Amazon's acquisition of creative control over the James Bond franchise has ignited a firestorm of speculation regarding the next 007. Jeff Bezos's X/Twitter poll revealed a clear frontrunner: Henry Cavill. While contenders like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been mentioned, Cavill's popularity is undeniable.
AnswerSee ResultsCavill's surge in popularity follows Bezos's tweet, fueled by fervent Bond fans advocating for the Superman and Witcher star to succeed Daniel Craig. His involvement in Amazon's Warhammer 40,000 project further fuels speculation about a potential Bond role.
Interestingly, Cavill previously auditioned for Casino Royale (2006), a fact readily available online. Director Martin Campbell described his audition as "tremendous," but Cavill, then 23, was deemed too young. In a 2023 interview with The Express, Campbell praised Cavill's appearance and acting but acknowledged Craig's selection as a superior choice given the age difference. Cavill himself has stated he likely wasn't ready at the time and respects Craig's performance.
With Craig's departure after No Time to Die, the search for his successor is underway. Campbell's insights suggest a three-film commitment for Bond actors, a factor that could influence the decision. At 40, Cavill would be an appropriate age, potentially fulfilling the three-film commitment without becoming too old for the role. His previous audition and Campbell's positive assessment strongly position him as a leading contender.