Henry Cavill, the British actor known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has long been a fan-favorite to take on the iconic role of James Bond. Now, a previously unseen audition tape from his tryout for Casino Royale has surfaced, rekindling discussions about his potential as 007. The tape, dating back 20 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been—and what might still be. Uploaded by a user called Ron South who claims to have found it in a studio’s recycle bin, the footage presents a young Cavill with his hair slicked back in an early 1990s manner, reciting some of the most memorable Bond lines from GoldenEye. With a cocky smirk, Cavill presents himself with the classic, “Bond, James Bond,” coolly ordering a “vodka martini, shaken, not stirred.”

At the time, Cavill was just 22 years old, and while his audition was undeniably strong, the role ultimately went to Daniel Craig.

Craig’s portrayal of Bond would go on to define the character for a new generation, spanning five films and culminating in 2021’s No Time to Die. However, the fan base has erupted into a newfound frenzy with an audition tape Cavill submitted himself, and now many fans are convinced that this is the person who should assume the role. Social media went wild with all sorts of comments about the tape. One tweeter said, “Oh, he’s going to be Bond for sure if they release this,” while another added, “I can understand why they may not have made him Bond earlier; Craig is incredible. However, Henry has a much more significant chance today to play it than he had 20 years ago.” The tape has also sparked renewed debates about Cavill’s age and whether he might have missed his chance to play Bond. In April 2024, Cavill himself addressed the rumors during an interview, saying, “All I have to go off of is the rumours. I have the same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now or maybe I’m not. We’ll see what the [producers’] plans are.”

Cavill’s humility and self-awareness have only made him more likable to the fans. He is 41, but his physical condition remains at its best, and a commanding screen presence that has grown stronger with each passing year. His performances in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible – Fallout have demonstrated his ability to balance action, charm, and emotional depth, qualities that any actor needs when stepping into Bond’s shoes.

The timing of the tape’s release is particularly intriguing, as speculation about the next Bond has reached a fever pitch. In March 2024, reports emerged that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the role after impressing producer Barbara Broccoli in a screen test. However, Taylor-Johnson has remained tight-lipped about the rumors, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.

This resurrection of his Bond audition tape seems to remind him of his persisting appeal and the persisting fascination with the character of James Bond. In the past, the role had eluded him, but now the tape seems to have just strengthened the case for his casting. Fans argue that Cavill’s maturity and experience make him a far more compelling choice now than he would have been two decades ago.

The Bond franchise has always been about evolution, with each actor bringing his own unique interpretation to the role. From Sean Connery’s suave sophistication to Daniel Craig’s gritty realism, the character has continually adapted to reflect the times. Cavill’s blend of old-school charm and modern intensity could offer a fresh yet familiar take on the iconic spy.

As the search for the next Bond continues, Cavill’s audition tape serves as both a nostalgic throwback and a tantalizing glimpse of what might still come to pass. Whether or not he ultimately dons the tuxedo, one thing is clear: Henry Cavill has left an indelible mark on the Bond conversation, proving that sometimes, timing is everything.

For now, the fans can only speculate and hope. But as the saying goes, “Never say never.” After all, in the world of James Bond, the unexpected is always just around the corner.