Henry Cavill's Unofficial James Bond Movie Trilogy Explained (2024)

Although Henry Cavill has never officially played James Bond, the British actor has been hard at work for the last decade embodying characters who are essentially the legendary super spy in all but name. Cavill has long been a popular 007 fan casting, but he has yet to join the group of actors who have played James Bond. After becoming one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Henry Cavill's action movies continue to be a big draw for his devoted viewers. However, his more recent projects suggest there's still quite clearly one character he'd love to play.

Despite becoming one of the most beloved Superman actors of all time, Cavill's canceled Man of Steel 2 perfectly compounds just how rarely he was able to revisit the role that made him such a huge name. Since his time as Clark Kent ended, the actor has largely taken on several more grounded stories, away from the world of superheroes - The Witcher notwithstanding. In isolation, they may seem like a welcome break from comic book projects, but when viewed as a group, certain movies create a vivid picture of what could potentially be Cavill's dream role.

Henry Cavill Played James Bond 3 Times Between 2015 & 2024 (From A Certain Point Of View)

2015's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is the first installment in Cavill's unofficial Bond trilogy

Cavill has never appeared in a sanctioned James Bond movie, but that hasn't stopped him from starring in his own unofficial trilogy that acts as a powerful homage to the franchise. The first movie in this piecemeal three-movie run is 2015's The Man From U.N.C.L.E., where he plays Napolean Solo - an incredibly Bond-like character. The next two movies come in 2024, and one is pretty obvious. Argylle allows Cavill to play a literary version of a Bond-inspired character who didn't actually exist within the world of the movie. It was pretty meta, but Bond author Ian Fleming's influence was clear.

Finally, 2024's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare ends Cavill's three-movie James Bond tribute. While the film has an obvious connection to the 007 franchise by having Freddie Fox and Ian Fleming, Ungentlemanly Warfare also has Henry Cavill playing the real-life figure on whom the character of James Bond was based: Gus March-Phillips. Cavill's character in the movie also reports to Cary Elwes' Brigadier "M" Gubbins - with the character's code name being another direct reference to the James Bond movies.

Henry Cavill's Unofficial Bond Trilogy Shows How The Actor Would've Played 007

Cavill's three Bond-esque characters support the argument for his 007 casting

All three of Cavill's Bond-esque roles come in movies that are a little more lighthearted than the modern age of the 007 series. Therefore, it's a little difficult to accurately extrapolate how the actor would choose to portray James Bond. That being said, several moments in each movie prove Henry Cavill would do a great job in the sought-after role. None of his three characters from these movies are easily fazed, and they're capable combatants - both of which are essential traits for any version of James Bond.

Ranked most to the least like James Bond, Argylle is the most similar. This is perhaps an easy decision, as it's clear that the character is a direct Bond parody. As such, he needs to clearly display certain facets of the persona for the spoof to work. Coming in second, despite being American, is Cavill's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. character. Ironically, coming in last place is Ungentlemanly Warefare's Gus March-Philips. Despite playing the man who would form the basis of James Bond, the tone of the movie is a little too tongue-in-cheek to allow for a proper 007 Bond homage.

Henry Cavill's Almost-Bond Movies Make Actually Casting Him As 007 Pointless

Cavill has played too many similar roles already

Although he would still likely top many people's lists when it comes to actors who should play James Bond, Henry Cavill's casting as the leader of the 007 franchise feels like it would be pretty inert at this point. There's no doubt he would do a tremendous job, but the fact he's already played so many different characters who are similar to James Bond means fans don't actually need to think that hard about what it would look like. Instead, they can simply watch one of the movies from the actor's unofficial Bond trilogy.

To look at things a little more optimistically, the three movies in question could easily serve as an extended audition for Henry Cavill to inherit the role. That being said, he would need to follow Daniel Craig's successful era, and rumors about Aaron Taylor-Johnson snagging the part suggest the franchise is looking for a younger actor to carry the series for years to come. At 41 years old, Henry Cavill isn't exactly old, but he's perhaps a little past the point of being the distant future of the James Bond franchise.

Henry Cavill

Discover the latest news and filmography for Henry Cavill, known for Man of Steel and The Witcher.

Birthdate

May 5, 1983

Birthplace

Saint Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands

Height

6 feet 1 inch

Notable Projects

Man of Steel , Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice , Justice League

Professions

Actor , Model.