Two decades after losing out on the role, Outlander star Sam Heughan has opened up about why he didn’t become James Bond.

Back in 2006, Casino Royale introduced Daniel Craig as a grittier, more realistic 007 and launched a new era for the franchise. Before Craig was cast, however, several other actors were in the mix — including Henry Cavill, Clive Owen, Michael Fassbender, Sam Worthington, Rupert Friend, and Heughan himself, who auditioned for the part in his mid-twenties.

Speaking with The Times, Heughan recalled that his Bond audition didn’t go as planned. According to director Martin Campbell, producer Barbara Broccoli, and casting director Debbie McWilliams, he “wasn’t charismatic enough” for the role. The feedback pushed him to change direction in his career — he darkened his hair and started going for villain roles to add more “edge” to his image.

Describing the experience, Heughan remembered how secretive and surreal the process felt:

“It was all top secret — they took me into a boardroom, the casting director was there, Barbara Broccoli was there, Martin Campbell was there, and there was a golden gun on the table. They told me to do the scene right then and there. It was very, very odd.”

Although the role went to Craig, Heughan admits he’d still love another chance to play Bond — even if he doubts his age would allow it:

“I’d love another crack at it. I think I’m too old now, though.”

What This Means For James Bond

Casino Royale isn’t just the highest-rated James Bond film of Daniel Craig’s era — it’s also one of the most acclaimed entries in the franchise’s entire history. Following 2002’s Die Another Day, which drew criticism for its over-the-top gadgets and implausible action scenes (including the infamous invisible car and arctic surfing moment), Martin Campbell’s 2006 reboot grounded the series with a grittier, more realistic approach to 007.

The results spoke for themselves. On Rotten Tomatoes, Casino Royale boasts an impressive 94% critics’ score and a 90% audience score, reflecting both critical and fan enthusiasm. The film also dominated at the box office, earning $616 million worldwide and successfully launching Craig as a serious leading man.

Had Sam Heughan been chosen, he would have followed in the footsteps of Sean Connery as the second Scottish actor to play the iconic spy. The role transformed Craig into a global movie star — something that could have easily happened for Heughan as well, who remains best known today for his television work.

However, it appears Heughan’s hunch about being “too old” for the part now is accurate. Reports suggest that Bond 26, rumored to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, is seeking a younger actor — likely someone in their late 20s or early 30s — and ideally a fresh face rather than an established name.

Our Take On Sam Heughan’s James Bond Casting Story

Outlander has been one of Starz’s biggest successes, running for years and spawning its own prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which debuted this past August. With season 8 set to conclude the story — and mark the end of Sam Heughan’s journey as Jamie Fraser — the actor is preparing to close an important chapter in his career next year.

Although Daniel Craig ultimately proved to be an ideal James Bond, it’s intriguing to imagine what Heughan might have done with the role. Fans of Outlander have long praised his screen presence and charisma, qualities that perhaps weren’t fully developed or visible during his early Bond audition.

Still, Heughan’s chance to play 007 appears to have slipped away. With Amazon now steering the Bond franchise toward a new era — reportedly with a younger, lesser-known actor — the opportunity has likely passed. However, that doesn’t mean Heughan’s Bond story has to end entirely; with his intensity and presence, he could make a compelling addition to the franchise in another capacity — perhaps even as a future Bond villain.