Two hundred actors tried out for the part, but only one emerged as the next James Bond.
The blond one. The one that 97 percent of America knows practically nothing about.
That’s not to say Daniel Craig won’t do a great job as Bond or that the prequel-style “Casino Royale”–an excellent premise–won’t be a good movie.
It’s just that … well, maybe we had a little money on some of these bigger Bond wannabes and maybe we’re a little bitter.
What the heck happened?
Clive Owen
WHY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIM: Hmm, let’s see. Producers needed a British actor with Pierce Brosnan’s sex appeal, acting chops and box-office credentials. Hmm. Hmmmmmmm …
WHY IT WASN’T: Owen’s publicist consistently denied rumors that the “Closer” star was interested in playing Bond. Perhaps the Oscar nominee didn’t want to get locked into another multimovie commitment (According to imdb.com, he’ll star in a “Sin City” sequel).
LIFE AFTER REJECTION: Poor Clive. He’ll just have to console himself by co-starring with Jennifer Aniston in “Derailed,” Julianne Moore in “The Children of Men” and Cate Blanchett in the sequel to “Elizabeth.” Somehow we doubt he’s shedding any tears.
Ewan McGregor
WHY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIM: The lone bright spot actingwise in the second “Star Wars” trilogy, McGregor could have taken the Bond franchise in a new, more free-spirited direction. It might’ve upset some 007 purists, however, who were already tiring of the gimmicky, jokey feel of the last two Bond movies.
WHY IT WASN’T: McGregor was ruled out fairly early in the rumor cycle, and it’s not clear whether that was because he wasn’t interested or producers didn’t want him.
LIFE AFTER REJECTION: Like Owen, we’re pretty sure McGregor will be fine. Frankly, with his talent, it’s time he goes after an Oscar.
Orlando Bloom
WHY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIM: Like Owen, he fits the profile of a young James Bond to a tee.
WHY IT WASN’T: Unlike Owen, he doesn’t fit the profile of a butt-kicking rogue.
LIFE AFTER REJECTION: He’s still making millions off an action franchise, it’s just the more family-friendly “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy. Hey, millions are millions.
Colin Firth
WHY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIM: Quite simply, this one was for the ladies. Firth’s charm, good looks and “Bridget Jones” appeal made him a popular pick to pull in a wider audience.
WHY IT WASN’T: Firth has little experience with action blockbusters. Not a good thing in this case.
LIFE AFTER REJECTION: Firth has said he is exploring darker roles in the wake of “Love Actually” and “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.”
Oh Danny boy
It’s time to get to know your new Bond, Daniel Craig.
His favorite Bond? Sean Connery.
Favorite Bond film? “Goldfinger.”
Favorite Bond girl? Diana Rigg in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
On his decision to star: “It was difficult, but I tried to think about it like any other job. We have got an incredible script, and that is my first line of attack. Once I had read it, I knew I did not have any choice.”
On the road ahead: “I am looking most forward to actually starting getting on with it, and feeling intimidated about pretty much everything. It is a sort of responsibility, but it is also a huge adventure.”
