Foreigner star Sam Heughan reflects on his failed audition for the role of James Bond, revealing why he lost the role of the iconic spy to Daniel Craig. Heughan portrayed Highland warrior Jamie Fraser in the landmark Starz drama that aired in 2014. Craig starred in No time to die in 2021, the 25th entry in the franchise that marked the actor’s last appearance as the character 15 years after his 2006 debut Casino royale.
First appearing in ForeignerIn the premiere episode in August 2014, Heughan has portrayed Clan Fraser of Lovat’s Highland warrior Jamie across the six seasons currently released. From an encounter with Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a WWII nurse who was driven out of time at the standing stones of the hill of Craigh na Dun as he battles English forces in 18th-century Scotland, to the couple in love as they travel the world, the actor has earned praise and nominations for his take on the character from Diana Gabaldon’s novels. And as Heughan returns for… Foreigner season 7, the actor recently explained how he was turned down after auditioning for another iconic lead when he auditioned to play James Bond.
As reported by VarietyHeughan remembered his audition for Casino royale until Weekly entertainment, discuss his first audition with director Martin Campbell and producer Barbara Broccoli. While Heughan was ultimately turned down for the role that would eventually be played by Craig, Foreigner star revealed he wasn’t chosen because he wasn’t”edgy enough by naturein the eyes of the director and producer to portray their new take on James Bond. Watch Heughan’s full recollection below:
We talked a little bit about Scotland and about Bond, read the scene once and then I left. It all happened so fast, the sweat under my leather jacket was just beginning to form. It was all so cool and topped off by the fact that Barbara was charming and delightful. As I left, I half wondered if I was about to be tested with a chase home.
However, when I heard that the role had gone elsewhere, the feedback I got was that I was naturally not sharp enough. I’m always open to criticism so that I can improve myself as an actor, but the suggestion seemed to be that I was missing this quality in my real character. I couldn’t see what impact that would have on playing the part, but it wasn’t in my hands, and it was meant to be. It wasn’t about becoming a bad boy, I realized that the edge the Bond team sought could be achieved through confidence, which I was definitely lacking at the time, to be honest.
Could Sam Heughan play James Bond in the future?
Now that Craig has left the role of James Bond in No time to dieBroccoli and the other producers behind the bond franchise are looking for a new actor to take on the role of 007. With producers ruling out casting a younger Bond, and popular potential viewer picks for Bond actors including Idris Elba keeping himself out of the running, it might be a perfect time for Heughan to audition for the part of Ian one more time. Fleming’s gentleman spy. During his time as Jamie in Foreigner, Heughan has proven to be able to capture the charming, heroic qualities that Bond’s film versions have become known for, such as his witticisms and flirtatious nature. Producers may also strive to differentiate the next version of the spy from Craig’s grounded view, meaning Heughan’s lack of sharpness that cost him the original audition may not be a deciding factor. However, the franchise’s producers expect a long-term commitment from the next Bond actor, and with the actor currently involved in Foreignerit can be difficult to balance both roles.
For many, Craig’s take on James Bond was a welcome shake-up in the franchise, despite early controversies over his casting, with his more human and vulnerable side becoming one of the most celebrated aspects of his portrayal. As such, many viewers of both the bond franchise and Foreigner may wonder how Heughan’s portrayal has shaped the modern perception of the character. And while Heughan may have lost the part to Craig because he didn’t “sharp enough“, his acclaimed tenure on Foreigner has more than proven his ability to captivate audiences while leading a successful series.
Source: Variety
