Even 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 succeed him as Her Majesty’s secret agent. It’s been a long wait, making it difficult to narrow down the list of suitable candidates—for both producers and fans alike. More than 20 names have circulated so far, with some ruled out due to their age alone. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson from Eon Productions have already outlined their vision for the next 007: he should be in his mid-to-late 30s, male, and most importantly, British. Everything else depends on the candidate.
One name that remained at the top of fans’ wish lists for quite some time was Henry Cavill. However, aside from the fact that the now 41-year-old may already be too old for the role, he had some strong credentials. Director Martin Campbell, who praised Cavill highly and recognized his potential as Bond, must know what he’s talking about—after all, he helped launch Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye into the spy world.
Cavill was part of the casting process for Casino Royale but was ultimately rejected 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 been an excellent Bond. He looked great, he was in top physical shape… very good-looking, very chiseled. He just looked a little too young at the time.”
Ironically, Cavill was too young back then, and now he might be too old to be considered for James Bond. The next actor must be able to commit to three or four films over a span of about ten years. Craig was 38 when he landed the role, and according to Campbell, that was already pushing the upper age limit. At the very least, Cavill can say he had a real shot. Fans can now see what impressed Campbell’s team so much—a test video has recently leaked on YouTube, showing Cavill, like all eight shortlisted candidates, reenacting a scene from GoldenEye:
Whoever gets the license to kill next will inevitably be compared to their predecessors—something that requires a thick skin. Each generation tends to favor its current Bond actor, making it a tough challenge for any newcomer.
Fans Are Not Convinced by Henry Cavill as James Bond—And Rightfully So
Of course, it’s important to remember that an audition performance is not the final product. It’s rare for an actor to deliver a flawless casting performance that secures them the role instantly. Typically, casting directors look for key qualities that match the desired profile, which can then be developed into a full character. When watching audition tapes, one shouldn’t expect perfection.
However, I must admit with some disappointment that Cavill even falls behind Antony Starr, who smacks his lips with every line he delivers. Not just in this audition, but throughout Cavill’s entire filmography, it’s clear that he lacks the defining characteristics that make James Bond who he is. Bond’s charm works so well because beneath it lies a cunning and calculating persona—someone who can kill in cold blood and then sip a martini (shaken, not stirred). That quality simply isn’t in Cavill. Many fans on Reddit seem to agree.
“Bet he went home afterward and immediately dived into World of Warcraft.”
“I see why he didn’t get the role.”
“It looks like he was switching the role on and off instead of staying in character and fully embodying it. He pauses, waits for his cue, only to then show that he doesn’t really know where he should be in a given moment.”
“It’s not hard to see why they passed on him. He’s stiff, and he lacks charisma. He’s basically just reciting the lines instead of delivering them with conviction.”
“I love [Henry Cavill], but this feels incredibly stiff, and he’s completely lacking 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.
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