During a recent interview on SiriusXM, Argylle director Matthew Vaughn dropped an intriguing revelation – Henry Cavill, best known for his role as Superman in Man of Steel, was a top contender for the iconic role of James Bond in the early 2000s. Cavill, now 40 years old, had reached the final stages of the casting process alongside actor Daniel Craig, ultimately losing out to Craig.
Vaughn recalled being at Pinewood Studios during the auditions and meeting with both Cavill and Craig. According to Vaughn, the director favored Cavill's audition, but producer Barbara Broccoli had a different opinion, ultimately seeing Craig as the better fit for the legendary secret agent. The decision was partly based on Cavill's age at the time, as he was deemed too young for the role.
Despite this disappointment, Cavill held no grudges and expressed admiration for Craig's portrayal of James Bond. In his eyes, Craig and the team behind Casino Royale (2006) injected fresh energy and revitalized the franchise. Cavill remains positive about his chances of playing Bond in the future and believes that his involvement in Argylle, where he portrays a suave spy character, won't hinder his chances. He stated that the final decision rests with Barbara Broccoli and producer Mr. Wilson.
This isn't the first time Cavill has spoken about his brush with Bond. In a 2019 interview with Men's Health, he admitted that he could have better prepared for his Casino Royale screen test, citing his lack of knowledge about training and dieting. Cavill welcomed director Martin Campbell's candid feedback about his physical appearance, using it as motivation to improve.
In a subsequent interview with GQ in 2020, Cavill expressed his eagerness to dive into the world of James Bond if the opportunity arose again. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the role but conveyed his excitement at the prospect of taking on the iconic character.
In the meantime, audiences can catch Cavill in his upcoming film Argylle, a spy thriller genre reminiscent of the James Bond franchise. Set to hit theaters on February 2nd, the movie provides a showcase for Cavill's charisma and acting range.
Whether or not Cavill will don the tuxedo and become the next Bond is uncertain, but fans of the actor can look forward to his future projects, including the highly anticipated second season of The Witcher series. In the world of spies and superheroes, Henry Cavill's star continues to rise, and audiences eagerly await the next chapter in his already impressive career.
