How Michael Fassbender’s James Bond Audition Led to Daniel Craig’s Unstoppable 007 Legacy!

It’s been 20 years since the highly competitive round of auditions for the role of James Bond, where Daniel Craig ultimately triumphed over Henry Cavill to land the iconic part in Casino Royale. But the story behind the casting process holds some interesting insights, especially from those who were considered, yet didn’t quite make the cut. One such star is Michael Fassbender, who now admits his audition for the role was less than stellar and may have even helped promote Craig for the job.

Speaking candidly on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fassbender, the acclaimed German-Irish actor known for his roles in 12 Years a Slave and X-Men, opened up about his brief experience in the Bond casting process. Reflecting on the audition that took place when he was in his late 20s, Fassbender recalled, “I met with Barbara Broccoli just, you know, 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, who is currently listed at 20-1 odds to become the next Bond, admitted his audition didn’t go as planned. “I think I was like, ‘Daniel Craig is…’ I don’t know why I was promoting him. I should have been promoting myself,” he said, acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation. “I was terrible at auditions,” he continued, adding humorously that it was obvious who would ultimately be the better fit for the role.

Of course, Fassbender’s assessment of his own audition doesn’t overshadow Daniel Craig’s remarkable tenure as the legendary British spy. “Obviously, Daniel did a fantastic job and went on to be, I think, the most successful Bond in history,” Fassbender said, acknowledging the massive success Craig would go on to achieve with the franchise.

Though Fassbender’s time in the Bond audition room was short and seemingly uneventful, the experience highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting and the pressure that comes with trying to step into such an iconic role. While Fassbender may not have been a serious contender back then, his career has continued to thrive in other major roles, and he remains a fan favorite whenever the conversation about future Bond candidates arises.

In retrospect, Fassbender’s modest reflection on his audition process offers a glimpse into the humbling and often unexpected journey of actors vying for legendary roles. Meanwhile, Daniel Craig’s reign as James Bond has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the franchise, with his portrayal of the character resonating deeply with fans around the world.