Despite setbacks in his attempts to launch enduring franchises, Henry Cavill’s recent film Argylle has unexpectedly surged in popularity on streaming platforms as of 2024. Though critics largely dismissed the movie, the action thriller is now climbing the ranks on Apple TV+, showcasing Cavill’s appeal beyond his familiar superhero roles while raising questions about his future with iconic franchises like James Bond.
Known for characters such as Superman and Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, Cavill has faced difficulties sustaining franchise success. Argylle, however, breaks this pattern by gaining strong viewer attention, illustrating the unpredictable nature of streaming hits amid mixed critical reception.
The Ambitious Spy Story Behind Argylle and Its Star-Studded Cast
Argylle, directed and produced by Matthew Vaughn—famous for his work on the Kingsman series—features Cavill as a charismatic super-spy. The film includes an ensemble cast with notable names like Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa, and Catherine O’Hara, who collectively contribute to the film’s dynamic scope.
The plot revolves around Elly Conway, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, a reclusive author whose popular espionage novels eerily mimic the actions of a real spy syndicate. As her fictional world collides with reality, Elly and her companion Aiden, a cat-allergic spy played by Sam Rockwell, are forced into a globe-trotting race to survive and uncover the truth. This blend of thriller, comedy, and espionage has resonated with streaming audiences despite critical skepticism.
“Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World franchise) is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly’s fictional books—which center on secret agent Argylle and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate—begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past. Accompanied by Aiden (Oscar® winner Sam Rockwell), a cat-allergic spy, Elly (carrying Alfie in her backpack) races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killers as the line between Elly’s fictional world and her real one begins to blur.” —Bryce Dallas Howard
Argylle’s Streaming Rise and Box Office Challenges
Though Argylle garnered a mere 33% rating from critics, its reception among viewers was more favorable, evidenced by a 70% audience score on Popcornmeter. These mixed reviews, however, did little to improve the film’s box office performance, as it grossed only $96.2 million worldwide against an estimated $200 million budget.
Despite this commercial shortfall, Argylle has become a streaming sensation, ranking #6 on Apple TV+’s Top 10 list alongside titles such as Chris Evans and Ana de Armas’ Ghosted, the Matt Damon-led heist movie The Instigators, and Guy Ritchie’s Fountain of Youth, which currently holds the top spot. This unexpected success on digital platforms highlights shifting viewer trends and the complex dynamics between theatrical and streaming performances.
Uncertain Future for Henry Cavill as Potential Next James Bond
Henry Cavill’s involvement in Argylle has led him to question whether the role might hinder his chances of joining the James Bond legacy. After portraying a spy in 2015’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and recently leading Argylle, Cavill’s path to 007 seems more complicated given the latest film’s reception.
Matthew Vaughn had previously expressed optimism about developing Argylle into a franchise, envisioning a prequel exploring how Argylle became a spy and a sequel featuring a young version of the character, potentially played by Cavill himself. Vaughn explained,
“Book one is about: how did Argylle become a spy? That will be the next film,”
“And then Argylle 2 is – I don’t want to give it all away, but there’s the young Argylle, and that becomes Henry, because Henry loves the idea of doing a proper Argylle movie as well.”
Despite these ambitions, the combination of critical disapproval and financial losses casts doubt on the franchise‘s continuation. This outcome may further complicate Cavill’s career ambitions, especially regarding his pursuit of one of cinema’s most iconic roles.
Reflection on Henry Cavill’s Navigations Amid Franchise Challenges
Henry Cavill’s journey from beloved superhero to espionage lead has been marked by uncertainty, yet the unexpected streaming success of Argylle underscores his enduring appeal to audiences. While the film’s initial critical and box office struggles may stall franchise development and limit Cavill’s chances at roles like James Bond, the actor’s continued presence in major productions keeps him relevant in a highly competitive industry.
As streaming platforms increasingly dictate film success, Cavill’s Argylle experience highlights how traditional box office metrics may no longer capture an actor’s full cultural impact. The evolving landscape presents both obstacles and opportunities for Cavill as he seeks to secure his place among cinema’s leading action stars.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How old was Tara King when she dated Henry Cavill? King was 18 years old when she and Cavill first began dating and was 19 by the time they split in May 2016.
A. Did Henry Cavill date someone who was 18 years old?
Q. What religion is Henry Cavill?
A. Cavill was born on May 5, 1983, in Saint Helier, Jersey, which is part of the Channel Islands. He is the fourth of five brothers in a Catholic family. His mother, Marianne Dalgliesh, is from Jersey and has Scottish, English, and Irish roots. She worked as a bank secretary.
Q. Is Henry Cavill LGBT friendly?
A. Yes, he values and enjoys the support from his LGBTQ+ fans, as most actors do. That’s great for him!
Q. Who has a crush on Henry Cavill?
A. Tiffany Haddish admitted to having a big crush on Henry Cavill. However, after meeting him, she thought he seemed a bit awkward. She humorously remarked that she should discuss Dungeons & Dragons with him. Haddish found Cavill to be not as impressive as she had expected.
