James Bond: Liam Neeson turned down 007 several times, and the reason is delicious

While speculation continues as to who will replace Daniel Craig in his impeccable Agent 007 suit, at least we know it won’t be Liam Neeson. More precisely, the actor refused the role of James Bond.

In a recent interview with the magazine Rolling StoneWhile he’s filming his new film, Marlowe, the actor reveals that he was approached several times by producer Barbara Broccoli for the secret agent role in the 1990s.

Neeson, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1994 for his performance in Schindler’s List, turned down one of his most iconic roles. Reason ? He loves his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, who died in 2009.

“I know Broccoli. They were looking for some actors at the time. Schindler’s List had just come out and Barbara called me a couple of times to ask if I was interested. I said, ‘Yes, I would!’

My dear wife, may her soul rest in peace, told me while shooting the film slow : “Liam, I warn you: if you play James Bond, there will be no marriage between us!”

On the set of Nellie, the actor teased his future wife about it. “Standing behind him, fingering the pistol and humming the James Bond theme music. I loved doing that!”

He adds: “He gave me a James Bondesque ultimatum. And he was serious! I mean, there are all these beautiful women from all over the world who walk in and get out of bed. His decision hinged on that!”