Michael Fassbender auditioned for James Bond but recommended Daniel Craig for role
Michael Fassbender has revealed he once auditioned for the coveted role of James Bond, but ended up recommending Daniel Craig during the process, who then went on to assume the part of 007 for some 15 years afterwards.
Fassbender admitted his blunder when appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, explaining that he put Craig’s name forward during his own audition for 2008’s Casino Royale.
He said: “I met with Barbara Broccoli just, you know, through passing and I actually went into an audition phase before Daniel [Craig] was cast, but I don’t think I was ever in the mix.”
The Irish actor added: “But I remember going into that room and meeting with her and [Michael G.] Wilson and I think I was like, ‘Daniel Craig is…’ I don’t know why I was promoting him. I should have been promoting myself.”
Reflecting back on the role that slipped through his fingers, Fassbender continued: “This is what I was saying. I was terrible at auditions. Obviously Daniel did a fantastic job and went on to be, I think, the most successful Bond in history. But that was it really, there was never a conversation after that.”
Fassbender’s confession comes after he touted Regé-Jean Page, his co-star in the new movie Black Bag, to take over the role now the search for a new Bond rumbles on. He said of the former Bridgerton actor: “Well, I think Regé-Jean Page could be a frontrunner after this, to be honest. I think he’s fantastic. He’s got all the attributes. So, let’s wait and see.”
James Bond was bought over from the Broccoli family by Amazon MGM Studios in February, heralding a new era for the world’s most famous spy.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.