Why Netflix Should Bring Back Henry Cavill’s Spy Franchise

With Netflix now in pole position to snap up Warner Bros., despite Paramount’s efforts, there’s one Henry Cavill project that deserves to be front and centre for a revival. The film in question? Guy Ritchie’s stylish take on the classic spy caper, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., which many reckon could fill the gap left by James Bond’s uncertain future.

Henry Cavill’s Spy Turn: A Fresh Take on Espionage

Cavill’s name has been tossed around for years as a possible 007, but his performance in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. already ticks plenty of boxes for punters after a sharp, charismatic secret agent. The film, based on the 1964 MGM telly series, offers a modern spin on the genre, and with the next Bond still up in the air, it’s a prime time for Netflix to invest in a sequel and pitch it as a worthy alternative.

Since Daniel Craig hung up his tux, there’s been no word on who’ll take over as Bond. That leaves a big opening for a new franchise to step in. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. could be just the ticket, especially with Cavill’s popularity showing no signs of slowing down. A Netflix reboot could give the story a fresh coat of paint and deliver a globe-trotting spy universe that’s both stylish and packed with action.

Box Office Blues, Streaming Success

The original film, released in 2015 and directed by Guy Ritchie, saw Cavill as CIA agent Napoleon Solo, teaming up with Armie Hammer’s Illya Kuryakin and Alicia Vikander’s Gaby Teller for a Cold War-era adventure. While it didn’t exactly set the box office alight—pulling in about $110 million worldwide on a $75 million budget—it’s found a second wind on streaming platforms.

Modern audiences have rediscovered the film online, and its sleeper success suggests it doesn’t need to follow the old Hollywood playbook to thrive. Netflix could easily tap into this renewed interest, pairing Cavill with new faces or even bringing Ritchie back for a series. It’s a chance to offer something different to Bond, and with the current lack of big-name spy flicks, the timing couldn’t be better.

Where to Watch and What’s Next

For those keen to catch up, the film has bounced between streaming services in the US. As of October 2025, it’s landed on Amazon Prime Video, after a solid run on Netflix where it was one of the platform’s more popular action titles. The shift in streaming rights just goes to show how competitive the landscape has become.

This is why Netflix’s possible control over Warner Bros. properties could be a game-changer. If the streaming giant secures the rights, it could position The Man From U.N.C.L.E. alongside its other action heavyweights, giving the franchise a real shot at a comeback. With Cavill’s star power and a fresh approach, there’s every reason to believe the film could finally get the sequel it deserves.