The revelation of why Henry Cavill missed the chance to don the iconic James Bond tuxedo and the subsequent selection of Daniel Craig has come to light, courtesy of director and screenwriter Matthew Vaughn.
The pursuit of finding the perfect successor to Pierce Brosnan's portrayal of 007 in the early 2000s was a challenging task.
In an exclusive interview on SiriusXM, Henry Cavill, alongside director Matthew Vaughn, shared insights into the competitive casting process for the role. Vaughn disclosed that Cavill was on the brink of becoming the new James Bond in the 2006 film "Casino Royale," making it to the final two contenders.
According to Vaughn, during Cavill's audition for Bond at Pinewood Studios, both Cavill and Daniel Craig were present. Vaughn, expressing his preference for Cavill's audition, explained that the ultimate decision rested with producer Barbara Broccoli, who favored Craig. The reason for Cavill not securing the role was attributed to his perceived youthfulness, as he was deemed "too young" for the part.
Despite the setback, Henry Cavill graciously acknowledged Daniel Craig's success in revitalizing the Bond franchise. During the interview, Cavill commended Craig and the entire team for breathing new life into the series and achieving remarkable results.
As they promoted their latest project, "Argylle," a spy-themed film in which Cavill takes on the lead role, both actor and director revisited the Bond casting anecdote. Released in theaters, "Argylle" provided a platform for Cavill and Vaughn to share their experiences and shed light on the intriguing behind-the-scenes details of the casting process.
While it was known that Henry Cavill had auditioned for "Casino Royale" and did not secure the role, the specific reason behind the decision was previously undisclosed. Matthew Vaughn's recent revelations have added a unique dimension to this captivating chapter in Henry Cavill's career.