Sam Worthington on James Bond: 'It wasn't right for me'

Australian actor Sam Worthington’s name has been in the news lately thanks to the unprecedented worldwide success of James Cameron’s Avatar, but some fans may be unaware that he was one of the final contenders for the role of James Bond #6.

James Bond #6 contender Sam Worthington

As reported back on CommanderBond.net way back in 2005, (see The Men Who Could Have Been Bond), it was revealed that a then much more ‘unknown’ Worthington was one of the full dress screen-test finalists alongside Daniel Craig and Henry Cavill for the Casino Royale role.

In a new interview posted at NDTV Movies, Worthington reflects on the 007 casting, stating: ‘I held off and held off doing the audition because I couldn’t find a way into the character.’

‘When I finally did I went for it. I got a half a day of acting with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell. I got to do some scenes with some great actors, gave it my all, and it wasn’t right for me.’

However, he adds that the Bond casting gave him the experience to push on for the Avatar role later in his career. ‘I was backing myself,’ he adds. ‘I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I thought the least I’ll get out of this is to act a few scenes with James Cameron, and that’s a hell of an opportunity.’

‘I learned that from going for the James Bond audition. If I give it all I’ve got and still don’t get the part, then so be it. This time I did.’

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