Henry Cavill

Previously aiming for the role in 2005, Henry Cavill lost the opportunity to Daniel Craig. But now, with the actor’s exit from the franchise, Cavill once again made headlines for the same. However, the DC star is preparing for his 2024 comeback in theatres, as a titular secret agent in Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller Argylle. 

Henry Cavill Once Aimed for James Bond in 2005

When Henry Cavill was initially rising to fame, the English actor auditioned for the role of the British secret agent James Bond, back in 2005. With a lack of knowledge and experience, Cavill recalled meeting Casino Royale’s director for the opportunity. Speaking with Men’s Health in 2019, the actor noted how he lost the role to Daniel Craig.

Henry Cavill initially auditioned for the role of James Bond in 2005

Blaming himself for his loss, Henry Cavill mentioned that the meeting didn’t go as he expected. The actor recounted how Martin Campbell offered him positive criticism of his appearance by stating, “looking a little chubby there, Henry”. Thereafter, Cavill acknowledged that back then he wasn’t quite aware of fitness training and diets.

Cavill lost the 007 role to Daniel Craig

“I probably could have prepared better.” Henry Cavill admitted. He then shared how he took Martin Campbell’s honest criticism as a positive response and used it to improve himself. “I respond well to truth. It helps me get better.” the actor told Men’s Health. And certainly, it worked wonders for the actor as later on, he landed the role of DC’s Superman and also appeared in other acclaimed projects.

Henry Cavill is Currently Preparing for ArArgylle 

Although Henry Cavill lost the $7.8B James Bond role to Daniel Craig in 2005, he’s once again creating buzz as a top contender for the role, following Craig’s exit. But currently, the actor is busy with director Matthew Vaughn’s spy parody Argylle, slated to release in 2024 featuring Cavill and Dua Lipa in leading roles.

Previously blaming himself for his $7.8B loss, Cavill is now the top contender for James Bond

In an interview with Den of Geek, Matthew Vaughn acknowledged Henry Cavill’s brilliance as an actor. The director even noted that “Yes, I call him 007 and a half. I adore him.”. Although he believes that previously Cavill’s age and experience might have snatched his opportunity, right now he could be the best actor suited for the role.

“He would make a brilliant Bond, really would. I know when he did the screen test for Bond [in 2005], if he was older, he probably would have got it. He was just too young at that time. I think Ian Fleming, when he wrote Bond, Henry Cavill would have been on his mind.”

Cavill is now preparing for Argylle, also starring Dua Lipa

However, following Henry Cavill’s association with the spy parody Argylle, it seems that the actor might have fewer chances to star in the James Bond franchise, than ever before. In an interview with Total Films, the actor noted, “[Argylle] is a fun character. Whether I’m ruled out of Bond because of this or not is up to Barbara Broccoli and Mr. Wilson.”