Amid growing speculation over who will take on the mantle of James Bond following Daniel Craig’s departure, Glen Powell addressed the buzz surrounding his potential casting and clarified why he feels he isn’t the ideal candidate. The actor expressed his belief that the role should be entrusted to a British actor rather than an American, reaffirming the importance of cultural authenticity for the iconic character.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter published on August 20, Glen Powell, known for his role in “Anyone But You,” explained the core reasons behind his stance regarding the James Bond role. He emphasized his Texan roots and the cultural differences that shape his view on the character of Agent 007.
My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.
—Glen Powell, Actor
Powell is among the few American actors notably linked to the role, which many believe should remain with a British performer given its strong ties to British identity. Other popular fan choices include Theo James, Henry Cavill, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, all hailing from the United Kingdom. Even Theo James has expressed reservations about taking on the character, acknowledging the weight the role carries as a symbol of British culture.
Everyone’s interested in that because it’s a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn’t be me,
Theo James told The Guardian.
I do think there are better people for that job. And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there’s no going back. You’re opening Pandora’s box there.
—Theo James, Actor
Henry Cavill also weighed in on the topic during an April 2024 interview on The Rich Eisen Show, admitting uncertainty about his eligibility due to age and casting rumors. Cavill stated,
Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not, we’ll see.
—Henry Cavill, Actor
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was rumored to be offered the role in March, although insiders clarified that no official agreement with Amazon’s MGM Studios has been made yet. Regarding the rumors, Taylor-Johnson shared a measured response focusing on his current priorities and projects.
It’s not really for me to say anything,
he said.
I just focus on the things I can have my hands in right now. What’s in front of me right now.
—Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Actor
Despite not holding the role, Taylor-Johnson received a notable endorsement from Pierce Brosnan, the James Bond actor who portrayed the character in four films between 1995 and 2002.
I think he would be very good,
Brosnan told Yahoo! Entertainment.
I think if he wished it, wanted it and got it, he would be great.
—Pierce Brosnan, Actor
The James Bond casting usually sparks intense debate and speculation, with many names circulating before an official decision is made. This search also recalls how well-known characters from various beloved shows nearly went to different actors, revealing the unpredictable paths of casting in Hollywood.
Actors Almost Cast in Iconic Roles
The casting process for major TV and film roles often involves several contenders, some of whom come surprisingly close to landing parts that later become defining elements of popular culture.
Chris Pine’s Missed Opportunity as Ryan Atwood on The O.C.
Chris Pine, now widely known for his “Star Trek” portrayal, was almost cast as Ryan Atwood on “The O.C.” The role ultimately went to Ben McKenzie after Pine’s persistent teenage acne caused concerns during auditions.
I had awful skin as a teenager,
Pine revealed on the podcast Happy Sad Confused.
and then I when I came after college, my skin started breaking out again.
—Chris Pine, Actor
Jason Biggs Regrets Passing on Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother
The “American Pie” alum Jason Biggs admitted regret after declining the offer to play Ted Mosby in “How I Met Your Mother.” He said at the time he was uncertain about committing to television and later recognized it as a missed opportunity.
I was offered the role and it’s probably my biggest regret, you know, on passing,
Biggs said.
I think I was in a phase of, at the time—it sounds so obnoxious to say right now—but at the time it was like, ‘Okay, do I want to do TV?’ I don’t know that I was quite ready to go that route.
—Jason Biggs, Actor
Alden Ehrenreich Almost Portrayed Dan on Gossip Girl
Casting director David Rapaport once expressed a strong desire for Alden Ehrenreich to play Dan Humphrey on “Gossip Girl.” However, concerns about Ehrenreich’s height led producers to cast Penn Badgley instead, despite Ehrenreich and Badgley being similarly tall according to online sources.
