10 Movie Actors Who Really Couldn't Handle Casting Rejections
5. Henry Cavill Got Called "Chubby" During His Casino Royale Audition (But Used It As Motivation)
As much as Henry Cavill might present himself as an unflappable pillar of suave confidence these days, as a younger actor his insecurities were prodded when he auditioned for the coveted role of James Bond in 2006's Casino Royale reboot.
Cavill, who was in his early twenties when the part was being cast, was asked to re-enact a scene from the second Bond film, From Russia With Love, in which Sean Connery's 007 appeared wearing only a towel.
In a recent interview, Cavill recalled the excruciating experience of having his physicality questioned by director Martin Campbell:
"I probably could have prepared better...I remember the director, Martin Campbell, saying, 'Looking a little chubby there, Henry.' I didn’t know how to train or diet.
I wasn’t ecstatic about not getting these things, but I was so used to disappointment from the acting business, and also from boarding school. 'No, you’re not good enough' - that wasn’t anything new to me."
Cavill added that he ultimately used Campbell's brutally honest comment as motivation to get in shape, which eventually led to him winning the role of Superman years later.
He added, "I'm glad Martin said something, because I respond well to truth. It helps me get better."