007: 5 actors who almost were James Bond in the movies

The opinion of Pierce Brosnan about who should be the next James Bond in the franchise 007 reignited the debate that, at least once every decade, moves moviegoers of all ages. No wonder: he was one of the most memorable incarnations of the secret agent, for four films and six years, from 1995 to 2002.

Now, with the conclusion of the participation of Daniel Craig In the franchise, eyes turn to who should take on the role in the next Bond films. The choice is difficult, based on the many options of actors who have already been considered for the role. Below, we list five names that came very close, but ended up not being chosen:

Liam Neeson

In the early 1990s, Liam Neeson received industry prestige for his participation in Schindler’s List. His attention had caught the attention of producers of 007who approached him to offer him the role – which he considered, but ended up refusing for an unusual reason: an ultimatum.

According to Neeson (via Cinema Observatory), he was banned by then-fiancée Natasha Richardson from taking on the role: “My lovely wife, God rest her soul, said to me: ‘Liam, I want to tell you something: if you play James Bond, we’re not getting married’” Wisely, the actor ended up giving up the role, which would end up in the hands of Pierce Brosnan in the following films.

Christian Bale

Owner of iconic roles such as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho and Bruce Wayne in the trilogy Batman in Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale came very close to assuming James Bond’s tuxedo. So close, in fact, that the role would be his if he asked. At least that’s what the producer revealed Barbara Broccoli (via Far Out), who says that the opportunity was extended to him at the time of 007 – The World is Not Enough, Pierce Brosnan’s penultimate film as the secret agent. However, the opportunity would end up being received with apathy by the actor.

According to Broccoli, Bale expressed that James Bond would represent “every despicable stereotype about England and English actors”.

Hugh Jackman

Pierce Brosnan’s departure from the 007 franchise has shaken up yet another strong name in the industry. Hugh Jackmanwho gained notoriety for playing Wolverine – another notorious bad boy – in X-Men, even advanced in negotiations to take on the role. However, the commitment to the franchise’s film series raised concerns for the actor, who ended up losing the role to Daniel Craig. To the IndieWirehe revealed:

“I thought ‘if I do this and Wolverine, I won’t have time for anything else’. I clearly find it more interesting to play people who break that mold.”

Henry Cavill

Not even physical size or success as Super man were enough to give Henry Cavill something essential to the James Bond interpreter: time. Considered to replace Pierce Brosnan in the role of the secret agent, he was considered too young at the time. He ended up losing the chance to Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. Now, with Craig’s retirement, Cavill was once again considered for the role, but ended up being discarded, also due to his age.

This is because, even though he is only 40 years old, the expectation would be that the actor, by committing to three or four films in the franchise, could end up surpassing the character’s expected age at the end of his participation (via ScreenRant).

David Tennant

Actor in series such as Doctor Who It is Jessica Jones, David Tennant revealed how he was almost cast as James Bond instead of Daniel Craig in 007 – Casino Royale (2006). However, the actor found out about it recently.

During participation in the podcast Acting For Others, the artist explained how he had no idea he was being scouted at the time – so they asked if he was really in the running for the role. “I never believed so until I recently worked with a director who worked with the Broccolis [produtores da franquia] and said, ‘Yes, you were on the list at that time.'” Despite this, Tennant admitted that he did not negotiate his participation in the series: “I don’t think I was ever very close to the top.”