Henry Cavill has been rumored to be the next James Bond, yet his 2024 action-comedy, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, suggests he might be unsuited for the role. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film presents an exaggerated version of a real World War II operation led by one of the earliest military commando units. Cavill plays Major Gus March-Phillipps, a charismatic leader whose team aims to disable the German U-boat fleet.

Although based on true events, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare diverges significantly from its historical source, the actual Operation Postmaster of WWII. The film amplifies the mission’s scope, the composition of March-Phillipps’ team, and the major’s personality, crafting an engaging action comedy. Guy Ritchie’s disregard for historical precision allows for a uniquely captivating film, propelled by Cavill’s wild interpretation of the genuine Gus March-Phillipps.

The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare Uses Henry Cavill Better Than Bond Could

Cavill gets to unleash a more fun, wild side

While Henry Cavill could certainly play the part of James Bond as a handsome and charming Englishman with action chops, a role like that wouldn’t use all of his talents. While the older Bond films bordered on cartoonish at times, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s runs as 007 have been far more grounded and serious, with limited comedy interwoven into the ongoing spy narrative. Cavill has proven that he’s capable of that (The Man From U.N.C.L.E. stands out in this regard), but it would not take advantage of how devilishly funny Cavill can be when he’s allowed to be.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare fully unleashes Cavill as the unprofessional and borderline maniacal Gus March-Phillipps, and the 41-year-old actor positively shines. While the ensemble cast around him is great, his upturned mustache and sharp-witted humor dominates the movie, and many reviews noted that Cavill should have had more screentime. As James Bond, Cavill simply wouldn’t have the opportunity to flex his comedy muscles, which would seem like a waste after seeing his performance in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Henry Cavill Still Secretly Plays James Bond In The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The real-life version of his character inspired Bond’s author

Ironically, Henry Cavill has, in a sense, already portrayed James Bond, though indirectly. In “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” Cavill plays Major Gus March-Phillipps, a WWII commando who was part of the real-life inspiration for Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond character. Freddie Fox portrays Fleming in the film, reflecting Fleming’s actual WWII role as a British Naval Intelligence Officer.

While it’s impossible to attribute James Bond to a single individual, Gus March-Phillipps significantly influenced the character’s creation. March-Phillipps’ codename “W01” might have even inspired Fleming’s “double-o” codenames in his fictional MI6. Following this line of thought, Henry Cavill has, in a way, taken on the role of James Bond, or at least a comedic action variant of the famed secret agent.

What Henry Cavill Has Said About Playing James Bond

The British actor remains open to it

Well before Daniel Craig took his final bow as 007 in Spectre, speculation swirled about whether Cavill would be the next choice to play the immortal secret agent. Cavill famously was one of the final few candidates to take the role before it eventually went to Daniel Craig, in fact. There are still plenty of arguments that support making Cavill the next Bond, although there are enough people who have poked holes in the casting, including Cavill himself. Cavill gave an honest response about his 007 casting prospects in a recent interview with Rich Eisen.

I have no idea. All I’ve got to go off is the rumors. The same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not. It’s up to Barbara Broccoli and Mike Wilson and we’ll see what their plans are.

Cavill makes a valid point, considering actors who take on the role of Bond are often committed to at least three films. At 41, Cavill might surpass 50 by the time he could complete a third Bond film, assuming production starts immediately. Although his age wouldn’t bar him from playing Bond, it may not be the most advantageous use of his talents. His performance in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare demonstrates that Cavill’s strengths lie in more diverse and comedic roles, rather than the somewhat singular character of James Bond.