Karl Urban, known for his roles in some of the largest movie franchises, narrowly missed the opportunity to be cast as James Bond due to his involvement in another film, a scenario that became intertwined with Dwayne Johnson‘s own casting decisions. This unexpected connection came to light during the search for a new 007 after Pierce Brosnan exited the role, highlighting the complex paths of Hollywood casting, especially regarding the Dwayne Johnson James Bond casting narrative.
Karl Urban’s Career and Approach to James Bond
Karl Urban has built an impressive career across major film universes, appearing in the Star Trek reboot directed by JJ Abrams, taking part in The Lord of the Rings, and even landing a cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Despite being considered for several high-profile projects, James Bond was one blockbuster franchise that remained just out of reach for Urban. After Brosnan’s final appearance in ‘Die Another Day’, the quest to find the new James Bond began, sparking intense speculation and discussion in the film industry.
The 007 Search: Contenders and Near Misses
Following Brosnan’s departure, a diverse group of actors was considered for the iconic superspy, including Henry Cavill, Sam Worthington, and Christian Bale—each at various points in the casting process. Christian Bale was reportedly offered the part but declined, and Cavill missed out due to the producers’ concerns over his appearance. Urban was notably among the shortlist, in part due to a shared New Zealand heritage with ‘Casino Royale’ director Martin Campbell. The process of selecting the next Bond was a significant event, as producers, including Barbara Broccoli, met with multiple candidates.
Karl Urban’s Candid Reflections on the Opportunity
“There was a period when they were casting it the last time around where I’d met with Barbara Broccoli and various other producers,”
—Karl Urban
“Unfortunately, I was shooting another movie, and I couldn’t do the final test.”
—Karl Urban
Urban explained that his schedule clashed with the crucial final screen test for Bond, all due to his commitment to film ‘Doom’. This project, released in 2005 and directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, was based on the influential video game, with Urban starring as John ‘Reaper’ Grimm, the movie’s protagonist. However, the film did not live up to expectations, as it struggled to capture the dramatic intensity of the source material, becoming another example of a video game adaptation missing the mark prior to 2020.
Dwayne Johnson’s Influence on Casting and Urban’s Missed Chance
Interestingly, Dwayne Johnson, then transitioning from wrestling to acting, was originally considered for a different role in ‘Doom’. Johnson declined the part of Grimm, proposing instead to play Sarge, the team leader. If Johnson had accepted the protagonist role, it is possible Urban’s shooting schedule would have shifted or that he might not have been involved in the film at all. This adjustment could have freed Urban to complete the final James Bond screen test, altering his career trajectory and potentially impacting the Dwayne Johnson James Bond casting story.
Daniel Craig Secures the Role and Urban’s Perspective
The coveted role of 007 eventually went to Daniel Craig, who debuted in ‘Casino Royale’ and went on to play the British superspy over a span of fifteen years, defining a new era for the franchise. Craig left a lasting impact on the character and the film series—an accomplishment Urban openly respects.
“I’m actually pretty grateful I didn’t because I think Daniel Craig did such an extraordinary job,”
—Karl Urban
“I couldn’t have imagined a better Bond”
—Karl Urban
The Lasting Impact of Casting Decisions in Hollywood
The interplay between Dwayne Johnson’s early career choices and Karl Urban’s missed opportunity reveals how tightly interwoven casting decisions can be in major franchises. Urban’s brief foray toward the Bond role demonstrates how one film commitment can reshape an actor’s path, while Daniel Craig’s eventual casting brought a new dimension to James Bond. As the industry reflects on these near-misses and what-ifs, the Dwayne Johnson James Bond casting story remains a significant example of how timing and choices drive Hollywood careers and the stories audiences know today.
