Michael Fassbender Pitched Daniel Craig for James Bond and Thinks Regé-Jean Page Would Be a “Fantastic” 007

Michael Fassbender once had a shot at playing James Bond, but instead of pushing for himself, he ended up pitching Daniel Craig for the role. In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fassbender revealed he was part of the early audition process for Casino Royale, but he didn’t see himself as a serious contender.

He explained: “I met with Barbara Broccoli just, you know, through passing, and I actually went into an audition phase before Daniel [Craig] was cast, but I don’t think I was ever in the mix.

“But I remember going into that room and meeting with her and [Michael G.] Wilson, and I think I was like, ‘Daniel Craig is…’ I don’t know why I was promoting him. I should have been promoting myself.”

Craig, of course, went on to become one of the most successful Bonds in history, leading the franchise through five films over 15 years. Looking back, Fassbender doesn’t seem to have any regrets.

The actor added: “Obviously, Daniel did a fantastic job and went on to be, I think, the most successful Bond in history. But that was it really, there was never a conversation after that.”

Fassbender has been candid about his struggles with auditions, even recalling how his attempt at landing Mad Max: Fury Road didn’t go well. But despite missing out on Bond, he’s had an awesome a successful acting career.

Now, with a new era of 007 on the horizon at Amazon MGM Studios, Fassbender has thrown another name into the mix, his Black Bag co-star Regé-Jean Page. Talking to Us Weekly, he said the Bridgerton breakout star “could be a frontrunner after this, to be honest.”

“I think he’s fantastic. He’s got all the attributes,” Fassbender added. “So let’s wait and see.”

We’ll just have to wait and see who Amazon wants as Bond.