Michael Fassbender tried out for the role of James Bond but suggested Daniel Craig for the position.

      Focus Features

      With James Bond now under new ownership, there has been much speculation about the potential casting of the legendary character in the upcoming film. Michael Fassbender has revealed that during the last casting by the Broccoli family, he was among those who auditioned for the role. "I met with Barbara Broccoli just through chance and I actually auditioned before Daniel [Craig] was chosen, but I don't think I was ever really considered," Fassbender shared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. "I remember going into that room and meeting her and [Michael G.] Wilson, and I think I was there saying, ‘Daniel Craig is…’ I’m not sure why I was advocating for him. I should have been focusing on myself.”

      Fassbender also mentioned that he had a poor audition for Mad Max: Fury Road after arriving an hour late to the Warner Bros. lot. “This is what I was saying, I was awful at auditions,” he remarked. “Clearly, Daniel did an amazing job and ended up being the most successful Bond ever. But that was pretty much it; there was never any follow-up.”

      Fassbender was among several young international actors who auditioned for the role at that time.

      Martin Campbell, the director of Casino Royale, Craig's first Bond film, noted that Henry Cavill made a strong impression during his audition but ultimately was considered too young for the role. “He looked fantastic in the audition. His performance was exceptional,” Campbell stated to Express UK. “And honestly, if Daniel hadn't been around, Henry would have made a fantastic Bond. He looked amazing, he was in excellent shape... Very handsome, very chiseled. He just appeared a bit young for the role at that time.”

      Joe Allen is a freelance writer for Digital Trends covering movies and television.

      Daniel Craig exits DC Studios’ Sgt. Rock movie

      Late last year, former James Bond actor Daniel Craig was set to star in a DC Studios film about the World War II character Sgt. Rock. This project would have paired Craig with director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. However, Craig has reportedly stepped away from the film, and DC Studios will now need to find another actor for the role of Sergeant Franklin John Rock. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of Craig's exit, though the reasons behind it remain unclear. Some sources have suggested it might be due to the lack of box office success or award nominations for Queer, while others indicated it was related to scheduling conflicts with Craig’s wife, Rachel Weisz. Regardless, DC Studios still intends to proceed with a Sgt. Rock movie, with a possible filming schedule this summer in England. Jeremy Allen White from The Bear has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Craig, but he is not the only option being considered for the role.

      Henry Cavill’s James Bond audition leaks online. Should Superman have played 007?

      Henry Cavill almost donned a tuxedo instead of a cape. In 2005, Cavill auditioned for the role of James Bond in Casino Royale. According to director Martin Campbell, both Cavill and Daniel Craig were the last contenders to take over from Pierce Brosnan as 007. For years, fans have pondered what Cavill's take on Bond would have been. Thanks to a leaked video, they now have a glimpse.

      Cavill's Bond audition has surfaced online, featuring him reading lines from a scene in the 1995 film GoldenEye. At the time, Cavill was just 22 years old and sported long black hair. The video's description mentions that it originated from a "VHS tape found in a recycling bin at a movie studio."

      Ultimately, Craig won the role and portrayed the iconic spy in five films. Producers chose an older interpretation of Bond—Craig was 37 in 2005—rather than an actor in their early twenties. Despite missing out on the role, Cavill impressed Campbell, who commended Cavill's "tremendous" audition.

      The 10 best James Bond girls, ranked

      The James Bond films encompass more than just action, supervillain schemes, and a rotating cast of actors playing 007 on-screen. The Bond girls also significantly contribute to the franchise’s appeal. It has become a privilege for actresses to star alongside the current 007 in films.

      Although the next James Bond film might still be years away, there is no better time than now to look back at the 10 best Bond girls. There has been ongoing debate over which Bond girl reigns supreme, and this list won't end that discussion. However, most of the top contenders are included here, alongside some all-time favorites.

      If you want more recommendations, we’ve also reviewed the 10 best James Bond movies and the 7 greatest Bond villains. Check out the best new movies available for streaming this week, along with the best movies on Netflix, Hulu