Henry Cavill fans, brace yourselves! A long-lost screen test video from 2006 has resurfaced, showing a fresh-faced 23-year-old Cavill stepping into the shoes of the world’s most iconic spy—James Bond. As the footage makes the rounds, it’s impossible not to wonder: What if things had gone differently? Could Cavill have been our Bond for the last two decades? And, more importantly, could he still be in the running for the role now that Daniel Craig has hung up the tuxedo?
Back in 2006, Cavill auditioned for Casino Royale, the film that would reboot the Bond franchise with a grittier, more grounded take on 007. The screen test, which has recently resurfaced, features Cavill performing scenes from GoldenEye, showcasing a suave yet earnest take on the British secret agent. Even then, he exuded the charm, physicality, and screen presence of a classic Bond.
Director Martin Campbell, who helmed Casino Royale, praised Cavill’s audition, admitting he was a strong contender for the role. However, the main reason he was passed over? His age. At just 23, Cavill was deemed too young to embody the seasoned, world-weary Bond the filmmakers envisioned. Instead, the role went to Daniel Craig, who was 38 at the time and brought a more rugged, intense energy to the character.
With the re-emerged clips, everyone’s started debating again about whether Cavill could have played 007 all along. Most point to his work afterwards in both The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Mission: Impossible – Fallout as proof that he’s long had a perfect blend of suaveness, charisma, and action hero chops for 007. How suavely and heroically he played suave spies and heroes in both of these two movies simply continues to make a case for him having been capable of assuming the 007 franchise at any point in time.
On the other hand, some fans argue that Craig was the right choice for the time. His gritty, no-nonsense take on Bond reinvigorated the franchise, earning critical acclaim and box office success. Would Cavill have been able to bring the same level of raw intensity that Craig delivered? That remains a question for the ages.
Fast-forward to 2024, and with Daniel Craig retiring from the role after No Time to Die (2021), the search for the next James Bond is still in full swing. While reports suggest that producers are looking for a younger actor to carry the franchise into the next decade, Cavill—now in his 40s—remains a top fan favorite.
Given his suave onscreen presence, action hero gravitas, and irrepressible British charm, he could even yet make a perfect fit for a suavely traditional era of Bond, blending suaviness with modern intensity. Would a Cavill era for Bond introduce a new era of suaviness a la Connery, or break new ground in redefining the role? Fans can but dream.
Even if Henry Cavill never gets to play Bond, his career continues to thrive. From The Witcher to Superman and beyond, he remains a beloved leading man with an army of dedicated fans. And who knows? If Bond doesn’t happen, maybe another dream role awaits him—perhaps as the next great action icon or even a Bond villain?
One thing is certain: Cavill’s talent, charisma, and sheer star power ensure that whatever he does next will be worth watching. But for now, let’s all take a moment to revel in the resurfaced footage and ask ourselves—should Henry Cavill still be considered for Bond? Or do we have another dream role in mind for him?
Let us know what you think, Cavill fans!
