Let’s face it—playing James Bond is every actor’s ultimate Hollywood fantasy. The tuxedos, the gadgets, the foreign travel, the global fame—what’s not to adore? But for every thespian who got to utter “Bond, James Bond,” there’s a long roster of talented actors who came heartbreakingly close. From blown opportunities to artistic disagreements, these actors nearly sported the 007 badge. Pour yourself a martini (shaken, not stirred) and look over the ten largest “almost-Bonds.
10. Henry Cavill
Before Superman or Geralt of Rivia, Henry Cavill almost became the youngest Bond in history. He was a top two contender at 22 for Casino Royale and had director Martin Campbell’s preference. However, producer Barbara Broccoli felt he was still too young, opening the door for Daniel Craig. Cavill has since stated he’s glad for the choice, but fans continue to wonder about a Cavill-Bond era.
9. Hugh Jackman
Wolverine as Bond? Close. Jackman was asked to take over from Pierce Brosnan, but he was committed to X-Men sequels. He also wanted greater creative involvement in the scripts, something he was informed he would not be able to have. And balancing two mega-franchises did not appeal. Jackman said, “I just felt at the time that the scripts had become so unbelievable and crazy, and I felt like they needed to become grittier and real.”
8. Christian Bale
Christian Bale was offered the role of 007 before he wore the Batman cowl. However, he perceived Bond as a walking British stereotype and had just portrayed a serial killer in American Psycho. He refused politely, not wanting to play cold-blooded characters back-to-back. Bale said, “James Bond was every despicable stereotype about England and British actors.”
7. Sam Neill
Jurassic Park’s Dr. Alan Grant nearly played Bond in The Living Daylights. Neill was shortlisted by a number of producers but wasn’t particularly keen. He conceded he only took part in the screen test because his agent insisted he do so. “It was the last time that I was bullied into doing a screen test.”
6. Michael Caine
Michael Caine, who gave us Harry Palmer and Alfred, was offered the role after Sean Connery first stepped down. But Caine felt Bond was too glamorous and fanciful for him. He didn’t want to be typecast as a spy, preferring grounded characters. “Bond was a glamorous, imaginative creation. I’ve always played real people.”
5. Cary Grant
Hollywood legend Cary Grant was the initial choice of producer Cubby Broccoli for Dr. No. He possessed the charm, English heritage, and suave character. But Grant, then 58, only wished to do one film, whereas the producers were looking for someone who could carry a series. He refused, and Sean Connery became the first 007.
4. Adam West
Yes, the first TV Batman. Adam West was considered after Connery left, but he disagreed, saying Bond must be a Brit. His sidekick, Burt Ward, went on to say that West would have been a great Bond, but the actor remained firm.
3. Liam Neeson
Before he had “a very particular set of skills,” Liam Neeson was being considered for GoldenEye. He was keen, but his then-girlfriend (later wife) Natasha Richardson presented him with an ultimatum: play Bond, or they wouldn’t get married. Love prevailed, and Pierce Brosnan landed the role.
2. Sean Bean
Sean Bean came close to being Bond twice. He auditioned first after Timothy Dalton and second after Brosnan, both times impressing the producers. Though he didn’t get the lead, they gave him a supporting role as Alec Trevelyan, 006, in GoldenEye. Bean’s acting ability came close to making him the world’s most renowned spy.
1. Richard Burton
The final “what if” in Bond history. Ian Fleming had Richard Burton in mind for the initial Bond picture and even attempted to have Alfred Hitchcock direct. Burton, though, did not believe the picture would be successful and demanded more money than the producers were willing to provide. Imagine a reality where Burton, rather than Connery, came to represent 007—film history would have been vastly different.
The Bond casting process has a reputation for secrecy, drama, and heartache. For each actor who gets to ride the Aston Martin, dozens get close but never quite make it. These near-Bonds serve as a reminder that in 007’s universe, you might live twice—but sometimes, you live once in auditions.