Cavill's Potential Exclusion from 007 due to Being Too Young and Too Old

In 2006, Martin Campbell, the director of the 21st James Bond film, 'Casino Royale,' stated in a media interview that if it weren't for Daniel Craig taking the 007 mantle, British actor Henry Cavill would have made an excellent secret agent:

'He performed exceptionally well in the audition, with top-notch acting skills,' Campbell said. 'He had a great physique, a distinct profile, and youthful handsomeness, but the problem was he was too young.'

Henry Cavill, who later became known as Superman, was born in 1983 and was only in his early twenties during the auditions for the Bond reboot film 'Casino Royale.' Daniel Craig, born in 1968, was in his late thirties at the time and in the prime of his male charm.

'Back then, we decided on the 007 actor through a voting process involving eight people, including myself (the director), producers, casting directors, and others. Each person had to voice their support for their preferred choice, and a consensus had to be reached,' Campbell recalled. The chosen actor for 007 had to sign a contract for at least three films, just like Pierce Brosnan did, and it's likely the same for Daniel Craig.

Even if each Bond film is released every two years, if we bring Cavill in now to replace the retiring Daniel Craig, by the time he finishes three Bond films, he would be close to 50 years old—despite his excellent physical condition, his age would still be considered too old. Ironically, Henry Cavill lost out on the opportunity to become Bond initially because he was too young, losing to the middle-aged hunk Daniel Craig.

So, is there still time to bring Cavill on board as Bond? Martin Campbell didn't provide a clear answer. He returned to an age-old topic, similar to before, stating that the new Bond would have to sign a contract for at least three films, which could mean a commitment of up to 10 years.

For the studio, age is just one aspect of the issue. Cavill's problem lies in his significant fame, as his portrayal of Superman and the Witcher has left a lasting impression. Not only would the cost of signing him be high, but there would also be a burden of portraying him as 007—how would they introduce this Bond, the Superman from Latvia? A member of the Justice League's British MI6 division?