Cavill's journey from unknown actor who wanted to play James Bond to well-known actor who wants to play James Bond has been a long one. In a 2019 interview with Men's Health, he recalled auditioning for the role at 22, and the surprisingly forthright reason he was given for not landing the part. "I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying, 'Looking a little chubby there, Henry,'" Cavill said. "I didn't know how to train or diet. And I'm glad Martin said something, because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better." The part would eventually go to Daniel Craig who, ironically, has since revealed how badly he wanted to play Superman.
Traditionally, 007 has been portrayed by actors in their 30s, 40s, and in Roger Moore's later entries, mid-300s, so a James Bond just four years out of high school would have been a shocking departure from the norm. But with Daniel Craig gleefully exiting the franchise and Cavill now 37, it might just be the right time for him to ditch his tights and throw on a nice Armani tuxedo.
Current fan frontrunners for the part of England's least insurable secret agent are varied and numerous. For years, fans and critics have been lobbying for Idris Elba to take over the role, though at 48, he would beat Roger Moore for the title of "oldest first-time Bond." Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender, and Tom Hiddleston have all been floated as potential candidates as well, while speculation that a female 007 could be on the way remains a persistent point of internet fascination.
We'll just have to wait and see which direction the franchise overlords decide to go.
