Henry Cavill could have been the next James Bond instead of Daniel Craig, but the DC star was rejected for being too young.

The Man of Steel and The Witcher actor had auditioned for the role of 007 in the 2006 franchise reboot, but director Martin Campbell chose Craig over him. Craig went on to reprise his role in four films: Quantum of Solace (2009), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021).

Henry Cavill and Daniel Craig

Campbell said that Cavill would’ve made an amazing James Bond if Daniel Craig hadn’t been in the first place. The 40-year-old has been in the running to play super spy for years, and it looks like he’s finally made it.

In the upcoming Matthew Vaughn spy thriller Argylle, Cavill will be playing a James Bond analog in more than just one way. Anyways, it questions his portrayal of 007 in the future. More than that, there’s one Marvel actor who has sidelined Cavill.

Henry Cavill Shunned from Bond Race Because of A Marvel Actor

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Kraven The Hunter

Henry Cavill and James Norton are still behind the favorites. But leading bookmakers Coral have revealed Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the next James Bond ahead of both Cavill and Norton following major support in the last 24 hours. Coral’s exec, John Hill, said (via Express):
“The amount of support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson over the last 24 hours is the most significant we have seen for anybody in our next James Bond betting in 2023.”

The 33-year-old Brit star is no stranger to action as he had previously shown his chops in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Bullet Train, and (set for) the upcoming Kraven the Hunter. The fact that he’s in his early thirties and his hunky physique is what makes him the perfect spy agent.

What Did Aaron Taylor-Johnson Say About The James Bond Role?

Earlier this year, Aaron Taylor-Johnson dodged the rumors that he’s the main candidate for becoming the next James Bond.

Aaron Taylor Johnson’s first look as Kraven the Hunter

He said his prime focus is the upcoming release of Kraven. The actor said in an interview with Esquire, “Kraven is what’s in front of me.”

When asked whether he’s excited about playing Bond, Taylor-Johnson said, “It’s not really for me to say anything. I’ve spent two years making Kraven. So all that hard work we put into trying to get that to where it is— that’s where I’m at right now.”

Taylor-Johnson has been the center of 007 conversation since Craig wrapped his run for the role in 2021’s No Time to Die.