A Kiwi James Bond? New Zealand actor Karl Urban reveals he was considered for part of British spy in 2005 but 'couldn't do final test' and the role went to Daniel Craig
After British actor Daniel Craig rejected a AUD$137million offer to play James Bond in two more spy blockbusters, fans have been scrambling to guess who will replace him.
With fellow Englishman Tom Hiddleston as the rumoured front-runner, it has now been revealed that a New Zealander narrowly missed out on the iconic role over 10 years ago.
Karl Urban, best known for his role in the Star Trek series, confirmed to The Fix on Tuesday that he met with producers but was unable to 'do the final test' because of a prior filming commitment.
A Kiwi Bond? Karl Urban, best known for his role in the Star Trek series, confirmed to The Fix on Tuesday that he was considered for the role of James Bond back in 2005, which eventually went to British actor Daniel Craig
Back in 2005 the role of 007 eventually went to Daniel Craig, who infamously said last year he would 'rather slash (his) wrists' than play the character again.
But Karl was not left disappointed and admits he was actually 'grateful' not to play James Bond.
'There was a period when they were casting it the last time around where I'd met with Barbara Broccoli and various other producers,' the 43-year-old explained.
A poisoned chalice? Over 10 years ago, the role of 007 eventually went to Daniel Craig (pictured) - but he infamously said last year he would 'rather slash (his) wrists' than play the character again
In the running: British actors Idris Elba (L) and Tom Hiddleston (R) have been suggested by fans as possible replacements for Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond
Shaken or stirred? Mad Max: Fury Road star Tom Hardy is another bookies' favourite to fill 007's shoes
'Unfortunately I was shooting another movie and I couldn't do the final test,' continued the Auckland-based actor.
'But I'm actually pretty grateful I didn't because I think Daniel Craig did such an extraordinary job and I couldn't have imagined a better Bond.'
Meanwhile, Karl endorsed Tom Hiddleston getting the role this time round - but also expressed support for Idris Elba, who plays the villain in upcoming sequel Star Trek Beyond.
Missed opportunity: Karl, pictured in 2005 when he was being considered for the role, said: 'There was a period when they were casting it the last time around where I'd met with Barbara Broccoli and... other producers'
Action Man: Karl, pictured on-set of 2005 video game adaptation Doom, added: 'Unfortunately I was shooting another movie and I couldn't do the final test'
Last week, the Daily Mail reported that Daniel Craig told MGM bosses that he was 'done' playing James Bond.
He played the role since 2005's Casino Royale and helped the franchise earn well over AUD$4billion in box office revenue.
Just days previously, bookmakers called off bets on Tom Hiddleston becoming the next Bond.
Calling it quits: Last week, Daily Mail reported that Daniel Craig told MGM bosses that he was 'done' as Bond
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