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Actors who almost played James Bond
Sean Bean auditioned twice before landing the villain in GoldenEye, and four hopefuls have reportedly had final screen tests; the role is still open.
On air: Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance on BBN After HoursPublished
At a glance
- First reported by Euronews: “You Only Audition Once: Which actors came close to being cast as James Bond?”, with reporting from Yahoo Entertainment, Parade, Yahoo Entertainment (citing The Independent) and ComicBook.com.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 4:19 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance.
- Topics: LeBron James.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- EuronewsYou Only Audition Once: Which actors came close to being cast as James Bond?
- Yahoo EntertainmentActors Who Almost Played James Bond But Didn’t And Why facts used on air
- ParadeTwo Huge Actors Tipped for James Bond Role Now 'Ruled out of Race' as Auditions Take Place - Parade facts used on air
- Yahoo Entertainment (citing The Independent)9 Actors Who Were Nearly Cast as James Bond facts used on air
- ComicBook.com5 Actors Who Auditioned for James Bond Alongside Daniel Craig, Including Two Marvel Stars - ComicBook.com facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA lot of famous actors came very close to playing James Bond, and Euronews has put together a look back at the Bonds we never got.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorDaniel Craig stepped down after No Time to Die, and Amazon MGM Studios has not officially announced a successor. The matter remains open.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSean Bean auditioned twice, lost to Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, and then got cast as the villain in GoldenEye. That's a great consolation prize!
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHe was hired to play the traitor, Chip. Second billing for the baddie is still a long way from the top of the bill.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorMatthew Rhys later admitted his Casino Royale audition didn't go well after he joked he'd give Bond a limp and an eye patch.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorA limp and an eye patch.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorAnthony Starr, now Homelander in The Boys, called his own Casino Royale reading one of the worst Bonds ever. He said so on a podcast.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorHonestly, I admire the honesty.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorMy verdict: Dick Van Dyke was asked by Cubby Broccoli and declined over his British accent. He is the only one who checked.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorFinal screen tests have reportedly been held for four hopefuls, and the rumoured names are Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Josh O'Connor and one more.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFour men are waiting by the phone. I'd advise all of them to stay away from the eye patch.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 30, 2026 · the Pop Culture archive · all months
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