Outlander’s Sam Heughan addresses James Bond casting after being told he “wasn’t charismatic enough”

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Before Daniel Craig became James Bond in Casino Royale, Sam Heughan auditioned for the role. He recently shared that he was told he didn’t come across as “charismatic enough” during the audition process.

Now that Daniel Craig has finished playing James Bond after 2021’s No Time to Die, everyone is trying to figure out who will be the next 007. Actors like Jacob Elordi, Callum Turner, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are being mentioned as possible candidates.

Sam Heughan, famous for playing Jamie Fraser on Outlander, recently told Radio Times whether he’d be interested in becoming the next James Bond, having auditioned for the role before. He gave a clear and direct answer.

He joked that he’d missed his chance to play James Bond, saying he was too old – perhaps he could play Bond’s father instead. His Outlander co-star, Caitríona Balfe, playfully suggested he’d be great as a villain, noting his talent for action scenes and ‘fighty-fighty’.

Heughan was intrigued by the idea and playfully hinted at his availability, referencing director Denis Villeneuve – who is expected to helm the next James Bond film – with a joking, “I’d love that. I’m always available, Denis.”

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Sam Heughan, known for his roles in The Couple Next Door and SAS: Red Notice, once talked about auditioning for the 2006 film Casino Royale. That movie marked the beginning of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the James Bond character in a total of five films.

Everything was kept completely confidential. Heughan remembers being brought to a meeting with the Bond team – the casting director, producer Barbara Broccoli, and director Martin Campbell were all present.

He said there was a golden gun lying on the table, and they asked him to perform the scene immediately. He found the whole situation very strange. He also mentioned they told him he lacked the necessary charisma for the role.

Although Sam Heughan, known for his role in Outlander, isn’t likely to be the next James Bond, an announcement about the new 007 is coming soon. Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the script for the upcoming Bond film.

Recent reports suggest actor Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in Euphoria and Wuthering Heights, is a leading contender to be the next James Bond, even though many believe Tom Turner is the favorite according to betting odds.

Journalist Marina Hyde, co-host of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, has noticed a trend: many people are now saying Jacob Elordi is becoming the frontrunner, or leading choice, for something – though it’s not specified what.

Fans of James Bond may not see a new film in theaters until 2028, according to recent reports. Amazon, which is producing the next installment, has also given an update on who they are considering for the lead role.

Look, I get it – everyone’s hyped, but the team really wants to get this right. They’re saying they’re taking their time and putting a ton of care into it because bringing this next part of the story to life is a huge deal for them, and they don’t want to mess it up. It’s literally a dream come true for the developers, so they’re treating it with the respect it deserves.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-11 15:19