The casting ofJames Bondis one of the most highly debated subjects among cinephiles, as the character has proven to be among the most long-lasting screen protagonists of all-time. AlthoughDaniel Craighas proven himself to be one of the best actors to ever play 007, it was not an easily-won role, as many young stars were in the fray to inherit the role fromPierce Brosnanafter he announced that he would not be returning to make another sequel, afterDie Another Dayreceived negative reviews from lifelong Bond fans.A leaked audition tapeshowedHenry Cavillmaking a case for himself to play BondinCasino Royale, but it worked out in everyone’s favor that he did not get the part.
Henry Cavill Wasn’t the Right Fit for ‘Casino Royale'
Cavill was ultimately too young to play Bond, as he was only 22 at the time he auditioned forCasino Royale. WhileCasino Royaleis an adaptation of the first novel inIan Fleming’s series and is based on the first mission that Bond goes on, it is still established that he is a veteran secret agent who has already earned his license to kill,and earned the respect of M (Judi Dench). While it was Craig’s relative youthfulness that made his interpretation of Bond more empathetic than previous versions, he had already proven himself to be acapable action hero in films likeLayer CakeandMunich. One of the best aspects of Bond is that the character is of an ambiguous age; whileRoger Moorehad grown far too old to play Bond at the end of his run of films, it also would not work to have a fresh-faced 007 who did not look like he had enough worldly experience.
Robert Mitchum’s Role in ‘Tombstone’ Is So Underrated and Low-Key, You Probably Missed It
Mitchum’s role was an intentional throwback to the classic era of Westerns.
While he does do a good job at delivering some of the most iconic lines that Bond is known for,Cavill’s audition did not indicate that he had a new take on the character. Cavill certainly made a solid case that he could give a performance similar to that ofSean ConneryorTimothy Dalton, butCasino Royalewas pitched as a much darker, more intense Bond film that stripped awaythe superficiality of the Brosnan filmsin favor of a far grittier story that more closely resembled the original source material. Cavill’s optimistic, snarky approach to the role would not have congealed with the direction that Bond goes inCasino Royale, as he starts off as a very cynical character who only begins to open up after the death of Vesper Lyn (Eva Green) shatters his heart. While it is possible that Cavill could have delved into these complexities after he had gained some experience, he would not have suited the role well had he been cast in 2005.
Cavill Will Probably Never Play James Bond
Although he remains a popular choice among fans now that Craig has retired from the role following the release ofNo Time To Die,Cavill is now too old to play Bond, as he is already 41. Given thatBarbara Broccoliand MGM will want a new actor that can feasibly appear in multiple films without aging out of the part, it is far more likely that a younger actor is cast. Cavill is also far too famous to play the role, as he is already widely recognized for his roles inThe Witcherand as Superman in the DCEU.The Bond series works bestwhen the main actor is less established at the time that they are cast, as the audience does not have any baggage that they bring in when they sit down to see the film.
Despite the fact that a future playing Bond is not in the cards,Cavill has more freedom than ever before in his career, as he has the opportunity to take on roles that truly suit him best. Those disappointed that he never got the chance to play 007should definitely check outThe Man From U.N.C.L.E.,a remake of the classic television series of the same name in which Cavill plays the American spy Napoleon Solo. Despite the film’s disappointing box office results, Cavill did team up with directorGuy Ritchieonce more on the adventure filmThe Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and will next be seen in his action thrillerIn the Grey. He’ll never be Bond, but that doesn’t mean Cavill is done creating iconic characters.
Casino Royale
