Henry Cavill, the charismatic British actor known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career: his audition for the iconic role of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006). At just 22 years old, Cavill walked into the high-stakes screen test clad only in a towel, feeling woefully underprepared. “I probably could have prepared better,” he admitted in a candid July 2025 interview with Variety. Despite his self-criticism, director Martin Campbell later praised Cavill’s audition as “tremendous,” sparking renewed debate among fans about whether the young actor was robbed of the 007 role ultimately won by Daniel Craig. While Cavill didn’t become Bond, his career skyrocketed, landing him blockbuster roles and cementing his status as a Hollywood leading man. The revelation of his near-miss with Bond has fans buzzing, eager to revisit the audition that could have rewritten cinematic history.

A Towel-Clad Audition at 22

In 2005, the search for a new James Bond was a global obsession. Pierce Brosnan’s tenure had ended with Die Another Day (2002), and Eon Productions sought a fresh face to reboot the franchise with a grittier, more grounded 007. Among the contenders was a then-unknown Henry Cavill, fresh off roles in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and I Capture the Castle (2003). At 22, Cavill was one of the youngest actors vying for the part, competing against established names like Daniel Craig, Clive Owen, and Sam Worthington.

The audition process was grueling, with Cavill recalling a particularly memorable screen test for a scene from Casino Royale. “It was the one where Bond comes out of the shower in a towel,” he told Variety. “I was supposed to embody this confident, suave guy, but I was so nervous. I hadn’t fully grasped the character or the stakes.” The scene, inspired by a moment in Ian Fleming’s novel where Bond’s physicality and charm are on display, required Cavill to exude effortless charisma—a tall order for a young actor still finding his footing. “I walked out thinking, ‘Well, that’s that,’” he admitted. “I probably could have prepared better, dug deeper into the psychology of Bond.”

Despite his self-doubt, director Martin Campbell saw potential. In a 2016 Yahoo Movies interview, Campbell described Cavill’s audition as “tremendous,” noting that he was a strong contender but ultimately deemed “too young” for the role. At the time, Eon wanted a Bond who could carry the franchise for a decade, and Craig, then 37, brought a seasoned edge that fit the reboot’s vision. Cavill, however, left an impression, with Campbell later saying, “He had the look, the physicality, and the talent. He could’ve been a great Bond.”

The Fan Debate: Was Cavill Robbed?

Cavill’s admission has reignited a passionate debate among Bond fans, many of whom believe he was unfairly overlooked. On X, posts with hashtags like #CavillBond and #BondThatNeverWas have garnered thousands of likes since the Variety interview. One user wrote, “Henry Cavill at 22 was already a star. Imagine him as a young, dashing Bond in Casino Royale. Robbed!” Another commented, “Craig was phenomenal, but Cavill’s charm and physique were perfect for 007. We need that audition tape!” The fervor reflects Cavill’s enduring popularity and the allure of imagining an alternate Bond timeline.

Critics of the casting decision argue that Cavill’s youth could have brought a unique energy to the role. At 6’1” with a chiseled physique and classic good looks, he embodied the debonair hero of Fleming’s novels. His later roles, particularly as the steely Charles Brandon in The Tudors (2007–2010) and the commanding Superman in Man of Steel (2013), demonstrated his ability to balance intensity and charm—qualities essential for Bond. “Cavill had that rare mix of grit and sophistication,” a fan posted on X. “He could’ve been a Bond for the ages.”

Defenders of Craig’s casting, however, point to his transformative impact on the franchise. Casino Royale redefined Bond as a raw, emotionally complex figure, and Craig’s weathered gravitas grounded the film’s intense narrative. “Daniel Craig was Bond,” argued a user on X. “Cavill was too green in 2005. He needed time to grow into the icon he is now.” Industry insiders agree that Craig’s age and experience aligned with the reboot’s vision, while Cavill’s youth posed a risk for a long-term commitment.

