As speculation continues about who will become the next James Bond, one Netflix movie starring Henry Cavill has left fans convinced he's perfect for the job. The Man from U.N.C.L.E., now streaming on Netflix, shows exactly why so many believe Henry should slip into the iconic 007 tuxedo. Henry, 40, is already a huge Hollywood star known for his charismatic screen presence. While Daniel Craig officially hung up his Bond tux after No Time To Die in 2021, producers still haven't confirmed who will step into the role. However, fans have long pointed out Henry as the ideal successor. With good reason, too, since The Man from U.N.C.L.E. feels like the perfect audition tape.
In Guy Ritchie's stylish 2015 spy thriller, Henry stars as Napoleon Solo, a slick and sophisticated secret agent. Solo is charming, sharp-dressed, and effortlessly cool – precisely the attributes fans want in their next Bond. Set during the Cold War, the film follows Solo, a CIA operative, who teams up with KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer). Their mission is to stop a criminal organization from destabilizing the world order. Henry's portrayal has the classic Bond ingredients: sharp wit, action-packed sequences, and a natural elegance. He confidently balances charm and toughness, reminiscent of Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan in their prime.
Fans frequently praise Henry’s impeccable suits, suave personality, and calm-under-pressure demeanor in the film — exactly what you’d expect from 007. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has another surprising connection to Bond: the original 1960s TV series was co-created by Ian Fleming, the man behind James Bond himself. It's no wonder Henry looked right at home in the slick spy universe. Over the years, other actors who became Bond first appeared in similar spy-themed shows or films. Roger Moore famously starred as Simon Templar in The Saint, and Pierce Brosnan gained fame as Remington Steele before stepping into the 007 role. Even Daniel Craig, before becoming Bond, starred in Layer Cake, a British crime thriller with a similar vibe to the Bond franchise.
All this history seems to point to Henry as a logical choice — though it may also be the reason he doesn’t land the role. Despite his perfect fit for Bond, Henry's superstar status could be the very reason he’s overlooked. Bond producer Barbara Broccoli recently indicated she is seeking someone fresh, in their thirties, and potentially less well-known. Barbara previously selected Daniel Craig precisely because he wasn't a predictable choice, and she might continue that tradition. She told the Associated Press: "Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It's the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction." Henry, who became a global superstar playing Superman, might be considered too recognizable to take on another iconic role without overshadowing it. The Bond franchise typically prefers actors who can grow into their star status through the character.
However, fans argue Henry deserves the role precisely because of how naturally he embodies the qualities of a perfect Bond — charisma, style, and sophistication. Henry himself has expressed interest in the role previously. In interviews, he's mentioned he'd gladly step into Bond's famous shoes if the opportunity arises. Fans continue to rally behind him, pointing to The Man from U.N.C.L.E. as proof of how ideal he would be. One fan wrote recently: "Henry Cavill was born to play James Bond. Just watch The Man from U.N.C.L.E. — it’s all there." Another agreed: "If the producers have doubts, just look at him as Napoleon Solo. It’s practically an audition tape for Bond!" Even if he ultimately isn't cast, Henry’s performance in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. will always stand as compelling evidence that he could have been one of the best Bonds ever.
Meanwhile, two actors are leading the betting market predictions for the new James Bond. Daniel Craig's leaving the storied franchise has sparked a flurry of speculation about his replacement, which hasn't been formally announced yet. As of May 2, 2025, Henry Cavill broke out in the William Hill betting market, according to a report by OLBG. However, the site noted that the betting markets' odds for the new James Bond have frequently shifted. Other betting markets show Theo James with a strong showing as well as Cavill. At William Hill, Cavill was leading, followed by Theo James and then Aaron Taylor-Johnson, OLBG reported. Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, and James Norton round out the top five, OLBG reported.
In April, James, Cavill, and Taylor-Johnson were considered most likely by the betting markets, according to Lad Brokes. In late April, Gambling.com reported that James had taken the lead in betting markets. Not everyone is sold on Cavill. “Lots of fans want Henry Cavill, which only just proves to me that they don’t know what they’re talking about,” Graham Rye, editor and publisher of 007 Magazine told The New York Post. “The man’s just not James Bond.” He has someone else in mind altogether. Added Rye, “There’s only one actor I’ve seen around that could do justice to the role very much in the style of Sean Connery and that’s an actor called Stuart Martin.”
However, another expert told The Post that Cavill is the obvious choice. “What often happens in Bond is that the runner-up is kind of favored next time round. Roger Moore was looked at for Dr. No in the first Bond film. Timothy Dalton was looked at in the early ’70s,” explained author Mark O’Connell, pointing out that Cavill almost got the role when it went to Craig instead. As fans eagerly await the announcement of the next Bond, the conversation around Henry Cavill's potential remains vibrant, with many hoping to see him don the iconic tuxedo in the near future.
