Avatar's Sam Worthington reflects on failed James Bond audition

"The suit did not fit. I had no idea what I was doing."

By George Lewis

18 Dec 2022

Axelle/Bauer-GriffinGetty Images

Avatar star Sam Worthington has reflected on his failed audition for the role of James Bond.

The actor, who can be seen in Avatar: The Way of Water, was one of the finalists to play 007 in 2006’s Casino Royale, but lost out to Daniel Craig.

Speaking to Variety, Worthington revealed that he had “no idea what [he] was doing” when screen testing in front of producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, adding that he wasn’t a great fit for the role.

20th Century Studios

“I could play Bond as a killer, but I couldn’t get the debonair down for the life of me,” he recalled. “The suit did not fit. I had no idea what I was doing.”

Worthington, who plays Jake Sully in Avatar and its sequel, compared Broccoli and Wilson to James Cameron, the brains behind the sci-fi franchise, saying: “They are so detailed and meticulous. They are protective and passionate about this series.

“What I learned is that you listen to these people. It’s the same thing with James Cameron. He’s done all the research and there’s nothing you can’t ask him that he doesn’t have an answer for,” he continued.

The Way of Water, which came 13 years after the first film, was released on Friday to positive reviews, grossing just under $450 million worldwide across its opening weekend. The film is the second instalment in a planned five-film franchise, with the third entry currently being filmed.

Director and writer Cameron recently spoke to Digital Spy about The Way of Water, saying he wanted the film to have real “stakes.”

“We want to surprise. We want to engage you,” he said. “We want to surprise you so that you don't know what's going to happen next. So that, OK, maybe somebody could die. Maybe there are real stakes here.”

Avatar: The Way of Water is in cinemas now.