Superman actor Henry Cavill made his Royal Ascot debut this week, and his dapper appearance has prompted a very familiar reaction from fans: they want him to play James Bond. The 43-year-old star attended the second day of the world-renowned racing event on Thursday, cutting a dashing figure in a suit, top hat, and tails. In a clip posted on Ascot's official Instagram page, Cavill described the occasion as "absolutely amazing."
Royal Ascot Debut
Cavill attended on the same day as several members of the Royal Family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal and Sir Timothy Laurence. "This is my first time coming to Royal Ascot, and what a day to come," Cavill said. When asked about being in the parade ring alongside the Royal Family, he added: "It was amazing. I saw them from a distance, I wasn't with them. I was in the ring with them, but not with them. It was an amazing experience."
Cavill also had the honor of ringing the Parade Ring Bell, which signals jockeys to mount their horses and head to the track. "I did get to ring the bell today though, which I think I may have rang too hard," he said with a laugh.
Fans Call for James Bond Role
Reacting to the footage, supporters all said the same thing: Cavill should play James Bond. One wrote: "That's my choice for Mr Bond and forever Superman!" Another added: "Make him James Bond already." A third fan declared: "James Bond incarnate!" Cavill has long been considered a potential new 007, reportedly narrowly missing out to Daniel Craig when 2006's Casino Royale was being cast.
Referencing an iconic line from his upcoming Highlander reboot, one admirer said: "There can be only one. One Superman, One Highlander, One Bond. And Henry Cavill is all of them." Another fan noted: "When he's describing Highlander his voice is so soothing. He'd be a great storyteller for audio books in his semi-retirement. He needs to do Bond first! Fits the profile even more as a silver fox."
Highlander Reboot and Future Projects
Discussing his latest venture, a reimagining of the '80s action classic Highlander which has just wrapped production, Cavill said: "I think everyone's going to enjoy it. All the things that people loved from the 80s movie are in there, and all the things that people maybe might squint at in this era are enhanced upon."
Next James Bond Film
Information remains limited about 007's next cinema appearance, almost five years since Daniel Craig's final outing in No Time To Die. The next instalment, the first to be produced by Amazon MGM Studios, will be helmed by Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind the Dune movies. The Canadian director is currently finishing the final instalment of his Dune trilogy, due for release in December, after which he is expected to turn his attention to 007's next adventure.
Several names have been put forward for the role, including Tom Holland, Taron Egerton, and Jacob Elordi. While Sir Idris Elba has long been championed by fans, the 53-year-old recently revealed he is no longer in contention, saying Amazon is "going younger" in its search. "I wish them all the luck in the world," Elba told People. "I can't wait - it's going to be amazing." However, the London-born star expressed willingness to portray a villain in the forthcoming Bond film. "Yeah, I mean 100 per cent," he said. "I mean Bond is such an iconic franchise. Why not? You know, like you could do the whole stroking cats [thing]." Filming is anticipated to commence next year, with the film scheduled for release in 2028.
