The recent announcement that Amazon has assumed full creative control over the James Bond franchise, with traditional producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepping aside, has sparked intense speculation about the future of the iconic spy series. The burning question on everyone's mind: who will be the next James Bond?
Amazon's CEO, Jeff Bezos, took to X / Twitter to directly ask fans for their input on this pivotal decision. The response was overwhelming, with a clear favorite emerging amidst a pool of talented actors.
While notable names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been floated as potential candidates, it's Henry Cavill who has captured the hearts of Bond enthusiasts worldwide. Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and in "The Witcher," quickly became a trending topic online following Bezos' query.
AnswerSee ResultsThe fervor surrounding Cavill's potential casting as 007 has led many to ponder whether his chances have improved with Amazon now at the helm. Cavill's involvement in Amazon's upcoming "Warhammer 40,000" project, where he is set to star and produce, adds an intriguing layer to the speculation.
It's worth noting that Cavill has a history with the Bond franchise. He famously auditioned for the role during the casting of "Casino Royale" in 2006. Martin Campbell, the director of "Casino Royale," described Cavill's audition as "tremendous." Despite this, the then-23-year-old Cavill was deemed too young for the part, which ultimately went to Daniel Craig.
Reflecting on his near-miss, Cavill shared in an interview with Josh Horowitz that it was a close call between him and Craig. He acknowledged that Craig's casting was a brilliant decision, admitting that he might not have been ready for the role at the time.
As the search for the next James Bond intensified after Daniel Craig's departure following "No Time to Die," Campbell noted that Craig was at an age where another film would have been too much. He also mentioned that typically, Bond actors sign on for three films, a commitment that spans about six years. At 40 years old, Cavill would be nearing 50 by the end of a three-film deal, but Campbell praised his physical condition and character.
The question of who will don the tuxedo and wield the Walther PPK next remains open, but Henry Cavill's name continues to resonate strongly with fans eager to see him step into the legendary role of James Bond.