The surprising news that Amazon has assumed full creative control over the James Bond franchise, with long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back, has sparked widespread speculation about who will don the iconic 007 suit next. This question was put directly to the fans by Amazon's CEO, Jeff Bezos, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), and the response was overwhelmingly clear.
While names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been floated as potential candidates, with Taylor-Johnson previously rumored to be a frontrunner, the resounding fan choice is Henry Cavill. The actor, known for his roles as Superman and in "The Witcher," quickly became a trending topic online following Bezos' inquiry, reflecting the strong support from James Bond enthusiasts.
With Amazon now at the helm, speculation is rife about whether Cavill's chances of becoming the next James Bond have increased. Cavill's involvement in Amazon's ambitious Warhammer 40,000 project as both star and producer has fans wondering if this could be a stepping stone to the coveted role of 007.
Cavill's history with the franchise is notable; he auditioned for the role of James Bond for the 2006 film Casino Royale. Despite director Martin Campbell describing Cavill's audition as "tremendous," the then-23-year-old lost the part to Daniel Craig, primarily due to his youth. Campbell later reflected in a 2023 interview with The Express that Cavill would have made an excellent Bond if not for Craig's presence. Cavill himself acknowledged his near-miss in an interview with Josh Horowitz, expressing contentment with the decision to cast Craig, believing it was the right choice at the time.
As Daniel Craig concluded his tenure with No Time to Die, the search for the next James Bond intensified. Campbell noted that typically, actors sign on for three films, which could span six years or more. With Cavill now 40, Campbell speculated that by the end of a potential three-film run, Cavill would be 50, suggesting that Cavill's age and physical condition make him a suitable candidate for the role today.
