The Welsh thespian decided to make a joke on how he’d take on the role, which didn't sit well with producers. Photo: AFP
A bad James Bond joke cost Matthew Rhys a big gig when he auditioned for the role of 007.
In a new interview with Britain's The Times, the actor – known for his work in binge-worthy cable dramas The Americans and Perry Mason – said his humorous answer to a question from producers didn’t land well.
And it ultimately cost him a shot at the iconic role in 2006′s Casino Royale.
“‘What would you do differently with Bond?’” he recalled being asked during his “terrifying” audition.
“I just remember going, ‘Ah,’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything. He’s perfect’?”
Instead, the Welsh thespian decided to make a joke on how he’d take on the role – a stark contrast from the suave secret agent the world was already accustomed to.
“I’d give him a limp. I said, ‘Limp?’ Nothing. ‘Eye patch?’ Nothing.”
Needless to say, Rhys didn’t get the role. It was Daniel Craig who would go on to star as 007 in five blockbuster movies – ending his run with 2021′s No Time To Die.
But, as it turns out, Rhys hasn’t done too bad for himself either. For his work on the small screen, he’s won a Primetime Emmy Award and garnered three Golden Globe Award nominations.
His film credits include acclaimed dramas The Post and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
