Henry Cavill

Once Pierce Brosnan parted ways with Bond in 2002 following ‘Die Another Day’, series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson went searching for their next 007 - and Henry Cavill soon became a serious contender for the role.

In fact, the ‘Man of Steel’ actor got down to the final two with Daniel Craig, though Broccoli ultimately chose the ‘Knives Out’ star because he was an older and more experienced actor.

Cavill explained: “They told me I was close. They told me it was ultimately down to, and this is what I’ve been told, it was just down to me and Daniel, and I was the younger option.”

Cavill’s audition tape seemingly for Bond leaked online in early 2025, but ‘Casino Royale’ director Martin Campbell stressed the footage “had nothing to do” with the 2006 flick.