Every few years, a buzz begins in the movie world, and the question dominates: Who will be the new James Bond? After nearly 15 years, Daniel Craig is finally leaving the role of 007 with the upcoming No Time To Die, and already, the talk is on who can replace him. It's fun to remember how folks slammed Craig's own casting but later came around to him as a great Bond. The pressure is always on, and numerous dream choices abound.
This is a good reminder of all the actors who came close to playing Bond and didn't. In some cases, they turned the role down (Cary Grant, Ewan McGregor, Sam Neill) despite how they would have been excellent in the part. Yet it's interesting how scores of actors who wanted to be Bond lost out on the role, a few even when it looked like they had it. That just adds to the list of those who'd love to step into the shoes of 007 themselves. Here are ten actors who wanted to be Bond but missed out and ten who many would like to see over Craig as a reminder of how iconic this role is for movie lovers.
20 OVER CRAIG: Daniel Kaluuya Would Be An Awesome Bond
A major rising British star, Daniel Kaluuya became a household name with his Oscar-nominated turn in the hit horror drama Get Out. Kaluuya also has credits such as Widows and Black Panther to prove he has the action chops for the role.
His dashing good looks help out, yet Kaluuya also has the gravitas for a younger Bond who can fit into exotic settings well.
19 WANTED: Dominic West Ruled Himself Out Despite Wanting The Role
Best known for his role in the acclaimed series The Wire, Dominic West could have been an excellent pick as Bond in Craig's place. He had the rugged good looks and the dark edge needed to pull it off.
West seemed to have the role in hand until he heard a rumor that Brosnan was going to return and bowed out. West is kicking himself that he lost out on a dream role over an unfounded rumor.
18 OVER CRAIG: Benedict Cumberbatch Can Add 007 To His List Of Characters
He's been Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange, so why not add 007 to the list? Yes, it may be tricky having Benedict Cumberbatch in yet another colossal franchise, yet the idea of him as Bond is intriguing.
He can nail the dramatic aspects, looks terrific and can bring a different vibe as an intelligent fighter. If nothing else, it'd be fun seeing Cumberbatch work his magic on Bond.
17 WANTED: Oliver Reed May Have Been Too Rough As Bond
Casting Oliver Reed as Bond would have been interesting. In his youth, the actor was known as a wild man who loved a party lifestyle.
His wild style may have been the reason Reed was turned down when Connery first left the part. He would have been a unique 007 and clearly would have loved enhancing his profile, but Reed's antics could put Bond to shame.
16 OVER CRAIG: Riz Ahmed Really Wants The Role
Among the names being tossed around for a Craig replacement is Riz Ahmed, and it's little reason why. The handsome actor is known for roles in Rogue One and his Emmy-winning turn in The Night Of.
Ahmed has been upfront in interviews with GQ on how much he'd love to play Bond, and his looks give the role a more exotic air. If he wants to be 007 so bad, the producers should listen.
15 WANTED: Clive Owen Wanted It But Never Got An Offer
If anyone seemed a perfect fit for Bond, it was Clive Owen. His glowering looks give him an air of danger but still attractive enough to nail the part well.
Owen has spoken on how he would have loved to play the role but, contrary to popular stories about wanting too much money, was never offered the part. It's too bad as he could have been exceptional in Craig's place and, even at 53, can still pull off the role.
14 OVER CRAIG: Kit Harington Would Know A Lot As 007
Just imagine the line, "you know nothing, Mr. Bond." Yes, Kit Harington is young, but his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones proved his talent and he has done an excellent job in other parts.
He obviously has both the good looks and acting skills to be a believable 007, and his youth offers the chance to build on Bond as a fresh face. It would be fun seeing the King in the North shift to Bond.
13 WANTED: Dougray Scott Lost On Bond Just Like Wolverine
Dougray Scott is more famous for the roles he didn't get. He was cast as Wolverine but had to bow out at the last minute, so Hugh Jackman got the part to become a star. Scott was then up for the role of Bond in 2002 as Brosnan had been talking about taking a break.
At the last moment, Brosnan signed up for Die Another Day, and poor Scott had to let another iconic role slip through his fingers.
12 OVER CRAIG: Luke Evans Can Bring A Youthful Brashness To The Role
Luke Evans may not be a major A-lister, but he has a lot to bring for the 007 role. He's proven himself in action roles like the Fast and Furious movies and he has a unique charm.
While he can be great for wooing ladies, Evans possesses a dangerous aura, and his relative youth can bring a new energy to a new Bond.
11 WANTED: Alex O'Loughlin Had To Settle For Hawaii Over Being Bond
In 2005, Aussie actor Alex O'Loughlin was making his way in some TV roles. He tested for the role of Bond in Casino Royale and did have the good looks and action chops for the part, but lost to Craig.
O'Loughlin was able to move onto the long-running TV hit Hawaii Five-0, which would work in some Bond references as a nod to what could have been.
