Martin Campbell has been talking up Henry Cavill’s unsuccessful audition to become James Bond ahead of 20006’s Casino Royale.
There’s an argument that despite playing such esteemed roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, Henry Cavill is still waiting for his definitive role. The story of his misuse as Superman has been covered before and his decision to leave the title role of Netflix’s The Witcher show tells you all you need to know about the way he thinks that production is being run. All in all, despite playing some very celebrated characters, there’s a felling that things have never quite gone to plan.
One signature role that Cavill came mighty close to getting was that of James Bond, although the part would eventually go to Daniel Craig. That casting process took place ahead of 2006’s Casino Royale and that film’s director, Martin Campbell has bee reflecting on Cavill’s attempt to become the world’s most famous super spy.
“He looked great in the audition,” Campbell told The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”
Of course, the role is vacant once more now Craig has hung up his tuxedo. Does Campbell see Cavill working now? That happened for Pierce Brosnan who got the role ‘second time around’ back in the 1990s so could we see history repeat itself once more?
“By the time Daniel got to [No Time to Die] really he was at an age where one more would have been too old for him,” says Campbell. “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’s in good shape Henry, he’s a good guy.”
We suppose it all depends how ‘young’ the producers want to skew towards with this new incarnation of James Bond. Campbell is certainly correct though, Cavill would make an excellent 007, perhaps now more than ever.
The actor himself has previously spoken about this with the same outlet, stating, “I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers. In an ideal world, I’d never have to turn anything down. Nothing is off the table. It’s an honour to even be part of that conversation.”
We’ll see what happens next but it feels like an announcement should be coming soon. Perhaps the EON top brass are even in a room somewhere right now, hammering out a final decision. As soon as we know, rest assured that you’ll know too.
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