Henry Cavill is often pegged as one of the most desired successors for Daniel Craig's James Bond, and his recent response regarding his interest in the role affirms that he could still be among the top contenders for Bond 26. The sense of maturity and confidence that Henry Cavill brings to his many fictional characters makes him an incredible choice for continuing James Bond's six-decade legacy. Owing to this, it is not surprising that the Man of Steel and The Witcher star almost got the role before it went to Craig. Although Cavill has risen to fame since then, and his cinematic persona is associated with several characters, he is still among the front-runners of the 007 mantle.
When asked about his interest in replacing Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, Henry Cavill responded that he is still up for having conversations about it despite his busy schedule. He further added that even if he is not considered for the part, he would still look forward to what Barbara Broccoli and Mike G. Wilson have in store for the beloved British spy. Considering how Henry Cavill is a little too popular to be considered for Broccoli and Wilson's famously under-the-radar choices for James Bond, it seems less likely that he will eventually come out on top and land the role. However, his long-standing interest keeps him in the discussions and may even give him an upper hand against other James Bond prospects.
Why Henry Cavill Would Be Perfect For The Next James Bond
Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E., although a box office flop, proves that Henry Cavill has all the movie star chops to portray the traditional James Bond. In the movie, the Superman star plays the role of a charming yet enigmatic CIA agent, Napoleon Solo, with so much poise and graciousness that it is hard not to imagine him in James Bond's slick tuxedos. Even in Tom Cruise's action-espionage movie Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Cavill portrays the kind of controlled aggression and dry humor one would expect from James Bond. Not to mention, given how being younger was a part of the reason why he lost the role to Daniel Craig shows that now — in his late 30s — he seems to embody the veteran spy's mature demeanor.
Will Henry Cavill Be The Next James Bond? What Are The Chances?
Although Henry Cavill was once touted as the top contender for carrying the James Bond torch, his odds have dwindled after recent rumors and revelations surrounding the role's casting process. Reports suggest (via The Sun) that producers Barbara Broccoli and Mike G. Wilson are looking for someone in their 30s to play a relatively younger version of Bond. This not only knocks many potential candidates like Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Idris Elba out of the James Bond casting race but also makes it less likely that 39-year-old Henry Cavill will earn the cinematic license to kill.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is in his early 30s, reportedly went for a James Bond screen test and instantly climbed up the casting ladder by impressing Barbara Broccoli. The news surrounding the Bullet Train actor's potential casting in Bond 26 shows that Broccoli and Wilson will meticulously look for the next James Bond and likely surprise everyone with their choice. Henry Cavill has the vision and mannerisms to play the quintessential James Bond, but his excessive fan-casting and popularity from other franchises kill that element of surprise and novelty that every new 007 actor brings to the table.