Two decades after Casino Royale debuted, Sam Heughan has opened up about why he missed out on the role of James Bond, which ultimately went to Daniel Craig. Released in 2006, Casino Royale ushered in a new era for 007, characterized by gritty action and a more grounded story.
Craig, who recently departed the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die, was widely praised as Bond. But he wasn’t the only actor in consideration. Stars such as Henry Cavill, Clive Owen, Michael Fassbender, Sam Worthington, and Rupert Friend were all in the running — as was Heughan, now best known for his role in Outlander.
In a recent interview with The Times, Heughan recalled auditioning for Bond in his mid-twenties. According to those present, which included director Martin Campbell, producer Barbara Broccoli, and casting director Debbie McWilliams, Heughan “wasn’t charismatic enough.”
The feedback led Heughan to make changes in his career. He dyed his hair a darker shade of brown and began auditioning for villain roles to “give myself some edge.” Reflecting on the Casino Royale audition, he said:
“It was all top secret, the Bond people took me up to their boardroom, the casting director was there, Barbara Broccoli was there, Martin Campbell the director was there, there was a golden gun on the table, and they told me to do the scene there and then. It was very, very odd.”
Even now, Heughan says he remains open to taking on the iconic role:
“I’d love another crack at it. I think I’m too old now, though.”
What This Means For James Bond
Casino Royale is not only the most highly rated Daniel Craig Bond film, but it is also one of the most beloved entries in the entire franchise. After the 2002 film Die Another Day featured an invisible car and an over-the-top arctic surfing sequence, Campbell’s 2006 reboot brought Bond back to Earth with a no-nonsense approach.
The film earned critical acclaim, boasting a 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90% Popcornmeter score, and grossed $616 million worldwide. Craig’s portrayal clearly resonated with audiences.
It’s impossible to know how Heughan would have fared as Bond, but he would have become the second Scottish actor to play the role after Sean Connery. Just as Bond propelled Craig to movie star status, the role might have done the same for Heughan, who remains primarily known for his television work.
At present, Heughan is likely correct that he’s too old for the next Bond. With Denis Villeneuve reportedly directing Bond 26, the franchise appears to be seeking an actor in their late 20s or early 30s, preferably someone relatively unknown.
Our Take on Heughan’s Bond Casting Story
Outlander has been a major hit for Starz, strong enough to warrant a prequel series, Blood of My Blood, which premiered this past August. Season 8 of Outlander will bring the story — and Heughan’s tenure as Jamie Fraser — to a close next year.
While Daniel Craig was the perfect fit for Bond, it would have been intriguing to see what Heughan might have brought to the role. Fans often praise his charisma on Outlander, suggesting he either didn’t fully show that quality during his audition or developed it more fully later in his career.
For now, Heughan’s chance to become James Bond appears to have passed, with the franchise moving forward with a younger actor. Still, there’s always the possibility he could appear in the series as a villain — keeping the door open to his involvement in 007 lore.