Daniel Craig’s James Bond was a hell of a cinematic experience. Despite the 007 suit having been donned by many impressive actors over the years, Craig gave a lasting impression as he portrayed the special agent. However, he faced stiff competition during the auditions, and Outlander actor Sam Heughan discussed his experience losing to Craig for the role.
Heughan recently published his memoir, "Waypoints," and EW shared an excerpt from the book where the actor detailed his experience in auditioning and taking his chances to wear Bond’s tuxedo. “It was quite an experience," he said. “It was a stage in my life where I probably wasn't ready for it, but I wonder what would have happened if I had got it.”
“I knew there would be stiff competition, of course, and ultimately Daniel Craig made Bond his own. When I learned the role had gone elsewhere, however, the feedback I received boiled down to the fact that I wasn't edgy enough by nature. I'm always keen to take on criticism so I can improve as an actor, but the suggestion seemed to be that I lacked this quality in my real character.” Heughan explained.
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With Craig’s retirement and no official replacement having been announced to succeed him, rumors about who would play the next special spy have yet to come to an end. Fans have been throwing many A-names in the air and even revisiting old actors who lost out on the role and who might even consider shooting their second chance.
Craig retired as 007 after No Time to Die and admitted that he had been planning the character’s death for almost two decades, since Casino Royale. With that, franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson told Variety that playing James Bond is not about the interest but the long-term commitment it requires.
“The thing is, it's going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it's a 10, 12-year commitment. So he's probably thinking, 'Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].” said Broccoli.
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With the tuxedo waiting for its next owner, the Bond team will need not just the confidence to play the agent, but the confidence to stay committed to the contract of playing him. After all, many have been fighting to be the next face of 007; may the suit land its rightful heir.
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