Michael Fassbender has opened up about his audition experience for the iconic role of James Bond, revealing an unexpected moment where he recommended Daniel Craig for the part.
In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fassbender recalled his own audition for the role of the legendary MI6 spy, which took place before Daniel Craig was officially cast. While Fassbender believed he was unlikely to land the role, he still made a memorable move—suggesting Craig for the part.
“I met with Barbara Broccoli just through passing, and I actually went into an audition phase before Daniel [Craig] was cast, but I don’t think I was ever in the mix,” Fassbender said. “But I remember going into that room and meeting with her and Michael G. Wilson, and I think I was like, ‘Daniel Craig is…’ I don’t know why I was promoting him. I should’ve been promoting myself.”
The actor, who later starred in movies such as X-Men and 12 Years a Slave, humorously admitted his lack of confidence during auditions, stating, “I was terrible at auditions.”
Fassbender’s self-deprecating admission didn’t overshadow the fact that Craig went on to become one of the most celebrated Bonds in film history, with a tenure that included five major films: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die. His portrayal of the iconic British spy is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the franchise’s long history.
Fassbender’s recommendation of Craig is a surprising twist, especially considering the ongoing speculation around the next Bond. In recent years, the franchise’s future has been uncertain following Craig’s departure in 2021. Amazon’s acquisition of the Bond series earlier this year has sparked further speculation, though no clear direction has been set. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy shared that “nobody’s written the story yet” for the next chapter of Bond’s legacy, indicating that a fresh approach will be taken with the next film.
While Fassbender ultimately didn’t land the coveted role of 007, he recently ventured into the spy genre with a starring role in Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, in which he plays a spy embroiled in a personal and national crisis. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, who plays his wife, suspected of betraying their country.
As for the next James Bond, fans eagerly await what comes next, with many hoping for a new direction in both casting and storytelling.