'I didn't know how to train': Henry Cavill reveals he couldn't bag James Bond role as director thought actor was 'too chubby'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Henry Cavill, known for his portrayal of Superman in 'Man of Steel', recently revealed that he once auditioned for the iconic role of James Bond but was told he was too "chubby" for the part. In an interview with Men's Health, Cavill shared that during the audition process for 'Casino Royale', director Martin Campbell commented on his appearance. "I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying, 'Looking a little chubby there, Henry,'" he told the magazine.
The remark served as a wake-up call for Cavill, who admitted to having a poor diet at the time. The actor, who had been teased for his weight as a child and referred to as "Fat Cavill," realized that he needed to reevaluate his physical health. Reflecting on the director's comment, Cavill expressed gratitude for Campbell's honesty, stating that he responds well to the truth as it helps him improve. "I didn't know how to train or diet," he told Men's Health. "And I'm glad Martin said something, because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better."
'I thought it wouldn’t happen'
Cavill previously revealed that there were moments in his career when he contemplated leaving acting altogether. “There were plenty of times I thought it wouldn’t happen. At one stage I was like, ‘If this next movie doesn’t do well then I’m out, I’m going to join the Armed Forces,'" he said. "Then I got the screen test for Bond and thought, my name is out there now, so maybe I should stick around. And I did." When asked about his motivations for acting, Henry openly expressed that one of the main driving factors for him is that "the money is fantastic."
However, despite his doubts, Cavill has emerged as one of the top contenders for the role of James Bond in recent years. Following Daniel Craig's departure from the franchise after 'No Time To Die', speculation surrounding his successor intensified. Names such as Idris Elba, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Regé-Jean Page were thrown into the mix, but Henry Cavill consistently remained a prominent contender. However, a newcomer to the Bond race, Paapa Essiedu, has recently gained favoritism with 3/1 odds from Ladbrokes, according to the Daily Express.
'Man of Steel'
Cavill's journey in the entertainment industry has had its ups and downs. Despite his early experiences missing out on major roles in 'Twilight' and 'Tristan + Isolde', he found success with the lead role in the 2011 fantasy film 'Immortals', "It was my first experience working on a movie and having my shirt off for most of the damn time ... It's very emotionally taxing," he told the magazine. "When you add the lack of food and pressure on top of that, it's rough." Regardless, that breakthrough led him to portray Superman in 'Man of Steel'.
While Cavill's career has been filled with physically demanding roles, he admitted that preparing for such roles, including his upcoming portrayal of Geralt in the Netflix adaptation of 'The Witcher', can be emotionally taxing. His journey from facing body image struggles to become a sought-after actor serves as an inspiration to many.