The first thing you notice about Henry Cavill is his dog. You might think that in a room containing only the actor who plays Superman and a dense layer of PRs, it would be Superman you clocked. But it’s Kal the American akita that steals the show; he’s a gentle furry giant, six years old and roughly the dimensions of a grizzly bear. He is Cavill’s constant companion and travels the world with him.

“There are some places that are difficult, like Australia and New Zealand,” he says, gazing adoringly at the dog, which gazes adoringly back. “But most places are OK, as long as you do your work beforehand and make sure he’s got his rabies jabs and his tapeworm pills. I do my