Michael Fassbender could have been James Bond—If only he hadn’t mentioned Daniel Craig© Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

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Michael Fassbender could have been James Bond—If only he hadn’t mentioned Daniel Craig

Fassbender is currently promoting his new film, "Black Bag," where he plays a spy


Senior Writer
MARCH 14, 2025 4:07 PM EDT

Michael Fassbender is one of the most flexible actors making films today, capable of playing all sorts of roles. He's currently promoting "Black Bag," where he plays an intelligence agent forced to investigate his wife, played by Cate Blanchett. In a new interview, Fassbender revealed he had a meeting to play James Bond, and that he might have played an important part in the casting of Daniel Craig, who went on to play the role for 15 years. 

Fassbender revealed he auditioned for the role of James Bond© WireImage for dunhill
Fassbender revealed he auditioned for the role of James Bond

Fassbender was featured on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, where he revealed that he met Barbara Broccoli, the former producer of the James Bond franchise, for an audition for the part. 

He revealed that he doesn't know why he named dropped Daniel Craig. “I don’t know why I was promoting him, I should have been promoting myself,” he said. 

© Greg Williams
Daniel Craig was cast in 'Casino Royale', kicking off his tenure as James Bond

Fassbender said that he never really believed he was in the conversation for the part. "I was terrible at auditions," he said. He also made it clear that Craig was one of his favorite Bonds

“Obviously, Daniel did a fantastic job,” he said, adding that Craig “went on to be the most successful Bond in history.” 

The future of the Bond franchise

© Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Fassbender is promoting his film "Black Bag," which premiered in theaters this March 12 and stars Cate Blanchett

Ever since Craig stepped out of the James Bond franchise, the world has been trying to find the right person to fill in his shoes. Recent developments have complicated things further. Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the movies and heir to the Bond franchise, has stepped down after some tense negotiations and Amazon's purchase of the property's rights. 

British fans have been outraged by the ownership of Amazon, having little faith in regards to what can be done to the character. 

"I nearly dropped me coffee, and I thought, Amazon Prime spinoff TV series?" said a British fan, as reported by NPR. "They're probably going to turn it into another 'Bourne Identity' -type thing and use it to boost American patriotism."

© Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
While he didn't get to play Bond, he's playing a spy in this film

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