Henry Cavill, best known for his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has finally addressed the swirling rumors about his potential casting as the next James Bond. Following Daniel Craig’s departure from the iconic 007 role three years ago, Cavill’s name has frequently surfaced as a top contender for the new Bond. However, the actor himself seems uncertain about his suitability for the role, citing concerns about his age.

In a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Cavill was asked directly if there was any truth to the speculation that he might don the tuxedo and wield the Walther PPK as the next Bond. His response was both candid and reflective: “All I’ve got to go off is the rumours. The same information you have,” Cavill admitted. “Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not. It’s up to [producers] Barbara Broccoli and Mike Wilson and we’ll see what their plans are.”

Cavill’s acknowledgment of his age raises interesting questions about the direction the Bond franchise may take in its next iteration. Traditionally, the role of Bond has been portrayed by actors who bring a combination of physical prowess and a seasoned, worldly charm to the character. While Cavill certainly has the physique and acting chops to handle the demanding role, his own hesitation hints at the franchise’s potential move toward a younger Bond, as it did with Craig’s first outing in Casino Royale.

Interestingly, the conversation took another intriguing turn when the interviewer pointed out that Cavill’s character in his latest film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, has been speculated to have inspired Ian Fleming’s original Bond novels. Cavill’s character, Gus March-Phillipps, is a real-life figure whose daring wartime exploits have often been compared to those of the fictional 007.

“Yeah, it seems like a good first step right?” Cavill quipped, acknowledging the parallel with a knowing smile.

While Cavill may not yet know if he’ll step into Bond’s shoes, his portrayal of a wartime hero who may have influenced the creation of James Bond adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing speculation. Whether or not Cavill becomes the next Bond, fans can certainly look forward to seeing him channel some Bond-like qualities in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

As for the future of James Bond, it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle. But one thing is certain: with Henry Cavill in the mix, the conversation around who will be the next 007 continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether Cavill is ultimately deemed “too old” or just right for the role, his contributions to the conversation ensure that his name will remain in the running, at least in the hearts of fans.