In a recent reveal, director Matthew Vaughn disclosed a fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbit: Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, was nearly cast as James Bond before Daniel Craig took on the role. The reason Cavill missed out? He was considered “too young” for the part.
The revelation came during a conversation about Vaughn’s upcoming spy film Argylle, in which Cavill stars. Vaughn recounted the time he spent at Pinewood Studios, where Cavill and Craig were both auditioning for the role of 007. “When Henry was auditioning for Bond, I was at Pinewood, right? And Daniel was as well at the same time,” Vaughn shared, recalling how competitive the atmosphere was.
According to Vaughn, the decision came down to Cavill and Craig, with Cavill making a strong impression. “It got down to the last two for Bond,” Vaughn explained. “And I know that the director preferred your audition. But [producer] Barbara [Broccoli] preferred [Craig]. So, just so you know, and they decided you were too young.”
Barbara Broccoli, the driving force behind the modern James Bond franchise, ultimately chose Daniel Craig, a decision that helped redefine the character. Craig’s portrayal of Bond, starting with Casino Royale in 2006, brought a grittier and more realistic tone to the iconic spy, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
While Cavill may have missed out on playing Bond, his career flourished in other directions. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe, and more recently, he gained widespread acclaim as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher. Vaughn’s Argylle, in which Cavill plays a leading role, offers fans another chance to see Cavill as a suave, action-packed hero, perhaps hinting at what his version of 007 might have looked like.
For Bond enthusiasts, this revelation offers a tantalizing “what if” scenario. How different might the franchise have been with Cavill in the iconic tuxedo? While Craig’s tenure has firmly cemented his legacy as Bond, Cavill’s near-miss adds an intriguing chapter to the franchise’s storied history.
As Argylle gears up for release, viewers will be watching to see how Cavill’s action-hero experience plays out, offering perhaps a small glimpse into the Bond that almost was.