Before Penn was involved, I desperately wanted Alden Ehrenreich to play Dan,
Rapaport stated. —David Rapaport, Casting Director
Rob Lowe Passed on Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy
Rob Lowe revealed in his memoir and podcast appearances that he declined the role of Derek Shepherd, also known as “McDreamy,” in “Grey’s Anatomy,” joking that the decision cost him millions. He felt the character’s archetype didn’t fit him at the time.
That’s probably cost me $70 million,
Lowe joked. He added,
and when they started calling the handsome doctor ‘McDreamy,’ I was like, ‘yeah, that’s not for me.’
—Rob Lowe, Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch Auditioned for Bill Compton on True Blood
The “Sherlock” and “Doctor Strange” star tried out for the role of vampire Bill Compton in “True Blood.” The part was eventually awarded to Stephen Moyer.
Jessica Chastain Screened for Sookie Stackhouse in True Blood
Prior to her Oscar nominations, Jessica Chastain auditioned for the lead role of Sookie Stackhouse. The casting team chose Anna Paquin instead.
Jennifer Lawrence Nearly Played Crystal Norris in True Blood
The young Jennifer Lawrence was close to being cast as werepanther Crystal Norris. However, her age played a factor, and Lindsay Pulsipher secured the role.
Tiffani Thiessen Auditioned for Rachel on Friends
Before Jennifer Aniston became synonymous with Rachel Green, Thiessen tried out for the role but was considered too young.
Katherine Langford Screen-Tested for Betty Cooper on Riverdale
Langford, renowned for “13 Reasons Why,” was an early contender for Betty Cooper. Riverdale co-star Camila Mendes recalled a casual outing with another actor auditioning for Archie during that period.
I remember we went out and we got falafel with a guy who was auditioning for Archie,
Mendes said. —Camila Mendes, Actor
Katherine Heigl Almost Played Jen Lindley on Dawson’s Creek
Kevin Williamson, the show’s creator, revealed that Heigl was considered for the role due to her maturity and strong audition, offering a slightly older presence despite her younger age at the time.
She looked slightly older at that time. Even though she was younger, I just think she was more mature,
Williamson said.
She gave a great audition, I remember we were all sort of like, ‘Wow, she’s good.’
—Kevin Williamson, Creator
Selma Blair Was Nearly Joey Potter in Dawson’s Creek
The role that skyrocketed Katie Holmes to fame almost belonged to Selma Blair. Kevin Williamson recalled the transformative power of Holmes’ last-minute audition video in changing the casting decision.
I really loved Selma until, of course, I got the infamous videotape from the basement of the Holmes family in Toledo, Ohio,
he explained.
And when that video showed up, it changed my whole life.
—Kevin Williamson, Creator
Lisa Edelstein Nearly Took On Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
The actress was a strong contender for the iconic role and even completed a contract. Ultimately, Sarah Jessica Parker was the first choice, and Edelstein served as a backup.
I was either going to do it or not. It all depended on whether she said yes,
Edelstein explained.
My contract was complete. I was waiting.
—Lisa Edelstein, Actress
Ashley Olsen Was Considered for Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl
Initially, The CW considered Ashley Olsen for the role of Serena, but casting director Rapaport was determined to cast Blake Lively, emphasizing the show’s reliance on her performance.
I was terrified we wouldn’t get her or they wouldn’t like her because, honestly, the show lived and died on her and I had absolutely no other ideas,
he confessed. —David Rapaport, Casting Director
Rumer Willis Almost Starred as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl
Although the network desired Rumer Willis for the lead, Rapaport felt her casting might compromise the show‘s creative vision and instead chose less-known actresses who embodied the series’ essence.
She’s grown into quite an amazing actress and person, but that, to me, was based on protecting the investment of a television show where creatively, these lesser-known girls really captured the essence of the show and carried it for six years.
—David Rapaport, Casting Director
Keke Palmer Was in the Running for Iris West on The Flash
Before Candice Patton was cast, Palmer auditioned but was considered too young compared to Grant Gustin, the show’s Barry Allen.
