Henry Cavill’s James Bond Audition Footage Leaks, Fans React with Surprise

Back in 2005, Henry Cavill auditioned for the iconic role of James Bond, but the recently leaked audition tape has not garnered the appreciation he may have hoped for.

Known primarily for his portrayal of Superman in blockbusters like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League, Cavill has also made his mark in various other roles. He has artfully embodied legendary characters such as Sherlock Holmes in the Enola Holmes series, Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, and even Wolverine in a cameo during Deadpool.

Additionally, Cavill has ventured into the realm of espionage in films like The Man From U. N.C. L.E., Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and more recently, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Now, with the leak of his Bond audition, fans are taking a fresh look at this attempt to embody a super-spy.

Audition Highlights: Cavill as a Young Bond

The footage from 2005 showcases Cavill clad in a simple black t-shirt and leather jacket. His look is complemented by long, slicked-back dark hair. During the audition, he performs a scene featuring James Bond and the character Xenia Onatopp from the classic 1995 film, GoldenEye. A female voice reads Xenia’s lines off-camera, allowing Cavill to display his take on the iconic character.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaSGBSqHt-U

Henry Cavill James Bond Screen Tests 2005 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaSGBSqHt-U)

In the seven-minute audition, Cavill delivers Bond’s classic lines, which include inquiries about Xenia’s accent, his order for a vodka martini (shaken, not stirred), and the famous introduction, “Bond, James Bond.” Throughout the video, Cavill repeats these lines multiple times, providing viewers with a chance to evaluate his performance.

Fan Reactions to the Leaked Audition

Feedback on YouTube indicates that many Bond enthusiasts are unimpressed with Cavill’s portrayal. One viewer commented, “His voice is present, but his expressions seem too static – there’s little reaction to the dialogue.” Another stated, “It’s clear why he didn’t secure the role; he appears wooden and lacks charisma in this portrayal.” A third viewer drew a comparison to Pierce Brosnan, remarking on the superior performance of the seasoned actor in the same scene.

Henry Cavill in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. — Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Henry Cavill in Mission: Impossible – Fallout.

Despite the majority of critical comments, some fans have opted to highlight the positives. Acknowledging Cavill’s youth—he was just 22 at the time—one commented, “I see how he wasn’t quite ready back then. With time, he has developed the necessary subtleties.” Another fan noted, “It’s evident he was a close contender, ”while one simply expressed admiration for his looks, exclaiming, “God, he’s beautiful.”

Ultimately, Daniel Craig secured the role of Bond, but Cavill was not the only actor vying for the iconic part. Other contenders included Antony Starr from The Boys, along with Clive Owen, Matthew Rhys, Sam Worthington, and Rupert Friend. As Craig has recently stepped down from the role, speculation abounds regarding his successor, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson currently the frontrunner to take up the mantle of 007.

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