Henry Cavill will not be the next James Bond

But the actor would still like to play in Denis Villeneuve’s next film.

He closes the door… but leaves a window ajar. While the saga James Bond prepares his big reboot, Henry Cavill puts an end to one of Hollywood’s most persistent casting fantasies. No, he won’t be Denis Villeneuve’s next 007, but he hasn’t ruled out playing in his film…

For years, his name came up repeatedly to succeed Daniel Craig. However, Henry Cavill clearly decides today in an interview with the magazine Heat :

“I didn’t turn down the role… but let’s just say the timing wasn’t right.What actor wouldn’t dream of being Bond? But at 42, I’d probably be considered a little too old to start.”

No tuxedo for him. But the 42-year-old actor has another idea:

“I would love to play a Bond villain! If the character is interesting, it would be fascinating to explore.”

The ball is thrown. She is now in the filmmaker’s camp. We will remember that Cavill already made a perfect villain against Ethan Hunt in the saga Assignment ; Impossible. Still, for the English star, now the father of a one-year-old daughter with his partner Natalie Viscuso, his roles and his career are a little less essential today: “Your priorities change. What mattered a lot before becomes less important…”

A statement that comes as the franchise is carrying out a major overhaul behind the scenes. As a reminder, Denis Villeneuve has been confirmed to direct the next film in June 2025, while Steven Knight is writing the screenplay. At this point, no actor has yet been officially cast to play Agent 007, leaving room for speculation.

James Bond 26 does not yet have a release date.