It might be fair to say that the James Bond role has always been elusive to Henry Cavill. After losing to Daniel Craig in 2006’s Casino Royale as he was too young and inexperienced, the actor is now being doubted to join the franchise because he’s already 40.
Cavill has been in the running for the role of 007 for quite some time now, even topping the list and remaining in the top 5 alongside fan-favorite actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba.
Henry Cavill Remains Clueless On His Standing As The Next James Bond
While guesting on The Rich Eisen Show, actor Henry Cavill revealed he has no clue whatsoever about his potential casting in James Bond. He also acknowledged the rumor that he was being dismissed because of his age.
“I have no idea. All I’ve got to go off is the rumors, the same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not, we’ll see. It’s up to Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, and we’ll see what their plans are.”
Argylle director Matthew Vaughn revealed what transpired during Cavill’s audition for Casino Royale via SiriusXM.
“When Henry was auditioning for Bond [in 2005], I was at Pinewood [Studios] and Daniel [Craig] was as well. I’d go off and meet with Daniel and he said, ‘There’s this young guy called Henry Cavill who I think they’re seeing as well.’ We hadn’t done Stardust yet, and that’s how you came onto my radar.”
Surprisingly, the filmmaker shared that producer Barbara Broccoli favored Daniel Craig because he looks more veteran than Cavill, who was only starting in his journey in Hollywood.
“I know that the director preferred your audition, but Barbara preferred [Daniel Craig’s 2004 film] Layer Cake. Then they decided you were too young. I probably shouldn’t have said that, but the Broccolis aren’t too keen on me anyway, so what have I got to lose?”
Director Martin Campbell told CinemaBlend that he gave Cavill a shot but still was not convinced because the actor wasn’t old enough for the part.
“I did test him for Bond, as you know. He did a very good test, [but] he was too young, and also he wasn’t as experienced as Daniel. Daniel just fitted the part from being a superb actor, and probably the best actor amongst them all.”
Now that Cavill is 40, the James Bond team is looking for a slightly younger actor who can commit to a 10-year contract.
Was There A James Bond Curse?
Anyone would think that Cavill missing the opportunity to become James Bond twice is definitely a curse, but he doesn’t think it this way as he told in his interview via SiriusXM.
“I don’t think there’s a curse for those kinds of things. But I do think Daniel did an absolutely amazing job. And he and everyone else involved breathed new life into the franchise, which did it wonders.”
It’s only a matter of time before the team behind James Bond unveils its newest actor to portray the famed British spy agent. Until then, fans will still heavily campaign for Cavill.
