Henry Cavill is one of the front runners in the line-up to be the new James Bond. But if he gets the part people will need to get used to having his constant companion on the set.
The British actor, who starred in Superman and Men of Steel, has a unique bond with his American Akita Kal and it sees the pair almost inseparable. For Kal is an assistance dog that the star says has saved his mental health many times.
He told of how close they were in an appearance on Lorraine in 2021 when he was accompanied by Kal. When asked by Lorraine if Kal was his best friend in the whole world. He said: “He is, he really is. We go everywhere together.
“He is eight now and he has saved my emotional, psychological, bacon plenty of times.” The ITV presenter asked: “Really? How lovely, that he’s that important to you.”
“He is that important to me,” Henry agreed. “We have an incredibly close bond.”
Kal has travelled with Henry to the sets of many of his shows, including his DC blockbusters and Netflix’s The Witcher. And in 2015 Kal was seen with the star arriving at the airport sporting a vest saying: “Working. Do not pet. Emotional Support Dog”. Under US Department of Transportation rules passengers are allowed to take their dogs on flights if they have a doctor’s letter stating the animal “is necessary to their mental health or treatment”.
The star has previously told of the close bond with Kal in social media posts. Writing on Facebook he posted a picture of the Akita saying: “For those who do not know, this is Kal, my dog.
“He’s been the guardian of my soul for 8+ years now. He is beyond compare. He’s an American Akita and has travelled the world with me without a peep of complaint.
“Always watching, often quiet, but with a bark that can make the saucepans ring! It’s Friday… so, cheers to Kal!”
In another post he described Kal as “part dog, part bear, part pig and all soul”. He added: “For those who don’t know, this is Kal, he is an American Akita and he is an absolute gem.
“I’ve had him since he was 10 weeks old and we have been through thick and thin together. We actually spend so much time together, I’m not sure who imitates who anymore! And I’m pretty sure he’d be a strong contender for the world record for converting dog haters, takers or leavers, and fearers into dog lovers.”
Cavill, along with Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is one of the hot favourites to take on the role of James Bond after Daniel Craig quit the role following No Time to Die in 2021. The announcement of who will be the successor in the next film – the 26th – is expected in 2025.