In the illustrious history of James Bond, casting decisions have shaped the trajectory of the iconic character. One such pivotal moment came during the search for a new 007 in the mid-2000s, a time when the future of the franchise hung in the balance. Daniel Craig’s eventual selection to portray Bond in 2006’s “Casino Royale” marked a transformative era for the series, but what if he had never existed? According to Martin Campbell, the director of “Casino Royale,” Henry Cavill might have stepped into the role that has become synonymous with Craig.

In a recent interview with Express UK, Campbell reflected on Cavill’s audition, describing it as “tremendous.” He recalled that Cavill exuded charisma, physicality, and a certain charm that made him a strong contender for the role of James Bond. “He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous,” Campbell praised. “If Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond. He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape…very handsome, very chiseled.” However, at the time, the young Cavill appeared slightly too youthful for the role, a factor that ultimately contributed to Craig’s selection.

The audition process for Bond is famously rigorous and democratic, according to Campbell. “The way they work with Bond, and it’s pretty terrific, is when they decide on the actor and you audition — in our case, it was eight people — it’s very democratic,” he explained. The decision-making table included producers, casting directors, and Campbell himself, all weighing in on the potential candidates. Despite Cavill’s impressive audition, the collective decision favored Craig, who would go on to redefine Bond for a new generation.

Now, as Craig’s tenure concludes with “No Time to Die,” the conversation surrounding the next Bond actor is heating up. With Cavill now 42 years old, speculation arises about his potential return to the mix. Campbell noted the timing, remarking, “By the time Daniel got to [‘No Time To Die’], really he was at an age where one more would have been too old for him…Henry’s 42, so by the time he’s done the third one he’s going to be 50.” The director acknowledged Cavill’s good shape and acting prowess but pointed out the challenges of longevity in the role.

The casting of Daniel Craig was not without controversy. Debbie McWilliams, the longtime Bond casting director, recalled the backlash that Craig faced upon his casting. She admitted that the initial response was overwhelmingly negative, with critics doubting his fit for the character. “It was unbelievably negative, I have to say,” McWilliams shared. “I felt so sorry for him, but in a funny kind of way I think it almost spurred him on to do his damndest to prove everybody wrong.” Craig, undeterred by the scrutiny, delivered a performance that ultimately won over both fans and critics, cementing his place in Bond history.

As the franchise gears up for its next chapter, fans and insiders alike ponder what could have been. Henry Cavill’s audition remains a fascinating “what if” scenario, a reminder of how close the Superman actor came to stepping into the shoes of one of cinema’s most iconic characters. With the Bond legacy evolving, the question remains: will we see Cavill take on the role of 007 in the future, or has fate already cast the die?