Bond Insider Reveals Why Henry Cavill May Finally Get 007 Role—20 Years After Losing It

As the search for a new James Bond intensifies, one actor continues to dominate the conversation—Henry Cavill. After Daniel Craig’s tenure as the iconic 007 came to an end with No Time to Die in 2021, the question of who would fill the legendary tuxedo has sparked speculation from fans and experts alike. While there are many contenders for the coveted role, several names have emerged as top picks, with Cavill consistently leading the charge.

Henry Cavill: The Strong Contender

According to an April 17, 2025, article by The New York Post, James Bond commentator Mark O’Connell pointed to Henry Cavill as the most favored candidate. “Cavill was a loose second reserve choice when Daniel Craig got the role back in 2005,” O’Connell said. The long-standing tradition in Bond casting is that the runner-up in one round of auditions often becomes the frontrunner in the next cycle, a pattern that has been seen with actors like Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton in previous Bond films. Cavill, known for his roles in Man of Steel and The Witcher, has been seen as a suitable fit for the role, blending the physicality and charisma that Bond demands.

However, Cavill himself remains uncertain about his prospects. In a 2024 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the 41-year-old actor commented, “I have no idea, all I’ve got to go off is the rumors. The same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not, we’ll see.” His open-mindedness about the possibility of taking on the role highlights the uncertainty that surrounds the casting process. Despite his doubts, Cavill remains a strong favorite among fans and experts.

The Opposition: Graham Rye and Stuart Martin

Not everyone, however, is convinced that Cavill is the right choice. 007 Magazine Editor Graham Rye voiced his opposition, stating, “Lots of fans want Henry Cavill, which only just proves to me that they don’t know what they’re talking about.” Rye has expressed his preference for Scottish actor Stuart Martin, citing his suitability for the role of Bond. While Rye’s opinion contrasts with the general public’s enthusiasm for Cavill, it reflects the broader debate over who truly embodies the essence of James Bond.

Other Contenders for the Role

While Cavill remains a strong contender, other names have also been floated by fans and industry experts. People magazine’s list of potential Bond actors includes several notable actors, with Cavill, Theo James, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerging as top choices. Interestingly, Taylor-Johnson has been described as the “presumptive frontrunner” by some, with his action-oriented roles in films like Kick-Ass and Bullet Train giving him the physicality and charisma that the Bond role demands.

Other names in the running include Rege-Jean Page, the breakout star of Bridgerton, as well as Joe Alwyn, Paul Mescal, Dev Patel, and even Idris Elba, who has long been a fan favorite for the role despite being viewed by some as outside the traditional Bond mold. Each actor brings their own unique qualities to the table, making the casting decision one of the most closely watched in Hollywood.

The Role’s Future with Amazon

The final decision on who will step into the iconic tuxedo is still under wraps, as producers have yet to announce their choice. The role of James Bond is set to be a significant part of the new era of the franchise, which is now under the ownership of Amazon following their acquisition of MGM in 2022. This shift in ownership has brought new possibilities for the future of Bond, both in terms of storytelling and casting. The new era could potentially take the character in a different direction, further adding to the intrigue surrounding the next Bond.

Conclusion

As the speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: the search for the next James Bond is as thrilling as the films themselves. With Henry Cavill continuing to top the list of favorites, his potential casting represents a natural next step for the franchise, given his previous involvement and undeniable talent. However, the debate is far from settled, with other actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Stuart Martin also making their cases. Whoever is chosen will face the daunting task of following in the footsteps of Daniel Craig, but they will also have the opportunity to shape a new era for the world’s most famous spy.