Sam Worthington Bond Wasn't Right For Me

[Blowfeld]

I was not right to play James Bond: Sam Worthington

Avatar star Sam Worthington had once tried to step into shoes of super spy James Bond but failed and admits he was not the right person to play the character.

The 33-year-old actor tried out for the role, which was eventually given to Daniel Craig, who took over form Pierce Brosnan but Worthington admits he could not work out how to play the suave spy, Contactmusic reported.

"I held off and held off doing the audition because I couldn't find a way into the character. And when I finally did I went for it. I got a half a day of acting with 'Casino Royale' director Martin Campbell. I got to do some scenes with some great actors, gave it my all, and it wasn't right for me," Worthington said.

However, the experience led the British actor to believe in himself and helped him land the lead role in James Cameron's 3D sci-fi epic Avatar.

"I was backing myself. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I thought the least I'll get out of this is to act a few scenes with James Cameron, and that's a hell of an opportunity," Worthington said.

"I learned that from going for the James Bond audition. If I give it all I've got and still don't get the part, then so be it. This time I did," he added.

This story can be found at I was not right to play James Bond: Sam Worthington

To make it pithy "I couldn't find a way into the character" Daniel has the same problem and it didn't stop him. That fact should have given him a pause. Another starving actor with nothing to lose I guess.

[bjmdds]

He makes little sense. Next week he is Perseus, so Bond is just another role. I guess we can count him out and Cavill seems in waiting now.

[Kristatos]

Sounds like he is just trying to console himself for not getting the part, without coming across as a whiner.

[Dr. No]

he was signed to play bond then was fired at the last minute.

[James]

he was signed to play bond then was fired at the last minute.

I can't remember where it was from but I did read an article once that said Worthington had begun weapons training and voice coaching to do Casino Royale and then had the rug pulled from under him.

[The Sweeney]

Just shows you how tough it can be, being an actor. At least he landed a decent role in Avatar afterwards.
He comes across like a decent, honest guy.

[bjmdds]

Correct. We would all be friends with him as Bond.

[Omega]

Sam Worthington would be a great Bond! Everyone knows he was a runner up him and Cavill when did they sign him? CR would have been a much more interesting movie with a young man as Bond. Craig felt like he retired from something and took up HMSS instead of bottled boats.

[Dr. No]

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Did you know that Sam Worthington – he’s the rising Aussie actor, currently starring in “Macbeth”, that’s rumoured for a role in James Cameron’s next pic “Avatar” – was actually JUST pipped at the post by Daniel Craig for the role of Bond? Yep, Worthington was deep into weapons training, brushing up on his British-isms, perfecting his coolness, and essentially gearing up for the role… until he was informed, at the 11th hour no less, that he would no longer be needed and that they’re going with Daniel Craig. OK, I don’t think Worthington is Bond. I just don’t. I think the guy is awesome, but I just don’t see him as a suave – heck, I don’t see him in a suit! – Super spy ordering up a martini. But you know what? It would’ve been d**n interesting to see what he would’ve done with the role. Based purely on his looks, he might have looked the part – he is, after all, quite dark [haired]. Maybe it would’ve worked? I dunno. But that’s some news that’s come to light this week – that Worthington near had the role. He would’ve been the first AUSSIE Bond since George Lazenby to play Ian Flemming’s iconic Mi6 agent. But, maybe it was a good thing that it didn’t work out for Worthington, because he’s in final talks to star in, as I mentioned above, the new James Cameron film, “Avatar”. He’d be playing the role of Jake (not Josh, as recently reported), the main character, who’s an ex-marine controller whose now paralysed and lost all meaning for life.
Here’s the character description:
[JAKE (FORMERLY YOUNG MALE LEAD)] Early- mid 20's. Caucasian. Angry and jaded, he harbors a grudge against the world and his current situation. Highly intelligent and creative, he hides his softer side behind a thick wall of issues. Having suffered great tragedy, he is scarred both emotionally and physically. His encounters with the local indigenous culture changes his life.
It’s the kind of role that could really break Worthington – and have Hollywood banging down his door from here on out. Cameron, after all, turned mostly unknown-stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton and Michael Biehn into stars didn’t he? Rick Rossovi….Ok, maybe not him….(Speaking of which, sorry AB, I hear the good word is that Schwarzenegger won’t be involved in either “Avatar” or “Battle Angel Alita” – but you can always keep your fingers crossed that the “T4” cameo comes off). Just one thing, Early-Mid 20’s? Um, Worthington might wanna make a quick amendment to his D.O.B on his resume….. scrub off a few years mate. Whatever the case, Sam rocks – watch out America!

It is from 2006. I remember reading at the time but never could find the link. He says he was in training then they let him go.