while Joey Batey (Jaskier) praised his “unwavering kindness.” These testimonials paint Cavill as a culture-shaper, turning politeness into a habit that inspires loyalty.

In today’s Hollywood, where egos clash and scandals erupt—think the 2025 blowups involving stars like Ezra Miller or the ongoing debates over AI in acting—Cavill’s story is a tonic. It’s not about perfection; he’s had missteps, like outdated comments on dating in the #MeToo era. But his growth and consistent respect set him apart. As Chalotra puts it, “It’s not the title—it’s how he treats people.” In a lost golden age revived through such tales, Cavill reminds us that true stardom lies in humanity.

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As 2025 closes, with Cavill eyeing new horizons like producing Warhammer adaptations, his legacy endures. In an industry rife with shadows, he’s the light—a handshake away from restoring faith.