What it takes to be James Bond – the audition test every 007 has to pass

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For years, becoming James Bond involved a rigorous and unique audition process overseen by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. However, things are changing. Amazon MGM Studios recently gained creative control of the Bond franchise in a major deal, and this partnership means the way new Bonds are chosen may be different moving forward. The famously private casting process could be opening up as the series enters a new chapter.

As a huge Bond fan, I always knew becoming 007 wasn’t just about looking good in a tux. Broccoli and Wilson, the people behind the films for decades, really put every actor through the wringer! They’d check everything – did they know their martinis *had* to be shaken, not stirred? Could they even tell the difference between a Walther PPK and a Glock? But honestly, the biggest test seemed to be whether audiences would actually find them captivating and, well, desirable. It was about more than just skills; it was about having that undeniable charisma!

The audition process included a famous scene directly from the James Bond film *From Russia with Love* (1963). Any true Bond fan would recognize it – it’s the moment Sean Connery’s James Bond returns to his hotel room and finds Tatiana Romanova, a Soviet agent sent to lure him, waiting in bed wearing only a black velvet choker.

Having just dealt with the assassin Krilencu, with help from Kerim Bey, Bond returns to his hotel suite, still carrying his gun. True to form, he immediately starts flirting with Miss Romanova, telling her she’s attractive. She playfully puts herself down, replying, “I think my mouth is too big.”

Just as she expects a kiss, Bond deflects with a classic, subtly suggestive line: “No, it’s perfect. For me, at least.”

During the 60th anniversary event for Dr. No at the BFI, producer Wilson described how they test actors auditioning for James Bond. They consistently use a scene from *From Russia with Love* – the one where Bond returns to his hotel room after a mission. Wilson explained that anyone who can convincingly perform that scene demonstrates the qualities needed for the role, noting it’s a particularly challenging scene to pull off.

I was really fascinated to hear Wilson talk about the search for the perfect Tatiana! He emphasized how important it was to find a truly talented actress, but he was careful not to reveal any of the names of the women who had auditioned – he kept that whole process very private.

That scene remains memorable because it perfectly captures the essence of Bond. It requires him to be charming, self-assured, and captivating – really highlighting the suave, sophisticated style of espionage he embodied in the 1960s. The acting in that moment truly defines the Bond character, demonstrating that the role demands more than just action and romance from its performer.

It’s challenging to portray Bond with that effortless confidence, because he’s such a well-known character, and it’s easy to fall into caricature. The scene gives the actor a chance to nail the perfect balance and really become 007.

With Amazon MGM now in charge of the 26th James Bond film, it’s uncertain if the famous audition scene will continue to be used to find the next 007. The upcoming film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, might use a completely new selection process. This new approach could align with Amazon’s plans to make the Bond franchise a global success, moving away from the methods traditionally used by Eon Productions.

So, who are the actors potentially trying out for the role – either for this particular scene or through other auditions? Everyone’s wondering, who will be the next James Bond?

The search for the next James Bond is still underway, but now Amazon will be in charge of casting, instead of the traditional producers, Broccoli and Wilson. Sources say they’re considering a fresh start, showing Bond as a younger, more inexperienced agent just beginning his career, but one who’s already seen action.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the bookmakers’ top pick for the next James Bond, as he fits the criteria of being the right age, having some experience, and possessing a classic British appeal. Other actors frequently mentioned by fans and critics as possible contenders include Henry Cavill, James Norton, Regé-Jean Page, Jack Lowden, and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù – all of whom could bring a new energy to the iconic role.

Whoever dons the tuxedo next, one thing’s for sure: the rules of the game are changing.

Read more: Who will play James Bond in Denis Villeneuve’s movie? Rumours explained

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2025-10-17 09:39