We had seen Candice initially, but I think we were too early on in the process to cast her so we ended up testing Keke Palmer and this other girl, but they felt a little too young next to Grant [Gustin],
Rapaport said.
When he brought Candice back, it was magic.
—David Rapaport, Casting Director
Iwan Rheon Almost Played Jon Snow on Game of Thrones
Rheon revealed that he was one of the final contenders for Jon Snow. Ultimately, Kit Harington won the role, while Rheon’s character Ramsay Bolton became one of the series’ most notorious villains.
Chris Pratt Was the First Choice for Chuck on Chuck
Josh Schwartz, showrunner of The O.C., disclosed Pratt was originally selected for Chuck but the actor’s fate led him to “Guardians of the Galaxy” instead.
He was the first guy I wanted to play ‘Chuck’. But as fate would have it, he was destined to guard the galaxy, not the Buy More,
Schwartz said.
And might I add, couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
—Josh Schwartz, Producer
Katie Holmes Was Considered for Piper on Orange Is the New Black
Holmes met early with creator Jenji Kohan but passed due to other commitments and uncertainty about the show’s concept at the time.
And also in the beginning no one knew what this was.
—Jenji Kohan, Creator
Cobie Smulders Almost Played Kate Austen on Lost
Before becoming Robin Scherbatsky on “How I Met Your Mother,” Smulders auditioned for Kate on “Lost” but did not succeed. Evangeline Lilly landed the role.
She owes a lot to me because I went in and I bombed the audition. And she was like, ‘Thank you!’
—Cobie Smulders, Actress
Helen Hunt and Ashley Judd Were Early Choices for Alicia on The Good Wife
Though Julianna Margulies became the definitive Alicia Florrick, the studio initially pursued Hunt and Judd before casting the Emmy winner.
Katie Holmes Almost Starred as Buffy on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Holmes nearly played the vampire-hunting lead but declined to focus on high school, leading to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s casting.
Lorraine Bracco Was Offered Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos
Bracco, who starred in “Goodfellas,” declined the role to avoid repetition, which was subsequently given to Edie Falco.
Taraji P. Henson Auditioned for Olivia Pope on Scandal
Before Kerry Washington’s iconic portrayal, Henson auditioned for the lead fixer role but felt undeniably that it was destined for Washington.
When I went in to read for Shonda Rhimes, in my mind I was like, ‘This is Kerry Washington. Why am I even in here?’
—Taraji P. Henson, Actress
Gillian Anderson Almost Played Lady Cora on Downton Abbey
The “X-Files” star turned down the role, which went to Elizabeth McGovern instead.
Ashlee Simpson Was First Choice for Elena Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries
Simpson was initially considered for the lead but producers ultimately selected Nina Dobrev after reviewing her audition tape.
Whitney Houston Was Offered a Lead on The Cosby Show
The legendary singer turned down the opportunity to pursue her musical career.
Dana Delany Declined Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
Despite being offered the role, Delany passed due to her previous involvement in explicit projects and discomfort with the show‘s title.
Paul Shaffer Was Offered George on Seinfeld
The bandleader for David Letterman was directly offered the role by Jerry Seinfeld but never returned the call.
Thomas Jane Was Considered for Don Draper on Mad Men
Jane declined the role, paving the way for Jon Hamm to become the face of the series.
Ryan Reynolds Turned Down Xander on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Reynolds expressed love for the show and its creator but preferred not to portray a high school student.
I love that show and I loved Joss Whedon,
Reynolds said.
But my biggest concern was that I didn’t want to play a guy in high school.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
The casting journeys of these actors demonstrate the unpredictable nature of iconic roles in entertainment. Glen Powell’s honest reflection on his position in the James Bond conversation highlights how closely casting decisions are tied to identity, culture, and audience expectations, reinforcing why the character remains an emblem of British heritage. With MGM Studios and Amazon yet to announce the next Agent 007, fans remain eager to see who will step into this legendary role.
