Why This Star Rejected Playing Young James Bond in Casino Royale

Homeland and Star Wars actor Rupert Friend recently revealed that he was offered the opportunity to play James Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale. However, the actor passed on the chance to portray the iconic British spy due to his perceived lack of experience at the time. In an interview with Variety, Friend shared that producers had approached him at the age of 22 with plans to reboot the franchise with a much younger Bond character who was “basically straight out of college.” The role ultimately went to Daniel Craig, who became the sixth actor to play James Bond.

When I was 22 years old, fresh out of acting college, I landed roles in three consecutive films: “The Libertine,” “Pride & Prejudice” and “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.” During that time, I received an intriguing offer to audition for the role of James Bond in a reboot of the series. The producers wanted to portray Bond straight out of college. I had the privilege of meeting Barbara Broccoli, Michael Broccoli, and Debbie McWilliams, the casting director for the Bond franchise. As a lifelong fan of the Bond films and actors, I was excited about the opportunity. However, they informed me that if I passed the screen test, I would be signing on for three films without any knowledge of the directors or scripts. I would be completely committed.

Although I was flattered, I ultimately declined the offer. I felt that at that point in my life and career, I was simply too young and inexperienced for such a role. I lacked the necessary acting skills, as well as the emotional, psychological, and physical stamina that a great Bond required. Politely declining the offer raised a few eyebrows, but I am grateful that I did. Looking back, I realize that the role may have overshadowed me and swallowed me whole, potentially damaging the franchise. As much as I loved the Bond movies, it was just not a risk I was willing to take.

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Although Friend deserves credit for acknowledging his limitations as a younger and less experienced actor, his comments raise an intriguing question about what Casino Royale might have looked like with a younger actor in the lead role. Craig, who was ultimately cast as Bond, was already 38 years old when he first took up the character's Walther PPK and license to kill, which was a far cry from the original vision for the role that Friend was presented with when he was initially approached.

Producer Barbara Broccoli previously acknowledged exploring younger actors for the role of 007. However, she later admitted that the notion did not translate well and insisted on casting a seasoned veteran "who has been through the wars, so to speak." Nonetheless, there has been significant interest in Tom Holland playing a younger Bond, and the Fleming estate has even authorized and published a series of best-selling novels featuring a youthful version of the character.

Had Rupert Friend been cast as Bond instead of Craig in 2006's Casino Royale, the film would have likely been very different. Friend himself admitted that he lacked the experience and gravitas necessary to do justice to the role at that age, something Craig managed to excel in. While audiences may still hope to see a young James Bond on the big screen, producers seem disinterested in pursuing the option anytime soon.