Even more than three years after Daniel Craig’s farewell performance as James Bond in No Time to Die, the entire (film) world is still speculating about who will take over as Her Majesty’s secret agent. It’s been a long time, making it difficult for both producers and fans to narrow down the number of suitable candidates. With over 20 names circulating, some have already been ruled out simply due to their age. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson of Eon Productions have outlined some basic criteria for the next 007: mid to late 30s, male, and, most importantly, still British. Everything else depends on the individual candidate.
One actor who was at the top of many fans’ wish lists for a long time is Henry Cavill. However, at 41 years old, he may already be out of the running based on the criteria mentioned. Still, he had the advantage of prior recognition. Director Martin Campbell, who played a key role in launching Daniel Craig’s Bond with Casino Royale and Pierce Brosnan’s Bond with GoldenEye, spoke highly of Cavill’s potential for the role.
Cavill had been part of the casting process for Casino Royale but ultimately lost out due to his age, Campbell revealed in an interview with Express UK. At the time, Cavill was only 22:
“He looked fantastic in the audition. His acting was great. And you know, if Daniel [Craig] hadn’t been there, Henry [Cavill] would have made an excellent Bond. He looked great, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little too young at the time.”
Ironically, Cavill was too young back then, and now he may be considered too old to play James Bond. After all, the next actor needs to be able to star in three or four films over a likely span of up to ten years. Craig was 38 when he was cast, and according to Campbell, that was already pushing the age limit. At least Cavill can say that he had a real shot at the role. Fans can now see for themselves what impressed Campbell and his team—his audition tape has recently been leaked on YouTube, featuring Cavill, like all eight shortlisted candidates, reenacting a scene from GoldenEye:
Whoever gets the license to kill will inevitably be compared to their predecessors. That’s no easy challenge for any actor’s ego. Each generation tends to favor its own Bond, making the role even more demanding.
Fans Aren’t Convinced by Henry Cavill as James Bond—And Rightfully So
It’s important to remember that an audition is not the final product. Rarely does someone deliver a flawless performance in a casting session that immediately lands them the role. Instead, casting directors look for key qualities that serve as a strong foundation for the character. The role is then further developed alongside the chosen actor. So, when watching audition tapes, one shouldn’t expect a fully polished performance.
Nevertheless, I must say with some regret that, for me, Cavill even falls behind Antony Starr, who smacks his lips after every sentence. Not just in this audition, but throughout Cavill’s entire filmography, it’s evident that he lacks the essential qualities that define James Bond. The charm of the British agent is only so compelling because it masks a cunning and calculating nature—someone who can pull the trigger without hesitation and then enjoy a martini, shaken, not stirred. That simply isn’t in Cavill. And many fans on Reddit agree:
“Bet he went home afterward and immediately jumped into ‘World of Warcraft.’”
“I can see why he didn’t get the role.”
“It looks like he’s switching the role on and off instead of staying in character and embodying it. He pauses, waits for his cue, but then doesn’t seem to know where to position himself at any given moment.”
“It’s not hard to see why they passed on him. He’s stiff and lacks charisma. He’s basically just reading the lines instead of delivering them with real conviction.”
“I love [Henry Cavill], but this feels incredibly wooden, and he’s completely missing any charm. I wonder if the direction was to play it emotionless.”
“Well, he makes Daniel Craig look like a ten-time Oscar winner.”
The closest Cavill has come to a Bond-like role was in the stylish action-comedy The Man from U.N.C.L.E., which you can rent or buy digitally on Amazon.
