9 Actors Who Were Nearly Cast as James Bond

James Bond has been played by only a select few actors, but many more came remarkably close to landing the iconic role. Over the years, some of Hollywood’s biggest names were seriously considered to play 007. From last-minute casting changes to roles that slipped away, these near-misses offer a fascinating look at how different the Bond franchise could have been. Here’s a closer look at the actors who almost became the world’s most famous secret agent.

Henry Cavill

Once tipped as a frontrunner for the role of James Bond, Henry Cavill came remarkably close to landing the part. He was the second choice to play 007 in Casino Royale and, according to director Martin Campbell, would have landed the role, later admitting to Express UK that he felt that Cavill looked “too young” and that “if Daniel [Craig] didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond.”

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman had the opportunity to become James Bond in Casino Royale but passed on the role due to his commitments to the X-Men franchise, where he was already playing Wolverine, according to NME.

Dominic West

Dominic West was reportedly considered as a possible successor to play Bond. West actually auditioned for the part and afterward stated to the UK’s Daily Telegraph, “My audition went well, but I’ve since heard rumors that Pierce Brosnan got it. It’s old hat now, anyway, and besides, I’m enjoying working in the theatre,” per MI6-HQ.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson revealed that he was offered the chance to play James Bond after the success of Schindler’s List, but chose to turn it down. He later said his then-girlfriend, Natasha Richardson, told him she would not marry him if he accepted the role, prompting him to pass on the opportunity. The part ultimately went to Brosnan, as reported by Deadline.

Sam Heughan

Sam Heughan also auditioned for the role in Casino Royale. He later revealed that producers told him he “wasn’t edgy enough” for the part, according to Entertainment Weekly. Although he missed out on 007, Heughan went on to become an international star as Jamie Fraser in Outlander.

Sam Neill

After Roger Moore stepped down following 1985’s A View to a Kill, auditions began in earnest for the next Bond, and Sam Neill emerged as one of the leading contenders. According to Den of Geek, Neill was favored to star in The Living Daylights but had little interest in the role, later admitting, ” I wouldn’t have taken the role if they’d asked me to do it.”

James Brolin

James Brolin came close to becoming James Bond after completing extensive screen tests for Octopussy. According to MI6-HQ, he was set to take over as 007 until Moore decided to return for his sixth Bond film. Footage from Brolin’s audition can still be seen in the Octopussy DVD and Blu-ray special features.

Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys was among the actors who auditioned for Casino Royale. He later admitted the audition didn’t go as planned after joking that he would give Bond “a limp” and an “eye patch” when producers asked how he would make the character his own, according to The Independent. The role ultimately went to Daniel Craig, while Rhys went on to star in acclaimed series including The Americans, where he met his longtime girlfriend, Keri Russell.

Adam West

Adam West famous for his role as Batman, was considered to play Bond in Diamonds Are Forever after producer Albert R. Broccoli approached him about the role. West later recalled to Digital Spy that he turned down the offer because he believed 007 should be played by a British actor, saying, “I thought it should be an Englishman.”