Jeff Bezos Seeks Fans' Choice for Next James Bond: Clear Winner Emerges

In a surprising twist, Amazon has taken full creative control of the James Bond franchise, with long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back. This news has sparked widespread speculation about who will step into the iconic role of 007 next. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos posed this very question to his followers on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a passionate debate among fans.

While names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been floated as potential candidates, one name stands out above the rest: Henry Cavill. The former Superman and Witcher star has quickly become the fan-favorite choice for the next James Bond, with his name trending online shortly after Bezos' query.

The fervor surrounding Cavill's potential casting has led many to wonder if his chances have improved with Amazon now at the helm. Cavill's recent commitment to star in and produce Amazon's eagerly awaited Warhammer 40,000 project adds fuel to the speculation. Could this be a stepping stone to him donning the tuxedo as 007?

Cavill's history with the Bond franchise is well-documented. He famously auditioned for the role in 2006's Casino Royale, an audition that director Martin Campbell described as "tremendous." Despite his impressive performance, the then-23-year-old Cavill was deemed too young, and the role went to Daniel Craig. Reflecting on this, Campbell told The Express in 2023, "He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn’t exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond. He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little young at that time back then."

Cavill himself acknowledged the close call, stating in an interview with Josh Horowitz, "It was ultimately down to, and this is what I’ve been told, it was just down to me and Daniel, and I was the younger option. They obviously went with Daniel and I think it was an amazing choice to go with Daniel. I probably wasn’t ready at the time and I think Daniel did an incredible job over the past movies, so I’m happy they made that choice."

With Daniel Craig's departure after No Time to Die, the search for the next James Bond has been ongoing. Campbell noted, "By the time Daniel got to [No Time To Die] really he was at an age where one more would have been too old for him." He also shed light on the commitment required, saying, "I think they sign on for three Bonds, I’m not absolutely 100% certain of that. I know with Pierce [Brosnan] he had to sign on to three when we did him. So, that’s going to take, what, six years of your life maybe? I suspect Daniel [had] the same deal. And the next guy’s going to have to do that."

Considering Cavill's current age of 40, Campbell mused, "Henry’s 40, so by the time he’s done the third one he’s going to be 50. Anything beyond that’s two, three years per Bond. He’s in good shape Henry, he’s a good guy. He did very well in the audition, but ironically, he was too young."

As the debate continues, the prospect of Henry Cavill as the next James Bond remains a tantalizing possibility, especially with Amazon's new influence over the franchise. Fans eagerly await the official announcement, hoping to see Cavill finally step into the role he was once considered for.