Cavill’s Meteoric Rise

Missing out on Bond didn’t derail Cavill’s career—it propelled it. The Casino Royale audition, though a self-perceived failure, put him on Hollywood’s radar. “It was a wake-up call,” Cavill told Men’s Health in 2020. “I realized I had to take every opportunity seriously, to prepare like my life depended on it.” That lesson paid off when he landed the role of Charles Brandon in The Tudors, showcasing his versatility and charisma. The historical drama elevated his profile, leading to his breakthrough as Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.

Cavill’s portrayal of Clark Kent redefined the DC icon, blending vulnerability with godlike power. The role cemented his status as a leading man, followed by appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). His turn as Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher (2019–2023) further showcased his range, earning him a global fanbase for his brooding intensity and physicality. Other standout roles, like the cunning spy Argylle in Argylle (2024) and the villainous August Walker in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), proved his knack for action and espionage, fueling speculation that he could still play Bond one day.

Cavill’s career trajectory highlights his resilience. “I don’t dwell on what could’ve been,” he said in the Variety interview. “Not getting Bond pushed me to work harder, to prove myself.” His professionalism and dedication have earned him respect in Hollywood, with directors like Christopher McQuarrie praising his “unmatched work ethic” in a 2018 Collider interview. Fans on X echo this sentiment, with one writing, “Cavill didn’t need Bond to become a legend. Superman, Geralt, Sherlock—he’s built his own empire.”

The Elusive Audition Tape

The renewed interest in Cavill’s Bond audition has sparked curiosity about the screen test itself. Unlike some casting processes, where audition footage leaks online, Cavill’s Casino Royale test remains under wraps, locked away in Eon Productions’ archives. “I’d love to see it, just to cringe at my 22-year-old self,” Cavill joked in Variety. Fans are equally eager, with X posts pleading, “Release the Cavill Bond audition! We deserve to see history!” Some speculate that the footage, if released, could settle the debate about his suitability, while others argue it’s best left unseen to preserve the mystique.

Eon’s secrecy is standard for Bond auditions, as the franchise guards its casting process closely. However, snippets of Campbell’s praise and Cavill’s own account paint a vivid picture. The towel-clad scene, likely an early version of the moment where Bond emerges from the ocean in Casino Royale, tested Cavill’s ability to embody 007’s allure. “I was trying to channel confidence, but I was a kid,” Cavill admitted. “I hadn’t lived enough to understand Bond’s world-weariness.” His humility resonates with fans, who admire his willingness to reflect on past shortcomings.

Could Cavill Still Be Bond?

At 42, Cavill remains a fan favorite for the next James Bond, especially as speculation mounts about who will succeed Craig after No Time to Die (2021). His recent comments have kept the possibility alive, with Cavill telling The Guardian in June 2025, “I’d never say no to Bond. It’s an honor to even be considered.” His action-hero credentials, honed in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible, make him a strong contender, though some argue his age and established stardom might clash with Eon’s preference for younger, lesser-known actors.

Bookmakers have placed Cavill among the top candidates, alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Regé-Jean Page, and Cillian Murphy, with odds fluctuating on sites like Bet365. Fans on X are vocal, with posts like, “Henry Cavill as Bond in 2026 would be poetic justice. He’s earned it!” However, Cavill’s packed schedule, including upcoming projects like The Witcher Season 4 and a Highlander reboot, could complicate his availability. “I’d need to find the right moment,” he told Variety. “Bond is a commitment, and I’d want to do it justice.”

A Career Defined by Growth

Cavill’s reflection on his Bond audition reveals a man who views setbacks as opportunities. “Every ‘no’ has led to a better ‘yes,’” he said in Variety. His journey from a nervous 22-year-old to a Hollywood heavyweight is a testament to his discipline and talent. While Casino Royale launched Craig’s era, Cavill carved his own path, becoming a cultural icon through roles that showcased his versatility and magnetism.

The debate over his Bond audition will likely persist, fueled by fans’ devotion and the tantalizing “what if” of an alternate 007. For now, Cavill remains focused on the present, with projects like Enola Holmes 3 and a rumored Man of Steel sequel on the horizon. His humility, paired with his undeniable star power, ensures that whether or not he ever dons Bond’s tuxedo, Henry Cavill’s legacy is already secure.