The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is one of Guy Ritchie’s best movies, but with fans still asking for a sequel, the franchise should be taking another approach. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is based on the spy TV show from the 1960s, with the movie taking place in the same era, starring Henry Cavill as suave CIA Agent Napoleon Solo.

Although the movie received solid reviews, scoring 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, it underperformed at the box office, grossing only $110 million on an $80 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). Though there were hopes of launching a spy franchise from the movie, the box office led to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. sequel stalling, with little hope of it ever happening.

Since then, the movie has grown in popularity, being called an underappreciated spy thriller that deserved more attention. There are still optimistic fans waiting for Cavill’s Solo to return in a new cinematic adventure. However, there is a much more suitable avenue for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. to continue, and it is not on the big screen.

Guy Richie Should Revisit The Man From U.N.C.L.E. – But As A TV Show

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Could Return To The Small Screen With Ritchie And Cavill Returning

Instead of trying to make The Man From U.N.C.L.E. sequel movie work, the franchise should return to its roots with Ritchie continuing the story as a television series. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.‘s long development proved the difficulty in adapting the show to a movie, but Ritchie’s version showed the right way to do it.

By maintaining the 1960s setting of the show, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. had a throwback vibe that worked perfectly. Now, a series can use that blueprint to bring the show back, with Ritchie back at the helm and Henry Cavill returning as Napoleon Solo. The same action and sense of humor can be kept intact and still work for TV.

Ritchie is doing some of his best work on television right now. He spearheaded the crime series MobLand, which is one of the most popular new shows of 2025. He also already had success spinning off one of his movies into a show with The Gentlemen. This move could give The Man From U.N.C.L.E. the chance it deserves to continue.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Continuing On TV Can Give Henry Cavill The James Bond Role He Deserves

Napoleon Solo Could Be Cavill’s Iconic Spy Character

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. being able to find a new life on television would be a nice redemption for Ritchie, but many felt Henry Cavill deserved better with the movie’s disappointing reception. Cavill was in the midst of his Superman role at the time, but Napoleon Solo allowed him to play a funny, charming, and very different hero.

There was a sense among fans of the movie that The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was the perfect audition tape for Cavill to play James Bond, a role he missed out on previously when Daniel Craig was cast. However, were The Man From U.N.C.L.E. to continue on television with Cavill back as Solo, the actor wouldn’t need Bond.

Continuing on with the role would give Cavill the cool and Sєxy spy genre he has been looking for. While not as iconic as 007, Solo is a terrific character for Cavill to play for years to come, with each season of the show focusing on a new mission to save the world while being effortlessly charming.