Playing James Bond is the dream of every British actor, but only a select few have been able to procure the license to kill from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Sam Worthington, the actor who plays Jake Sully in the film Avatar: The Way of Water, was one of the finalists to play James Bond when the aforementioned producers were looking to recast the character after Pierce Brosnan’s stint ended with Die Another Day.

Regarding the process of audition after being shortlisted, Worthington had to play a scene from the Sean Connery film Fom Russia With Love wearing a tuxedo. Broccoli herself proceeded to cut his hair so that Worthington fits into her vision of how Bond should look, the actor revealed to Variety.

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Along with the 46-year-old actor, the other finalists who were not selected include Henry Cavill and Goran Visnjic.

Regarding the audition process, Worthington said, “They are so detailed and meticulous,” adding, “They are protective and passionate about this series. And what I learned is that you listen to these people. It’s the same thing with [‘Avatar’ director] 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.”

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Another role that Worthington missed out on was Green Lantern, which was also directed by the Casino Royale director Martin Campbell. However, the Everest actor was not able to relate with the character and his superpowers, or the vision the makers had with the movie.

Worthing remembered that he had asked, “It didn’t make much sense to me — the suit comes out of his skin?” He went on to add, “And I was like, ‘He’s got this powerful ring that can create anything. Well, what can beat the ring?’ The answer was nothing. I was like, ‘Well, something needs to beat it, or it won’t be very interesting.’”

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While The Way of Water is playing in theatres at the moment, Worthington will again be seen in Avatar 3, which is set to release in 2024.