Actors Who Almost Played James Bond (Ranked)

The part of James Bond is famously sought after, attracting many of the biggest names in acting. Throughout the years, several actors have been seriously considered for the role, but ultimately didn’t get the part for a variety of reasons – some were too inexperienced, while others had existing commitments to TV shows or other films. This list looks at the many talented actors who almost became 007 before the producers made their final choices.

Peter Snow

Peter Snow, a journalist and broadcaster, once auditioned to be the next James Bond in the late 1960s. Film producers were searching for a new actor to take over from Sean Connery and were considering people without a lot of acting experience. Ultimately, Snow chose to continue his career in journalism and became a familiar face on British television, known for his coverage of elections and historical documentaries.

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington was a strong contender for the role of James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’ back in the mid-2000s. He even did a lengthy screen test, wearing a tuxedo and acting out a scene from an older Bond film. Though the producers liked his athletic build, they ultimately chose Daniel Craig. Worthington later achieved worldwide fame with roles in ‘Avatar’ and ‘Clash of the Titans’.

Julian McMahon

When the James Bond franchise needed a new 007 after Pierce Brosnan, Julian McMahon was a strong contender. He was known for his role in ‘Nip Tuck’ and impressed in auditions with a cool, yet dangerous, presence. The producers wanted an actor who could balance toughness with refinement, and they looked at several actors from around the world. Ultimately, he wasn’t selected, but he continued to find success in American television dramas.

John Gavin

After George Lazenby left the James Bond franchise, John Gavin was officially contracted to play 007 in ‘Diamonds Are Forever.’ But the studio head really wanted Sean Connery back, and offered him a huge salary to return. Gavin was paid for his work, but never filmed any scenes. He later moved into politics, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico during the 1980s.

Sam Heughan

Sam Heughan tried out for the role of James Bond in his twenties, during the casting process for ‘Casino Royale’. He’s talked about the audition, saying it was both intimidating and thrilling as a young actor. Though he didn’t get the part then, he later achieved international fame starring in ‘Outlander’. Fans still often suggest him as a potential Bond in online discussions about who should play the role next.

Dougray Scott

Dougray Scott was a strong contender to become James Bond before Daniel Craig ultimately got the part. Many involved in the film admired his strong, classic look and thought he’d be perfect for a new take on the character. However, issues with filming schedules and differing creative visions led to him being removed from consideration. Since then, Scott has had a successful acting career, notably appearing in ‘Mission Impossible 2’ and several TV shows.

James Brolin

James Brolin came incredibly close to becoming James Bond. He even relocated to London and started preparations for the film ‘Octopussy’ after Roger Moore wasn’t sure if he wanted to return for another movie. Brolin did several screen tests and was prepared to start filming, but at the very last moment, Moore agreed to reprise his role. This meant Brolin was no longer needed, making it a well-known example of an actor being cast as Bond but never actually appearing in the film.

Henry Golding

After gaining fame in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, Henry Golding was widely discussed as a potential James Bond. Many people, including critics and fans, loved his effortless charm and how good he looked in a suit. Golding has acknowledged the rumors, saying he respects the Bond franchise and its importance. Although no one has been officially cast yet, he’s still a strong contender in the discussions about who will play 007 next.

Theo James

Theo James is often talked about as a likely choice to play the next James Bond. He’s proven he can lead action-packed movies with charm, as seen in films like ‘The Gentlemen’ and the ‘Divergent’ series. He has the classic Bond look and can portray both the toughness and sophistication the role requires. Many fans believe his strong on-screen presence makes him a perfect fit for the part.

James Norton

I really think James Norton could be the next Bond! Everyone in the betting world and within the industry seems to agree he’s a frontrunner. I’ve been so impressed with his performances in shows like ‘McMafia’ and ‘Happy Valley’ – he’s brilliant at playing those complicated characters in high-stakes situations. Plus, he just has that classic British charm that feels right for Bond. He’s been really gracious about all the speculation, and he’s consistently taking on interesting and varied roles, which is great to see.

Jack Lowden

Okay, so I’ve been following the next James Bond chatter, and Jack Lowden is seriously gaining momentum, in my opinion. He really impressed me in ‘Dunkirk’ and especially ‘Slow Horses’ – he just feels like a smart, capable intelligence officer, which is exactly what you need for Bond. He’s got that perfect blend of youthful energy and serious acting chops to really make the role his own and usher in a fresh take on the character. I’ve heard the producers are definitely watching him closely as they think about the future of the franchise, and honestly, I can see why. He’s a strong contender!

Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page quickly became famous and a popular choice to play James Bond after appearing in the successful series ‘Bridgerton’. His charming and polished performance made many think he’d be ideal for the role of the modern 007. Since then, he’s shown his range as an action star in films like ‘The Gray Man’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, and he’s still frequently mentioned whenever people talk about who should be the next Bond.

Jamie Dornan

Since becoming well-known through roles in ‘Fifty Shades’ and ‘The Fall’, Jamie Dornan has often been discussed as a potential James Bond. He’s shown he can convincingly portray characters who are both enigmatic and complex, and he clearly has the looks and acting skills needed for such a famous series. His performance in ‘Belfast’ proved his versatility and broad appeal to viewers around the world.

Richard Madden

Richard Madden became a popular choice to play James Bond after his lead role in the hit series ‘Bodyguard’. His portrayal of a strong, capable bodyguard showed he could easily handle the physical demands of a spy role. He possesses the tough, charismatic qualities that audiences now expect from the character. Despite working on major projects like ‘Eternals’ and ‘Citadel’, speculation about him becoming 007 continues.

Dominic West

Dominic West was a strong contender for the role in ‘Casino Royale,’ and the filmmakers considered him for a more sophisticated take on James Bond. His acclaimed work in ‘The Wire’ added weight to his audition. He later playfully admitted he might not have been physically suited for the part. Since then, West has become known for portraying famous historical figures, notably in the series ‘The Crown’.

Damian Lewis

For years, many fans thought Damian Lewis would be a great James Bond after Daniel Craig retired. His roles in shows like ‘Homeland’ and ‘Billions’ proved he could convincingly play smart, strategic characters. Lewis has a unique appearance and a strong screen presence, which would have brought a fresh perspective to the iconic role. Though he wasn’t chosen, he’s still highly regarded as a potential Bond actor.

Gerard Butler

Around the time James Bond producers were looking for a new actor after Pierce Brosnan, Gerard Butler was a strong contender. His rising popularity in action movies made him a good fit for a more powerful, physically strong Bond. While he didn’t get the role, he later starred in successful action series like ‘Has Fallen.’ People often see a connection between Butler and the character, likely because of his Scottish background and tough, masculine image on screen.

Christopher Lambert

Christopher Lambert was a strong candidate to play James Bond in the mid-1980s. His popularity after starring in ‘Highlander’ and his naturally enigmatic presence made him a good fit for the role of a secret agent. However, producers ultimately chose Timothy Dalton, believing he would bring a more serious and sophisticated feel to the films. Lambert remained a successful actor in both Europe and America for many years after.

Sam Neill

Sam Neill famously tried out to be James Bond in the 1980s, even filming a complete screen test dressed in a tuxedo. Fans consider the test to be excellent, showcasing his natural charisma as the iconic spy. While director John Glen was reportedly very impressed, producer Cubby Broccoli wasn’t fully convinced. Neill went on to achieve huge success in ‘Jurassic Park’ and has maintained a remarkably steady career in Hollywood ever since.

Sean Bean

Sean Bean almost became James Bond before Timothy Dalton got the part in ‘The Living Daylights’. The producers were so impressed with him that they later cast him as the villain, Alec Trevelyan, in ‘GoldenEye’. This makes Bean unique – he’s one of the few actors who’s been considered for 007 and also played a major Bond villain. He’s also known for unforgettable roles in popular series like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Game of Thrones’.

Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult has successfully moved from being a young actor to a prominent leading man, and is often mentioned as a possible future James Bond. He’s proven his talent in roles like those in the ‘X-Men’ films and ‘The Great,’ demonstrating he can handle both action-packed scenes and complex conversations. With his height and classic good looks, he fits the traditional image of 007. Because he’s a skilled actor with international recognition, he’s still a top contender for the next Bond film.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel is a popular choice to be the next James Bond, with many believing he would bring a new and modern feel to the series. Since first appearing in ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ he’s become a strong and versatile actor, demonstrated by his dedication to physically transforming for roles in films like ‘Lion’ and ‘Monkey Man.’ His potential casting shows a desire for the Bond franchise to be more diverse and relevant to today’s audiences. Patel has proven he has both the charm and acting ability to lead a major film series.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is being discussed as a possible choice for the next James Bond. He’s earned critical acclaim for his work in films like ‘Sound of Metal’ and ‘The Night Of,’ proving he’s one of today’s most gifted actors. Ahmed brings a powerful presence and a contemporary feel to his roles, which could bring a fresh perspective to the Bond character. He’s also spoken about wanting to play characters that break from typical molds and offer more nuanced stories.

Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal quickly became a highly sought-after actor after his success in ‘Normal People’. He’s proven his range with roles in both the deeply emotional ‘Aftersun’ and the large-scale action film ‘Gladiator II’. Mescal possesses a rare combination of maturity and leading-man charisma, making him a favorite among producers looking to revitalize a franchise. Currently, he’s one of the youngest actors often mentioned as a potential future James Bond.

Austin Butler

After his critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis, Austin Butler became a strong contender to play James Bond. He possesses the traditional good looks and committed acting style the role demands. His recent work in ‘Masters of the Air’ showcased his ability to convincingly play a brave and focused leader under pressure. Many believe Butler could restore a classic, glamorous feel to the Bond franchise.

Orlando Bloom

During the initial planning for ‘Casino Royale’, Orlando Bloom was a potential candidate to play James Bond. He was a major star at the time, known for his roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. The filmmakers wanted an actor who could show a more youthful and sensitive side to the iconic character. Although Bloom wasn’t ultimately chosen, he continued to be a leading actor in popular films for years to come.

Rex Harrison

Before the James Bond films began in 1962, Rex Harrison was a top contender for the role. He was known for his elegant and upper-class style, which seemed perfect for the character Ian Fleming had created. Ultimately, the filmmakers chose an actor who was younger and better suited for the action-packed scenes. Harrison later achieved great success, winning an Oscar for his iconic performance in ‘My Fair Lady’.

Oliver Reed

In the late 1960s, Oliver Reed was a strong contender to take over the role of James Bond when Sean Connery considered leaving. He had a powerful, rugged presence that would have brought a more intense and forceful edge to the character. However, his well-known rebellious lifestyle and unpredictable personality gave the filmmakers pause. Despite this, Reed remained a hugely popular actor, known for memorable roles in films like ‘The Three Musketeers’ and ‘Gladiator’.

Michael Gambon

Michael Gambon famously auditioned for James Bond, but he playfully told the producers he didn’t quite fit the typical action hero look – specifically, he didn’t have the muscular build they might have expected. Although they were impressed with his acting skills, the role eventually went to George Lazenby. Gambon later became a celebrated actor, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films and on stage.

Ewan McGregor

In the early 2000s, Ewan McGregor was considered as the next James Bond. However, he declined the opportunity, worried that taking on such a famous role would limit his career. He’d already become well-known for his part in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels and didn’t want to commit to another large franchise right away. Since then, McGregor has built a successful and varied career, earning a reputation as a highly respected actor.

Clive Owen

For years, Clive Owen was a popular choice among fans to become the next James Bond, especially after his role in ‘Croupier’. Many believed he had the ideal mix of coolness and charisma that the Bond films needed. Although there was a lot of talk and he seemed perfectly suited for the part, Owen never actually became Bond. He continued to work on other highly praised films like ‘Children of Men’ and ‘Inside Man’ instead.

Ralph Fiennes

In the early 1990s, Ralph Fiennes interviewed to become the next James Bond for ‘GoldenEye’. Although the producers were impressed, they ultimately decided he might not be right for the role’s intense physicality. Years later, Fiennes joined the Bond films as M, starting with ‘Skyfall’. This gave him a significant role in the Bond world without requiring him to be the action hero.

Liam Neeson

In the mid-1990s, Liam Neeson was considered for the role of James Bond before Pierce Brosnan got the part. He’s shared that his wife, Natasha Richardson, didn’t want him to take the job, and even said she wouldn’t marry him if he did. Neeson chose his family life and turned down the opportunity. He later became a popular action movie star, especially after the huge success of the film ‘Taken’.

Hugh Jackman

When the James Bond producers were looking for a new 007 around the time Daniel Craig was in the running, they reached out to Hugh Jackman. However, Jackman was already fully committed to his role as Wolverine in the ‘X-Men’ movies and didn’t think he could handle being the lead in two big franchises simultaneously. He also believed the Bond scripts were becoming overly flashy and wanted the films to feel more realistic. Jackman has said he doesn’t regret his decision and thinks Daniel Craig did a fantastic job as Bond.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender was seriously considered to play James Bond when the franchise was being rebooted. His powerful performance in ‘300’ and ‘Inglourious Basterds’ demonstrated his ability to lead an action-packed thriller, and he possessed the cool, composed personality often seen in the Bond character. Although he wasn’t chosen for the role, Fassbender went on to become a successful actor in both smaller, independent films and large-scale blockbusters.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill nearly landed the role of James Bond in ‘Casino Royale,’ losing out to Daniel Craig because he was considered too young at the time. Director Martin Campbell later praised Cavill’s impressive screen test and performance. Since then, Cavill has demonstrated his talent for action and espionage in films like ‘The Man from UNCLE’ and ‘Mission Impossible Fallout,’ making him a consistently popular choice among fans to become the next Bond.

