Resurfaced clip of Henry Cavill’s James Bond audition sparks calls for his casting as 007: 'He's ready'

Before Daniel Craig redefined James Bond with 'Casino Royale', Henry Cavill had auditioned for the part, bringing a youthful energy to the character
UPDATED FEB 9, 2025
An old audition of Henry Cavill trying out for the part of James Bond has gone viral on the internet (Chris Hyde/Getty Images for AFI, @Ron South/Youtube)
An old audition of Henry Cavill trying out for the part of James Bond has gone viral on the internet (Chris Hyde/Getty Images for AFI, @Ron South/Youtube)

LONDON, UK: Henry Cavill’s career trajectory might have looked vastly different if he had landed the role of James Bond nearly two decades ago.

Now, with his long-lost audition tape making waves online, fans are once again debating whether he should don the tuxedo and step into the iconic spy’s shoes, as reported by Aceshowbiz.



 

Henry Cavill's James Bond audition resurfaces, reigniting 007 speculation

Henry Cavill attends Netflix's
Henry Cavill attends Netflix's 'Enola Holmes 2' World Premiere at The Paris Theatre on October 27, 2022, in New York City (Getty Images)

Before Daniel Craig redefined James Bond with 'Casino Royale', Cavill was a leading contender for the role. At just 22, he auditioned for the part, bringing a suave yet youthful energy to the character. The newly resurfaced footage showcases Cavill channeling Pierce Brosnan’s smooth demeanor, delivering classic Bond lines like, “Bond, James Bond” and “Vodka martini, shaken not stirred.”

Despite Cavill’s promising performance, 'Casino Royale' director Martin Campbell ultimately chose Craig, citing Cavill’s youth as a key factor. “If Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond,” Campbell admitted. But with Craig’s departure and Bond producers keeping their next move under wraps, could Cavill get another shot?

Since that fateful audition, Cavill has built an impressive career. From playing Charles Brandon in 'The Tudors' to donning Superman’s cape in 'Man of Steel', he has established himself as a leading man. More recently, he’s tackled Sherlock Holmes in 'Enola Holmes' and even joined the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' universe, solidifying his A-list status.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Henry Cavill attends the
Henry Cavill attends the 'The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare' New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on April 15, 2024, in New York City (Cindy Ord/WireImage)

Cavill’s upcoming projects only add fuel to the fire. He is set to star in Guy Ritchie’s thriller 'In the Grey', lead a Warhammer 40,000 adaptation, headline a live-action 'Voltron' movie, and take on a 'Highlander' reboot but with Bond producers reportedly in no rush to name Craig’s successor, could this viral moment tilt the scales in Cavill’s favor?

Although names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been floated, the next 007 remains a mystery. Cavill himself remains coy, stating, “I might be too old now, or maybe not.”

Henry Cavill's leaked James Bond audition tape ignites fan excitement

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Actor Henry Cavill attends the 'Justice League' photocall at The College on November 4, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Actor Henry Cavill attends the 'Justice League' photocall at The College on November 4, 2017, in London, England (Tim P Whitby/Getty Images)

A recently leaked audition tape of Henry Cavill’s past screen test for James Bond has set the internet ablaze, with fans reigniting discussions about whether the actor should finally don the iconic tuxedo.

Social media users wasted no time voicing their opinions, with many arguing that Cavill is now the perfect choice for the role.

"Bond has to be seasoned. He's ready now," one user wrote, while another added, "Henry Cavill would make a perfect addition to the list of JAMES BOND 007 stars."

Others expressed frustration that the casting hadn’t happened yet. "Somebody just cast this man as Bond already, he absolutely deserves it and is more than qualified," one fan declared.

Some noted how much Cavill has improved as an actor since his initial audition. "He's definitely a much better actor now than he was then," a comment read.

The demand for Cavill to take up the role was overwhelming. "Make him BOND NOW!!!" one user insisted, while another reflected on his career growth, "Two decades have passed since that audition, and you have gained a significant amount of acting experience. You would be the perfect James Bond. I can genuinely envision you in that part."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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