AceShowbiz - Henry Cavill is synonymous with the red cape of Superman, yet before this role catapulted him to Hollywood royalty, Cavill was a strong contender to play another iconic character: James Bond. Before Daniel Craig stepped into the shoes of 007, Cavill was in the running, a fact that has now been spotlighted by the recent surfacing of his audition tape.

The tape, uncovered 20 years later, shows a 22-year-old Cavill channeling Pierce Brosnan's Bond from "GoldenEye." Cavill delivers some of Bond's most iconic lines, including, "Bond, James Bond" and "Vodka martini, shaken not stirred," while cutting a laidback figure in a leather jacket.

Despite his "tremendous" audition, "Casino Royale" director Martin Campbell cited Cavill's young appearance as the deciding factor in favor of Craig. "If Daniel didn't exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond," Campbell said.

The resurfacing of this tape has sparked considerable debate among fans about Cavill's potential as the next Bond. While many feel he may not have been ready at the time, fans believe he's now more suited for the part.

While Bond producers haven't made any comment on the matter, Cavill himself said he might be "too old now or maybe not."

In the two decades since that audition, Cavill has carved out a stellar career, from his portrayal of Charles Brandon in "The Tudors" to his role as Sherlock Holmes in "Enola Holmes." His turn as Superman in "Man of Steel" earned him significant acclaim, a trajectory that has continued with his surprise role as The Cavillrine in "Deadpool & Wolverine," which grossed over $1.3 billion globally.

He is next set to star in Guy Ritchie's upcoming thriller "In the Grey" and highly-anticipated roles in a Warhammer 40,000 animated series, a live-action "Voltron" movie, and a "Highlander" reboot.

With Daniel Craig's memorable Bond era concluding with "No Time to Die," James Bond producers are in no rush to cast the next 007. Though names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson have been floated, the future of the storied franchise hangs in the balance, awaiting a suitable successor to Craig's legacy.

While Cavill missed out on Bond initially, his career has not suffered for it. If anything, this latest viral moment underscores his enduring appeal and leaves the door ajar for a potential return to the Bond conversation. Stay tuned, for Cavill's journey from Superman to a possible future 007 is one worth watching.