The race to become the next James Bond has been a topic of fervent speculation for years, especially since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo after 2021’s “No Time to Die.” Among the many actors rumored to have been in contention, Sam Worthington, the Australian star best known for “Avatar,” recently dropped a surprising revelation: he was once nominated to play the iconic 007. However, Worthington disclosed that he stepped aside, believing Henry Cavill, the former Superman actor, was a better fit for the role. This candid admission, shared in an interview on March 23, 2025, has reignited discussions about the elusive casting process for one of cinema’s most coveted parts and shed new light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Bond’s legacy.

Worthington, now 48, reflected on his brush with the Bond franchise during a conversation with Variety, tying it back to the casting for 2006’s “Casino Royale,” which ultimately launched Craig’s tenure as the suave spy. At the time, Worthington was among over 200 actors considered, a list that also included heavyweights like Hugh Jackman, Karl Urban, and Cavill himself. “I was nominated for Bond way back when,” Worthington said. “I went through the audition process, but I pulled out. I saw Henry Cavill in the mix and thought, ‘Nah, he’s got this.’ He had that polish, that charisma—everything Bond needs.” Worthington’s decision to withdraw wasn’t just a moment of self-doubt; it was a recognition of Cavill’s potential to embody the character’s blend of sophistication and grit.

Cavill, then a relatively unknown 22-year-old, had already impressed director Martin Campbell during his “Casino Royale” audition. Campbell later told Express UK that Cavill’s performance was “tremendous,” adding, “If Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond.” Worthington’s recollection aligns with this praise, suggesting he saw the same qualities that nearly landed Cavill the role two decades ago. “I remember watching Henry and thinking he had that Sean Connery vibe—smooth but tough,” Worthington noted. “I was more rough around the edges, still finding my footing. I didn’t feel ready to carry that legacy.” His humility underscores a rare moment of self-awareness in an industry often driven by fierce competition.

The revelation comes at a pivotal time for the Bond franchise. As of March 2025, Amazon MGM Studios has taken full creative control of the series following a high-stakes acquisition from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. With the next film, tentatively slated for 2027, still in the planning stages, the casting conversation has heated up once more. Cavill, now 41, remains a fan favorite, bolstered by his action-hero credentials in films like “Man of Steel” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” Worthington’s comments add a layer of intrigue, hinting that Cavill’s near-miss in 2005 might have been a preview of his destiny. Meanwhile, Worthington has carved his own path, with the “Avatar” sequels keeping him firmly in the blockbuster spotlight.

Fans have seized on Worthington’s story to champion Cavill’s case. Social media buzzed with reactions, one user posting, “Sam bowing out for Henry is the ultimate bro move—now let’s make Cavill Bond happen!” Another wrote, “Worthington saw what we all see: Cavill *is* Bond.” The sentiment echoes a groundswell of support that surged earlier this year when Amazon boss Jeff Bezos polled followers on X about their Bond picks, with Cavill topping the responses. Yet, the studio’s preference for a younger actor—possibly in their 30s—could complicate Cavill’s chances, especially as names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Taron Egerton remain in contention.

Worthington, for his part, harbors no regrets. “I’m happy with where I landed,” he said, referencing his role as Jake Sully in James Cameron’s sci-fi epic. “Bond’s a different beast—years of commitment, that global spotlight. Henry’s built for it.” His endorsement carries weight, given his own action-star pedigree, and it paints a picture of two actors at different crossroads in 2005: one stepping back, the other poised for greatness. Whether Cavill will finally don the tuxedo remains uncertain, but Worthington’s revelation offers a tantalizing glimpse into what might have been—and what still could be. As the Bond saga evolves under Amazon’s stewardship, fans and filmmakers alike are left wondering if Cavill’s long-deferred shot at 007 is finally on the horizon.