The relationship between the stars of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is famously built on camaraderie. No moment exemplifies this more perfectly than the spontaneous, hilarious “scare” delivered by Jason Momoa (Aquaman) to Henry Cavill (Superman) on a red carpet. This incident instantly became a viral image and a testament to the warm friendship between the two “rival” superheroes. Henry Cavill was keeping a straight face for a serious interview on the red carpet. That is, until Jason Momoa (Aquaman) sneaked up from behind and delivered the cutest scare in DC Universe history!
The Calm Before the Storm
The memorable event took place at the London premiere of the DC film Suicide Squad on August 3, 2016. Henry Cavill, who was not in the film but was there in support of the DC Universe, was carrying out a typically serious, professional interview on the red carpet. Known for his reserved demeanor and immaculate presentation, Cavill was posing with a straight face, embodying the polished image of Superman/Clark Kent. Meanwhile, his Justice League co-star, Jason Momoa, known for his boisterous personality and laid-back style, was clearly looking to inject some chaos into the formal proceedings.
The Notable Event: The DC Universe’s Cutest Scare
Momoa initiated a stealth attack that would launch a thousand memes. Momoa was spotted deliberately crouching low as he sneaked up behind the oblivious Cavill. He moved across the busy red carpet with surprising stealth. His playful, predatory pose—hands spread out, ready to pounce—was captured by photographers at the perfect moment. The “scare” itself was an instant hug. Momoa quickly wrapped his massive arms around a completely surprised Cavill. Cavill didn’t flinch but immediately burst into a warm, genuine smile.
The Contrast and Legacy
The humor of the photograph and the moment derived entirely from the contrast. It was the classically handsome, neatly suited Cavill being playfully ambushed by the shaggy-haired, casually-dressed Momoa. This dynamic perfectly encapsulated their on-screen/off-screen relationship and created the cutest scare in DC Universe history. The resulting image, which captures Cavill’s shift from serious posing to delighted laughter, instantly destroyed any semblance of a “serious interview.” It left behind only the heartwarming sight of two friends—and two of the most popular DC heroes—sharing a moment of spontaneous fun. The photograph became one of the most widely shared celebrity images of the year, cementing the enduring “bromance” between the two actors. The image of Momoa sneaking up on Cavill quickly transformed into a popular internet meme. It is often used to depict an unexpected or unwelcome surprise. The event was also often highlighted in the promotional lead-up to their first major collaboration, Justice League (2017). The moment proved that even actors playing gods and kings in the vast DC Universe are ultimately just friends who enjoy a good prank