Henry Cavill is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, celebrated for his roles as Superman in the DC Universe, Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes movies, and Geralt of Rivia in the popular series The Witcher. More recently, Cavill made waves with a cameo as Wolverine alongside Deadpool. With a reputation for playing iconic characters, he’s also no stranger to action-packed spy roles, having starred in films like The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and the upcoming thrillers Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
But long before Cavill became a household name, he auditioned for a role that could have changed his career trajectory forever—the part of James Bond. In 2005, Cavill tested for the coveted role, ultimately losing out to Daniel Craig. Now, that long-rumored audition tape has surfaced online, sparking a heated debate among Bond fans.
The Audition That Divided the Internet
The leaked footage shows Cavill, just 22 years old at the time, wearing a black t-shirt and leather jacket, with his dark hair slicked back. He performs a scene from the 1995 Bond film GoldenEye, specifically an exchange between Bond and the deadly femme fatale Xenia Onatopp. With a female reader delivering Onatopp’s lines off-camera, Cavill runs through several takes of the iconic dialogue.
In the scene, Bond probes Xenia about her accent and life philosophy, orders a vodka martini shaken, not stirred, and introduces himself with the legendary line: “Bond, James Bond.” Cavill’s delivery of these famous words has sparked strong opinions from fans across the internet.
What Fans Are Saying
Many viewers have been quick to criticize the audition, pointing out that Cavill’s performance lacked the charm and charisma typically associated with Bond.
“His voice is there but his face is too static, barely anything going on,” one viewer commented. “He’s just staring at the reader without actually reacting to what she’s saying.”
Another viewer echoed this sentiment: “I think it’s pretty obvious why he didn’t get the part from this. He’s so wooden and lacks any charisma here.” Some fans even compared Cavill unfavorably to Pierce Brosnan, who originally delivered the lines in GoldenEye, saying Brosnan brought far more energy and presence to the scene.
Despite the backlash, not all reactions were negative. Some fans came to Cavill’s defense, noting that he was only 22 when the footage was shot and still finding his footing as an actor.
“I can see how it wouldn’t have been right then. He wasn’t ready for the subtleties—now he is ready,” wrote one commenter.
Others saw hints of potential in Cavill’s youthful performance. “I can see why he was a close second,” said another fan. And, as always, there were those who simply couldn’t get past his striking looks, with one admirer declaring, “God he’s beautiful.”
The Road to Bond: Close but No Cigar
While Cavill was reportedly one of the frontrunners for the role of Bond in 2005, Daniel Craig ultimately won the part. Craig would go on to redefine the character, bringing a gritty realism and emotional depth to the franchise over five films, beginning with Casino Royale and concluding with No Time to Die.
Cavill, meanwhile, has continued to thrive in Hollywood. His roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia have earned him legions of devoted fans, and his work in spy thrillers like Mission: Impossible – Fallout and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. has proven that he can more than handle high-stakes action.
Interestingly, Cavill himself has spoken about his near-miss with the Bond franchise. In interviews, he’s acknowledged that he wasn’t quite ready for the role back then but would jump at the chance to don the tuxedo now.
What Could Have Been
It’s fascinating to imagine what the Bond franchise might have looked like with Cavill in the lead. Would his portrayal have leaned more toward the suave sophistication of Brosnan or the rugged intensity of Craig? Given his later performances, it’s likely that Cavill would have found a way to balance both elements, bringing his own unique flavor to the character.
Some fans have even speculated that Cavill could still be in the running to play Bond now that Craig has stepped down. The search for the next 007 is ongoing, with actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be leading the pack. But for many Cavill supporters, the leaked audition tape serves as a reminder that he’s always had the potential to be a great Bond—even if he wasn’t quite ready at 22.
Other Contenders for Bond
Cavill wasn’t the only actor to audition for the role back in 2005. Antony Starr, now famous for his role as Homelander in The Boys, also tested for Bond. Other names in the mix included Clive Owen, Matthew Rhys, Sam Worthington, and Rupert Friend.
Each of these actors brought something different to the table, but it was Craig’s raw intensity and emotional complexity that ultimately won over the producers. Still, it’s clear that Cavill made a strong impression, coming in as a close second.
Why the Leaked Tape Matters
The release of Cavill’s audition tape is more than just a curiosity for Bond fans. It offers a rare glimpse into the casting process for one of the most iconic roles in cinema. It also highlights the evolution of Cavill as an actor, from a young hopeful still honing his craft to a seasoned star capable of carrying blockbuster franchises.
For Cavill, the leak might be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a reminder of a missed opportunity. On the other, it’s a testament to how far he’s come. And who knows? With Craig out of the picture, perhaps Cavill’s time as Bond is yet to come.
Looking to the Future
As the Bond franchise moves forward, fans are eagerly speculating about who will take up the mantle. Will it be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, or will another dark horse emerge as the next 007? And could Henry Cavill still have a shot at the role that once slipped through his fingers?
Only time will tell. But for now, the leaked audition tape has reignited the debate over Cavill’s suitability for Bond, proving that his journey with the franchise might not be over just yet.
One thing is certain—whether he ends up playing Bond or not, Henry Cavill’s star continues to rise. And with his impressive resume and undeniable screen presence, it’s clear that he’ll be captivating audiences for years to come.