In a fascinating revelation for James Bond enthusiasts, audition tapes from 2005 have surfaced online, showcasing Henry Cavill's take on the iconic 007 role before he was ultimately outshone by Daniel Craig. These intriguing clips were shared on the Ron South YouTube channel, which belongs to an enthusiastic filmmaker with a following of 1,890 subscribers. The channel also featured auditions from other notable actors such as Sam Worthington, Rupert Friend, and Anthony Starr.
Among these, Henry Cavill's auditions have captured the most attention over time. Many fans and industry insiders, including Martin Campbell, the director of Casino Royale, have expressed belief that Cavill would have been an excellent James Bond. Campbell himself described Cavill's audition as "tremendous" and reportedly favored him for the role. Despite this, the final decision favored Daniel Craig, influenced by other key decision-makers.
While Cavill missed out on becoming 007, he embraced a similar spy persona in the film Argylle, where he starred alongside a talented ensemble including Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, and Catherine O’Hara. Unfortunately, Argylle did not meet expectations, receiving a disappointing 4/10 rating from IGN despite its impressive cast.
Henry Cavill continues to enjoy a diverse and successful career, taking on significant roles such as Superman in the DC Universe, Geralt of Rivia in Netflix's The Witcher, and numerous other compelling characters. His journey in the entertainment industry remains a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal.