OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

Henry Cavill, the man who would eventually embody the legendary Superman, has revealed some candid reflections on a pivotal moment early in his career — one that didn’t turn out quite as planned. In an interview with Men’s Health for the magazine’s December 2019 cover story, the British actor, now 41, spoke openly about a bombed audition that many fans might not know about: his screen test for the iconic role of James Bond.

Back in 2006, Cavill was vying for the coveted role of 007 in Casino Royale, the film that would mark Daniel Craig’s debut as the iconic British spy. Cavill, fresh-faced and eager to prove his talent, remembers the experience not as a triumph, but as a crucial learning moment. “I probably could have prepared better,” Cavill admitted with a touch of humility.

The audition required him to reenact a famous scene with Sean Connery’s Bond — emerging from a bathroom in nothing but a towel. Though it might sound like a perfect fit for a budding actor like Cavill, the screen test didn’t go quite as planned. And Cavill didn’t shy away from sharing the brutal feedback he received. “I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying, ‘Looking a little chubby there, Henry,’” Cavill recalled.

At the time, the actor was still figuring out the nuances of training and dieting, and he wasn’t quite in the shape he would later become famous for. But instead of letting the comment sting, Cavill took it to heart. “I’m glad Martin said something because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better,” he said.

Despite the failed audition, Cavill’s resolve only strengthened. He didn’t let the setback define him; instead, it pushed him to refine his approach to both his physicality and his craft. The feedback, though tough to hear, ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping Cavill’s future success, including his rise to fame as Superman in Man of Steel (2013). In fact, losing out on the Bond role wasn’t his only early disappointment. Cavill also missed out on major parts in Tristan + Isolde, which went to James Franco, and Twilight, where Robert Pattinson took the lead.

“It was hard,” Cavill admitted, looking back on those early rejections. “I wasn’t ecstatic about not getting these things, but I was so used to disappointment from the acting business and also from boarding school. ‘No, you’re not good enough’ — that wasn’t anything new to me.”

What sets Cavill apart, however, is his resilience. Instead of letting these early failures define his career, he used them as stepping stones. The actor, who is now synonymous with roles like Superman and Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, has proven that perseverance, even in the face of rejection, can ultimately lead to success.

While Daniel Craig has since become the face of James Bond, Cavill’s journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the greatest successes come from lessons learned in moments of failure. Henry Cavill may not have been 007, but the world got a much bigger hero in return.

As for future Bond speculation? Who knows — maybe, one day, Cavill will get another shot at the role of a lifetime. But for now, it’s clear that the actor is more than happy with the iconic characters he’s already brought to life, proving that the road to success is never as smooth as it seems, but always worth the ride.