Sam Worthington’s Controversial James Bond Audition Sparks Debate Among Fans After Online Leak

Sam Worthington was once among the actors vying for the role of James Bond in 2005, and now his screen test has been made available online. The footage was shared by a YouTube channel alongside Henry Cavill’s heart-wrenching, ill-fated Bond audition and The Boys actor Antony Starr’s take on 007. This recent clip features Worthington tackling some lines from Goldeneye.

In the seven-minute segment, the Avatar star delivers his rendition of memorable phrases like “Martini, shaken not stirred” and “Bond, James Bond,” as well as performing a few run-throughs of the corresponding scene. The audition was for the role of the new Bond in Casino Royale, stepping in for Pierce Brosnan. Ultimately, the part went to Daniel Craig.

Worthington has previously discussed his audition experience, stating that he doesn’t believe it was his best performance. According to ComicBook.com, Worthington recounted his experience during an appearance on the Australian radio show Fitzy and Wippa in 2023.

“I did audition for Bond. I went in to read for Martin Campbell, who eventually directed Casino Royale,” he reflected. “You walk in, and there’s the woman in the bed, you’re supposed to charm her. I nailed the killer aspect of Bond, but I just couldn’t nail the charm. I couldn’t win her over. The suit didn’t fit, man.”

Worthington further mentioned: “I attempted a British accent. I did express to them that I wanted to wear the white tuxedo like Roger Moore. I wanted to incorporate some kung fu elements, and they looked at me like I had lost my mind.” He added: “It was dreadful. I sounded like Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins. I remember Martin saying, ‘Just use your normal voice, it’s all good, man.'”

However, fans of the actor have a different opinion, with hundreds of positive comments on the YouTube video. One viewer noted: “Really good actually… The best out of all of them from 2005,” while another mentioned, “He has a natural charisma and captivating body language.” A third added: “Everyone has to start somewhere. Worthington may not have been the right choice for Bond, but he does exhibit a lot of promising potential.”

The same YouTube channel, Ron South, has shared screen tests for Cavill, Starr, and Pride and Prejudice actor Rupert Friend. According to his YouTube description, he discovered the tapes in a recycling bin at a film studio.