Hugh Jackman’s Brutally Honest Answer On Why He Rejected James Bond Role in Casino Royale

Hugh Jackman as James Bond sounds perfect, doesn’t it? The suave Aussie with action chops stepping into 007’s shoes could’ve been legendary. And it almost came to life.

Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine (Credits: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Because, before Daniel Craig refashioned James Bond into the gritty, intense character we know today, Jackman had the chance to claim the role. But believe it or not, Jackman turned down the role of the world’s most famous spy. So, why did he walk away?

Turns out, the reasons are practical, understandable, and even a bit surprising. From feeling the franchise needed more grit to not wanting his career tied to two iconic characters, Jackman made a choice that was ultimately the right one.

Hugh Jackman rejected the James Bond role for lacking grit at that time

Daniel Craig in Casino Royale (Credits: Eon Productions)

Back in the early 2000s, James Bond movies were flashy, over-the-top, and filled with wild action. That was the style, and audiences loved it. But when Hugh Jackman was offered the role in Casino Royale, he didn’t feel the same excitement. In an interview with Variety, the English actor shared his surprising reason: 

I just felt at the time that the scripts had become so unbelievable and crazy, and I felt like they needed to become grittier and real.

At that point, Jackman had just starred as Wolverine in the X-Men series, and he was drawn to roles that felt grounded and sentimental. The over-the-top Bond movies of the time didn’t fit his vision.

Fast-forward to 2006, and Bond became exactly what Jackman wanted. When Daniel Craig took over in Casino Royale, the franchise took a darker, more realistic turn. But by then, it was too late for Jackman.

Still, the irony isn’t lost on anyone. If Jackman had said yes, he might’ve been the one to kick off Bond’s gritty transformation. Instead, Craig took the reins, and the rest is history.

Hugh Jackman didn’t want to be tied to two iconic roles

Hugh Jackman in X-Men: Days Of Future Past (Credits: 20th Century Studios)

Imagine playing Wolverine in one blockbuster series and James Bond in another. Sounds like a dream gig! But for Hugh Jackman, it felt more like a nightmare waiting to happen.

At the time he was offered Bond, Jackman was busy filming X-Men 2. Wolverine had become a massive part of his life and career. And the idea of juggling two iconic characters wasn’t appealing. Jackman told the British Press Association in 2011 (per EW):

At the time I wasn’t. I was about to shoot X-Men 2 and Wolverine had become this thing in my life and I didn’t want to be doing two such iconic characters at once.

He wanted to give Wolverine his full attention and feared that playing Bond would make his career feel stuck in one lane. And then there was the creative control issue.

Jackman is the kind of actor who likes to have a say in how his characters are shaped. When he asked about creative input for Bond, he got a firm no. “You don’t get a say,” the producers told him. That sealed the deal for Jackman—Bond wasn’t for him.

There was also the practical side to consider. Between playing Wolverine and James Bond, Jackman worried he wouldn’t have time for other projects. “I was worried I’d never get to do different things,” he admitted. Even in an interview with Indie Wire, the 56-year-old said:

I didn’t want to do the same things. You know, the role of the hero action star. I mean, it was the meat-and-potatoes of a lot of American film, that archetype. It was all various forms of heroic guys in tough situations.

Considering the star later starred in diverse films like The Greatest Showman and Les Misérables, it’s clear he made the right choice for his career. We also know that Jackman’s talent knows no bounds.

From Broadway to the big screen, he’s left audiences in awe. His standout role in The Boy from Oz earned him a Tony Award for his indelible performance as Peter Allen. Since his debut in 2003, Jackman has continued to shine.

Hugh Jackman loves the idea of being James Bond, because who wouldn’t?

Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman (Credits: 20th Century Studios)

Even though Hugh Jackman turned down the role of 007, he hasn’t completely let go of the idea. Ultimately, it’s the dream role every actor secretly auditions for in the shower.

Before rejecting, Jackman joked about wanting to play Bond and even hinted that he might take up the role someday. In one interview (as reported by EW), he admitted:

I mean, who wouldn’t want to play James Bond? I’ve always wanted to be 007. He’s the only British superhero. I think every male at some point thinks about playing James Bond so it was not right then, but it may be right if it comes back.

While that statement might be a bit of a stretch, it shows how much fun Jackman has with the idea. But not everyone was on board with the possibility. In a 2021 interview with Lorraine Kelly, Daniel Craig (the Bond himself) shut down rumors that Jackman might replace him as Bond.

“He’s not going to be it. Over my dead body,” Craig joked, making it clear he wasn’t ready to pass the torch to his friend. Jackman took it all in stride. He even shared the clip of Craig’s comment on Instagram, writing:

Well … that kills that rumor! Daniel, mate, you will always be @007 to me.

The playful banter between the two actors shows there’s no hard feelings—just mutual respect. Despite turning down Bond, Jackman’s connection to the franchise hasn’t faded. He remains a fan and often talks about how much he admires Craig’s portrayal. Plus, Jackman and Craig have a long history of working together, including their Broadway show A Steady Rain.

Casino Royale is available to stream on Apple TV!