‘I’m So Happy I Didn’t Get It’: Ben Starr Auditioned for 007 First Light’s James Bond

Ben Starr, an actor famous for his work in games like Final Fantasy 16 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has shared that he tried out for the role of James Bond in the new 007 First Light game.

Obviously, he didn’t get the job, as the role ended up going to Patrick Gibson. However, it sounds like he’s very pleased with how things worked out.

Speaking to VGC, Starr recounts his experience before singing Gibson’s praises in the final game.

He revealed he once tried out for the role of James Bond, but it didn’t go well. He was working on Final Fantasy 16 at the time and admits he wasn’t good enough. He was just a young, video game-loving actor back then.

He says he “crumbled under the pressure”, describing being in the room with IO Interactive and Eon Productions as “really intimidating”.

I’m really glad I stayed far away from the game, because Patrick Gibson is incredibly talented in it. He’s just phenomenal,” Starr explains.

Many people are impressed with Gibson’s portrayal of Bond in the new video game, and some are even hoping he’ll be cast as Bond in future movies.

Lennie James, who acted alongside him, praised his performance in 007 First Light, calling it “fantastic” and suggesting he’d be a strong contender to play James Bond in a future film.

I feel like, if Ben Starr had been cast as Bond, it’d feel very different to the one we got. Gibson really does just seem perfectly cast for what IO wanted to do.

Are you as taken with Gibson’s Bond as Ben Starr is? Tell us in the comments section below.

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2026-06-10 16:06