Henry Cavill’s James Bond Screen Test Leaks—Did Hollywood Make the Right Choice?

A rare video of Henry Cavill’s screen test for the role of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006) has surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), reigniting discussions about the actor’s suitability for the iconic role. The footage, which has quickly amassed over 2 million views, offers a glimpse into what could have been had Daniel Craig not secured the part.

Henry Cavill’s screen test for James Bond in 2006 has been released. pic.twitter.com/O0SOxOoza3

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 7, 2025

Henry Cavill’s 2006 Bond Audition: A Glimpse into an Alternate Reality

The video, originally recorded on VHS, was reportedly discovered at a recycling facility and has now made its way online. In the clip, a young Cavill can be seen performing as the suave British spy, showcasing his interpretation of the character during a critical casting period for Casino Royale. Director Martin Campbell, who ultimately chose Craig for the role, has previously spoken highly of Cavill’s audition, even stating that if Craig had not been cast, Cavill could have been a strong contender.

Despite Cavill’s impressive screen presence, Campbell ultimately decided that the actor, who was in his early 20s at the time, was too young for the role. Craig, who was 38 when Casino Royale was released, brought a grittier and more experienced version of Bond to the screen—a departure from previous portrayals by actors like Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery.

Fan Reactions: Praise, Criticism, and Comparisons

The resurfaced video has ignited passionate discussions among film fans and social media users. Some expressed relief that Craig was chosen over Cavill, while others lamented what they see as a missed opportunity.

One user tweeted, “Thank you, Daniel Craig.” Another remarked, “He’s such a terrible James Bond but an amazing Witcher and Superman! This is proof that you can be Superman and still have weaknesses.”

However, not all opinions were negative. Some users pointed to Cavill’s performances in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) as evidence that he could have excelled as Bond with the right direction. *“People who are terrified of his audition here should watch *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. He plays a pretty decent Bond-type character in that film. And by the way, it’s directed by Guy Ritchie, who is the only guy who has managed to get charisma out of Henry,” one user commented.

Could Henry Cavill Still Become James Bond?

With Daniel Craig retiring from the role after No Time to Die (2021), speculation about the next James Bond has been rampant. Cavill, now in his 40s and with a significantly more mature screen presence, remains a fan-favorite choice for the role. However, reports suggest that the Bond producers are looking for a younger actor who can carry the franchise for the next decade or more.

Cavill has expressed interest in playing Bond in the past, stating in interviews that he would be open to taking on the role if given the opportunity. However, with his commitments to projects like Argylle (2024) and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), his availability remains uncertain.

A Fascinating What-If in Hollywood History

The resurfaced screen test serves as an intriguing glimpse into an alternate version of Casino Royale—one where Henry Cavill, not Daniel Craig, would have redefined James Bond for a new generation. While some fans believe Cavill dodged a bullet by avoiding the role at such a young age, others continue to argue that he deserves another shot at becoming 007.

For now, the debate rages on, with Cavill’s old audition reminding fans of the ever-evolving nature of Hollywood casting and the unpredictable paths that actors’ careers can take. Whether or not Cavill ever dons the tuxedo, his screen test remains a captivating piece of Bond history.