The internet is going crazy over a fan-made artificial intelligence (AI) movie trailer, picturing Margot Robbie as a glamorous Bond partner and Henry Cavill as the new James Bond. The teaser for the film received over 2.5 million views on YouTube in only four days, fueling the passionate fan theory that Cavill is the ideal replacement for Daniel Craig’s renowned espionage role.
Another level to Cavill’s link to the 007 milieu is added by this online buzz. He plays Gus March-Phillipps in the upcoming film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” a real-life character thought to have served as inspiration for James Bond creator Ian Fleming. This historical turn of events adds credence to the theory that Cavill could be cast as the dapper secret agent.
Cavill has an even longer relationship with the team. He was notably rejected in favor of Daniel Craig from the Bond part in the “Casino Royale” audition. As he recently appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” to promote “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” the topic of Bond naturally came up. Ever the diplomat, Cavill stayed silent, admitting he has “no idea” about the casting process and that he, like everyone else, is dependent on speculations.
“Maybe I’m too old now or maybe I’m not,” Cavill mused, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
Interestingly, Martin Campbell, who directed “Casino Royale,” explained in a previous interview that he had been greatly impressed by Cavill’s original Bond audition. “He was fantastic,” Campbell said about Cavill’s appeal and acting skills. Nevertheless, the director noted that the question of age might have played into their decision-making process, stating that “he simply looked a little young at that time”.
The decision was up to EON Productions, and while he didn’t say Cavill shouldn’t be reconsidered, Campbell did emphasize the point that at this actor’s current age (40), perhaps he might be more suited for the sort of life-long dedication needed in relation to Bond. “He’s going to be 50 by the time he’s finished the third one,” Campbell noted with some force, illustrating just how all-consuming the Bond character could be.
Cavill’s name remains a front-runner among fans as the Bond franchise aggressively searches for its next leading male. It remains to be seen if the official casting matches this ardor on the internet. But one thing is certain: Cavill is a strong contender to become the next James Bond, thanks to the fan-made trailer, his impending part in “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” and his previous experience with the franchise.
I have no idea who the next 007 should be … mind you, I used to think James Bond was a real spy until I read Bill Fairclough’s epic fact based spy novel Beyond Enkription in #TheBurlingtonFiles series as part of my MI6 induction program. It’s a must read for espionage cognoscenti.