In what appears to be a surprising digital discovery, 2005 audition tapes for James Bond have recently surfaced online—offering a rare glimpse into Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the legendary secret agent 007. Although Cavill ultimately lost the role to Daniel Craig, these leaked tapes have reignited conversations about what could have been.
As reported by *Games Radar*, several of these audition clips were posted on the Ron South YouTube channel, a platform run by "an avid filmmaker" with a modest following of 1,890 subscribers. Alongside Cavill’s audition reels were also tapes featuring Sam Worthington, Rupert Friend, and Anthony Starr—all of whom were in the running for the coveted role of James Bond at the time.
Among the contenders, it's Cavill’s performance that has drawn the most fascination over the years. Fans and critics alike have speculated that he would have brought a unique blend of charm, intensity, and physicality to the role. Even Martin Campbell, director of *Casino Royale*, reportedly praised Cavill’s audition, calling it “tremendous” and admitting he personally favored Cavill for the part. However, despite this endorsement, higher-ups at the studio leaned toward casting Daniel Craig, shifting the trajectory of the franchise.
While the Bond opportunity slipped away, Cavill did eventually step into a high-stakes spy thriller of his own with *Argylle*, an action-packed espionage film where he played the titular lead. The movie co-starred Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, and Catherine O’Hara, yet unfortunately underwhelmed critics—earning a lukewarm 4/10 from *IGN*.
Despite this misstep, Cavill continues to thrive across multiple entertainment realms. He remains a fan favorite as Superman in the DC Extended Universe, brings depth and nuance to Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s *The Witcher*, and consistently chooses roles that showcase his versatility and charisma. Whether in capes, combat gear, or a tailored tuxedo, Cavill remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men.
