After 20 years, Henry Cavill‘s audition tape for James Bond is finally available to watch online. This tape surfaced as part of the film industry’s growing interest in revisiting past auditions, following Pierce Brosnan‘s departure from the iconic role after “Die Another Day” in 2002. The casting of Daniel Craig as the next James Bond for 2006’s “Casino Royale” marked a significant transition in the franchise. However, Cavill was one of the finalists for Bond before Craig ultimately secured the role.
Now, two decades after it was recorded, Henry Cavill’s audition tape for James Bond has emerged, capturing a young Cavill in various screen tests from 2005. The video, available through Ron South’s YouTube channel, shows Cavill performing scenes that include the famous line ordering a “vodka martini, shaken not stirred,” and introducing himself with the iconic phrase, “Bond, James Bond.”
Cavill’s audition provides a glimpse of what his portrayal of Bond could have been like. Martin Campbell, the director behind both “GoldenEye” and “Casino Royale,” once remarked, “Cavill looked great in the audition; his acting was tremendous.” Campbell praised Cavill for being in “great physical shape,” describing him as “very handsome” and “very chiseled.” Despite these accolades, the producers opted for Craig as they envisioned a slightly older take on the character.
With the conclusion of the Daniel Craig era marked by the release of “No Time to Die,” discussions about the future of the Bond franchise have intensified. Henry Cavill, whose previous audition tape has now reignited interest, is still viewed as a top contender for the role. However, reports indicate that producers are seeking a younger actor, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored to be in the running, although no formal announcement has been made.
Cavill’s audition tape is not only a fascinating view into what might have been but also reminds fans of the competitive landscape of Bond casting. According to Campbell, Cavill was the only other actor seriously considered for the role besides Craig. While the decision to select Craig has been widely accepted, Cavill’s impressive audition steers speculation about an alternate universe where he donned the tuxedo of 007.
The James Bond franchise has been a cultural cornerstone since its inception, featuring the fictional British Secret Service agent known as 007, created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953. The series has evolved over decades, captivating audiences through novels, films, and various other media. With the legacy of Bond firmly established, tapping back into the roots of its casting process, as seen through Henry Cavill’s audition, reflects the franchise’s enduring reverberations in contemporary cinema.
