Henry Cavill unfazed by Tom Hardy 007 rumours, reveals: ‘I would love to play James Bond’

The British actor throws his hat into the ring, after revealing he lost out on the role before for being too ‘chubby’

Henry Cavill has made it clear he would like the world-famous role of 007. AFP Photo

In a move that James Bond himself would be proud of, British actor Henry Cavill ,37, is refusing to accept the news that fellow Brit, Tom Hardy will likely be the next 007.

Cavill, who is currently wowing Netflix audiences with his turn as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes, told GQ, "I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting."

Having already made his mark in Hollywood by playing Superman, the actor has also shown he has the chops to play a spy in 2015's The Man from U.N.C.L.E, and as August Walker in 2018's Mission: Impossible – Fallout opposite Tom Cruise.

Henry Cavill as Superman in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'. IMDB

With Daniel Craig, 52, stepping down after 16 years in the role, during which he starred in five films, rumours emerged that British actor, Tom Hardy was all set to become the next Bond. However, with producers staying tight-lipped on the rumours, Cavill has clearly decided there's no harm in putting it out there that he would love the chance to pay MI6's finest.

I would love to play Bond. It would be very, very exciting.

“If Barbara [Broccoli, producer] and Mike [Michael G Wilson, producer] were interested in that, I would absolutely jump at the opportunity,” he told the publication. “At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”

Too 'chubby' to win the role

And it’s not the first time Cavill has been connected to the role, as he has revealed he auditioned for the part, but lost out to Daniel Craig because he wasn’t in good enough shape.

"I probably could have prepared better," he told Men's Health, last year about a post-shower scene that required him to wear a towel and little else. "I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying, 'Looking a little chubby there, Henry.' I didn't know how to train or diet. And I'm glad Martin said something, because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better."

And the star added that the rejection spurred him to get in the best shape of his life, embarking on a strict diet and exercise routine which ultimately saw him win the role the Man of Steel himself.