Over a decade ago, “Witcher” star Henry Cavill missed out on the chance to star as one of Britain’s greatest movie protagonists, 007.
Cavill lost out on the role to Daniel Craig, who spent well over a decade as James Bond. Yet, the former Man of Steel says he would jump at the chance if it were offered in the future.
Henry Cavills Tries Out for Bond Gig
Back in the mid-2000s, Henry Cavill auditioned to play British spy James Bond in 2006’s “Casino Royale.”
The actor said in 2019, “I probably could have prepared better,” he said after Daniel Craig was chosen over him (via People).
Too Chubby to Play James Bond
Remembering back on his audition, Cavill recalls Martin Campbell, the director of the movie, saying, “Looking a little chubby there, Henry.”
He continued, “I didn’t know how to train or diet. And I’m glad Martin said something because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better.”
Cavill Would Jump at the Chance to Play 007
After missing out on the chance to portray one of Britain’s most beloved secret agents, Cavill said he would love to portray 007 in the future.
Speaking with GQ in 2020, he said, “If [they] were interested in that, I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”
Almost Won the Role of James Bond
Prominent film director Matthew Vaughn recently said that Henry Cavill almost beat Daniel Craig to become Bond in the early 2000s.
Vaughn, who had been working at Pinewood Studios at the time, shared some insider info about Cavill’s audition during a recent interview.
Cavill was Among the Finalists
Speaking with Sirius XM, Vaughn says that Cavill was named among the finalists for the role.
At the time, Cavill and Craig aimed to take over the reins from Pierce Bronson, who had retired.
Cavill vs. Craig for the Role of 007
During the interview, Vaughn spoke on the situation at the time, which pitted Cavill against Craig for the role of the British spy.
“When Henry was auditioning for Bond, I was at Pinewood, right? And Daniel was as well at the same time. I’d go off and meet with Daniel, and [I’d] say what’s going on, and he said there’s this young guy, Henry Cavill, I think they’re seeing as well [for the auditions],” Vaughn said.
Down to the Last Two
Vaughn, joined by Cavill on the Siriux XM interview, explained to the former Man of Steel star that he almost beat Craig to the role.
“It got down to the last two for Bond … And I know that the director preferred your audition. But [producer] Barbara [Broccoli] preferred [Craig],” Vaughn told Cavill.
One Curical Factor in the Decision
Vaughn ultimately said that what the decision came down to was an aspect of his being that Cavill could not change.
“So, just so you know, and they decided you were too young,” said Vaughn.
Cavill Had Nothing But Kind Words for Craig
During the interview, Cavill did admit that Craig “did an amazing job” in his portrayal of the British spy.
“He and everyone else involved breathed new life into the franchise, which did it wonders,” the actor added.
Daniel Craig Retires from Role
Daniel Craig officially retired from the role of James Bond back in 2021 after the release of “No Time to Die.”
Speaking toward the end of 2023, franchise producer Barbara Broccoli said there’s a “big road ahead” as they plan to modernize the British spy, who’ll be “reinvented for the next chapter” (via Variety).
Could Cavill Get a Second Chance
Since Craig hung up the holster in 2021, rumors have spread across the internet like wildfire centered on his replacement.
Henry Cavill is a name frequently mentioned by online fans as the best replacement. Yet, others argue he is now too old to play the British spy in a franchise that’s about to be reinvented. Only time will tell if fans will finally get to see Cavill portray 007.
