James Bond remains a film franchise that most leading men in Hollywood yearn to be a part of. Embodying 007 on-screen is a sure-shot guarantee of remaining immortalized through the portrayal, as the Ian Fleming-created character has shaped popular culture for decades.
With the end of Daniel Craig’s reign as the definitive Bond, the globe patiently awaits the news of the next name to embrace the prestigious mantle.
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Fans have been begging for Henry Cavill to assume the role of the MI6 secret agent for a long time. The actor too has stated in interviews that he aspires to play the legendary part one day. He even auditioned for the 2006 franchise reboot. Alas, Craig’s triumph in nabbing the opportunity suggested a longer wait time for Cavill, who would have to try his luck in the next reboot.
With the former finishing his Bond journey in 2021, it remains to be seen if the Man of Steel star will ever be considered for the part. However, a well-known director believes that Henry Cavill was destined to play James Bond.
Kingsman Director Matthew Vaughn Deems Henry Cavill Perfect For James Bond
Henry Cavill is hailed as a fan-favorite contender to portray Bond. Even renowned personalities have affirmed their support for the notion. Take, for example, the director of Cavill’s upcoming spy action comedy film, Argylle.
Matthew Vaughn, acclaimed for his Kingsman movie series, claimed that the Enola Holmes alum is best suited to embody the coveted role. According to Comicbook.com, Vaughn divulged why he believes the James Bond team will never seek his involvement in the franchise at a press event for The King’s Man (2021).
Nonetheless, he affirmed wanting to see Cavill, the lead of his upcoming 2024 undertaking, in the reputable role, as the director believes the actor was born to play 007. Following was his statement:
“I don’t think the Bond people would touch me with a stick. I don’t think—They don’t like me. I don’t know. … [I] love Bond. It’s obviously a huge influence on me … You wait till you see Argylle. But Henry Cavill, that man, was born to play Bond. When you see how he is in this film, I was just like, ‘Wow, this guy is everything you’d imagine Bond to have been or be.'”
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We cannot wait to see the Mission: Impossible – Fallout star in Matthew Vaughn’s upcoming espionage action movie. Our hearts have always yearned to see Cavill in Bond-adjacent roles. And this might be our best (and only) shot of seeing the 40-year-old actor in a similar setting, as a James Bond director once revealed what might obstruct Cavill from embodying the British secret agent in the next reboot.
Why Henry Cavill Might Not Get To Play James Bond
Martin Campbell, helmer of 2006’s Casino Royale, recalled a 22-year-old Henry Cavill‘s audition for the endeavor. Before Daniel Craig emerged as the victor, the filmmaker, and Bond producers screen-tested eight candidates for the role.
Despite making a favorable impression on Campbell, Cavill was rejected for a surprising reason—his age. Ironically, the same element obstructs his probable participation in Bond 26.
Talking to Express, Martin Campbell stated:
“He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond. He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.”
When asked if Cavill, at 40, can still hope to play Bond, Campbell commented:
“I know with Pierce [Brosnan] had to sign on to three when we did him. So, that’s going to take, what, six years of your life, maybe? […] Henry’s 40, so by the time he’s done the third one, he’s going to be 50, and anything beyond, that’s two, three years per Bond. […] He [Henry Cavill] did very well in the audition, but ironically, he was too young.”
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The Justice League star’s age may not suggest a straightforward elimination in contending for the role. However, it does act as an obstruction. Previously, reports highlighted that Bond producers were looking for a “thirty–something” to play the next 007.
Many suspect Henry Cavill’s days of playing James Bond are behind him. The longevity of the next reboot may be something the Bond producers will consider when recruiting candidates.
Of course, nothing is set in stone, and Cavill is still ever-enthusiastic about playing the secret agent. He told GQ that if producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are interested in seeing him depict the character, he would “jump at the opportunity.”
The mystery of the next Bond shall hopefully be solved soon.
