Matthew Rhys Reveals How He Messed Up His James Bond Audition With A Joke

Caroline Frost
Updated ·1 min read
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Matthew Rhys has added his name to the long list of British actors who, despite their best endeavours, would not be Bond.

The star of Perry Mason and The Americans told The Times of London that he managed to royally mess up his meeting with 007’s producers, back when they were looking for a replacement for Pierce Brosnan.

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Rhys told the paper he was invited to their offices in the centre of London – “Very intimidating. We were just told to wear a dark suit and read Casino Royale.”

The producers asked him what he would do differently with the legendary screen character.

Rhys told The Times: “I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like, is it a trick question? Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything. He’s perfect’?”

And he didn’t think he should say, “Oh, it’s been a bit one-note for a few decades, hasn’t it? I think we can drop the misogynistic jokes,” so he tried a joke. “I’d give him a limp. I said, ‘Limp?’ Nothing. ‘Eye patch?’ Nothing.”

Rhys laughed at the prospect of Daniel Craig following him in and answering the same question, “Gritty Reboot? Job done.”

Rhys has fortunately followed his own star, following his breakout part in Brothers and Sisters, and lead roles in Perry Mason and The Americans. The latter co-starred Keri Russell, his real-life partner, and the pair have teamed up again for Elizabeth Banks’ 2023 comic horror film Cocaine Bear.

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