Michael Fassbender Reflects on His James Bond Audition Experience
Instead of positioning himself as a contender for the iconic role of James Bond, actor Michael Fassbender found himself inadvertently championing one of his competitors during his audition for Casino Royale.
In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fassbender shared his unique audition experience, recalling how he supported Daniel Craig rather than highlighting his own qualifications.
An Unexpected Champion for Daniel Craig
When host Josh Horowitz posed a question about any real discussions surrounding a potential Bond role for Fassbender, the actor candidly responded, “I met with Barbara Broccoli through passing and auditioned before Daniel [Craig] was cast, but I don’t think I was ever really in the mix.”
Reflecting on the audition, he humorously noted, “I walked into that room and met with her and [Michael G.] Wilson, and I surprisingly began promoting Daniel Craig. I don’t know why I wasn’t advocating for myself instead.”
Fassbender chuckled as he admitted, “I was terrible at auditions.” He also recounted a particularly late arrival to his audition for Mad Max: Fury Road, describing it as “awful.”
Acknowleging Craig’s Legacy
Despite not landing the role of Bond, Fassbender holds Daniel Craig in high regard. Craig took on the mantle of 007 for five films, from Casino Royale (2006) to No Time to Die (2021), solidifying his legacy as potentially the most successful Bond to date. “Daniel did a fantastic job and truly became an icon in the role,” Fassbender stated, acknowledging the significant impact Craig made on the franchise.
The Future of the Bond Franchise
As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the James Bond saga, speculation continues surrounding who will take over the iconic role following Craig’s departure. The transition comes amidst a strategic change, with Amazon MGM Studios now overseeing creative direction for the beloved franchise. However, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson will continue to serve as co-owners of the storied property.
In light of the recent developments, Craig expressed his unwavering support for Broccoli and Wilson, stating, “My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished. I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara pursues will undoubtedly be spectacular; I hope to be involved.”
The search for the next James Bond remains a hot topic among film enthusiasts, paving the way for exciting future narratives in the franchise’s longstanding legacy.