The coveted role of James Bond probably would have gone to Henry Cavill in the early 2000s if Daniel Craig hadn’t also auditioned for it.

In a recent interview with Express UK, Golden Eye And Casino royale director Martin Campbell brought it up the audition process for the 2006 James Bond movie that introduced Craig’s 007. The role came down to a few actors, most notably Cavill, who was in his early twenties at the time.

“He looked great in the audition,” Campbell told the publication. “His acting was great. And look, if Daniel hadn’t existed, Henry would have been an excellent Bond. He looked great, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little bit young.”

While Cavill may have looked a little too young at the time, the actor is now 40 and the director believes he may still be able to play Bond. The Hollywood Reporter contacted Campbell representatives.

“By the time Daniel gets to (No time to die) he was really at an age where one more would have been too old for him,” he said. “Henry is 40 so by the time he’s done the third he’ll be 50 and everything after that is two, three years a Bond. He’s in good shape Henry, he’s a good guy.”

He explained that he was not in favor of Cavill at the time, but marveled at the way James Bond has been cast. He explained that eight or nine people – including the director, producers and casting director – sit around a table and vote on who should be the next super spy. They go through the finalists one by one and must discuss their choices until they all come to a unanimous decision.

In a previous cover story with The Hollywood Reporter, Cavill said he’s open to the possibility of taking on the iconic role now that Craig’s tenure as 007 is over.

“I think it would be really exciting to have a conversation with the producers,” said the actor. “In an ideal world, I would never have to reject anything. Nothing is off the table. It is an honor to be a part of that conversation.”