Tom Hiddleston

After receiving praise for his work in the spy drama ‘The Night Manager’, Tom Hiddleston quickly became a top contender to play James Bond. Many believed he was the perfect fit, as he convincingly portrayed a smooth and skilled undercover operative. Hiddleston possesses the traditional British upbringing and refined charisma that have long been associated with the Bond character. Despite the widespread speculation, he’s remained dedicated to his popular role as Loki and continued to take on a variety of other acting projects.

James Mason

James Mason was seriously considered to play James Bond in the first movie, ‘Dr. No’. He was a well-known actor with a great voice and a strong presence – qualities that would have made him a perfect Bond. However, Mason would only commit to two films, while the filmmakers were hoping to find someone willing to star in many movies and create a long-running series. Because of this disagreement about the length of the contract, they ultimately chose a less famous actor, Sean Connery.

Mel Gibson

In the 1980s, Mel Gibson was a strong contender to play James Bond. He was a hugely popular actor, known for his combination of wit and dramatic power. However, producer Albert Broccoli decided against casting an American in the role, believing James Bond should always be portrayed by a British actor. Gibson later found great success as an actor and won an Academy Award for directing.

Patrick McGoohan

Patrick McGoohan famously turned down the role of James Bond twice. He didn’t agree with the character’s violent actions or treatment of women, as he had strong personal principles. Instead, he created and starred in the highly regarded series ‘The Prisoner,’ which explored themes of spying and what it means to be an individual. McGoohan is now known as one of the rare actors who chose to forgo becoming a worldwide star.

Burt Reynolds

After George Lazenby left the James Bond films after only one movie, Burt Reynolds was asked to take on the role. He famously declined, feeling an American actor shouldn’t play such a distinctly British character. Though he later said he wished he’d accepted, Reynolds maintained that Bond needed to be British. He then became a major movie star and a box office success in the late 1970s.

Richard Burton

Richard Burton was a strong contender to play the iconic spy when the first James Bond films were being planned in the late 1950s. A highly respected and commanding actor of both stage and screen, Burton requested a salary that was too high for the film’s initial budget. He continued to focus on serious, acclaimed roles and ultimately became one of the most celebrated actors of his time.

Clint Eastwood

In the late 1960s, after Sean Connery stepped down as James Bond, Clint Eastwood was considered for the role. However, he turned it down, believing a British actor would be more fitting for the part. Eastwood was already a well-known western star and was starting to focus on directing. Because of his decision, the producers continued looking for an actor from the United Kingdom or another Commonwealth country.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is often mentioned as a potential James Bond, more so than almost any other actor. His role in ‘Luther’ demonstrated his ability to convincingly portray a smart, strong, and capable detective. While the media frequently speculates about him taking on the role, Elba has generally downplayed the rumors, but appreciates being considered. He continues to be a popular choice among fans and represents an exciting direction for the character.

Cary Grant

In the early 1960s, Albert Broccoli, the producer of the first James Bond film, ‘Dr. No,’ initially wanted Cary Grant to play the iconic spy. The two were close friends—Grant was even Broccoli’s best man at his wedding. However, Grant turned down the role, believing he was too old to commit to a long-running film series. He also favored working on individual films instead of being associated with one character for an extended period.

Christian Bale

Before Daniel Craig became James Bond, Christian Bale was considered for the role. Bale, famous for his dedication to his craft and dramatic physical changes, would have played the character in a unique way. However, it seems he wasn’t interested at the time, as he was committed to filming the Batman movies. Since then, he’s become known for playing a wide variety of roles and winning numerous awards.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is often mentioned as a strong candidate to become the next James Bond. He has a naturally tough and captivating presence, and he’s proven in films like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Inception’ that he can carry a big action movie. Many believe he has the right look and mysterious vibe for a more realistic and intense Bond, and fans are excited about the possibility of him taking on the role.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy has often been suggested as a great fit for James Bond, particularly after his popular role in ‘Peaky Blinders’. He excels at playing strong, intelligent leaders, which suits the character of a spy. Now, with his Oscar win for ‘Oppenheimer’, he’s widely recognized as one of the best actors working today. Many think he could bring a fascinating level of psychological complexity to the role, staying true to the spirit of the original James Bond books.

Share your thoughts on which of these actors would have made the best James Bond in the comments.

2025-12-29 21:50