Kiwi actor Karl Urban narrowly missed out on the role of James Bond 10 years ago, according to reports.
The news comes as reigning 007, Daniel Craig, recently turned down $146 million to play the role in two more films, prompting fans to guess who will replace him.
Urban, who is best known for his roles in the Star Trek and Dredd series’ – and his career-launching role on Shortland Street, confirmed to The Fix that he met with Bond producers a decade ago.
“There was a period when they were casting it the last time around where I’d met with Barbara Broccoli and various other producers,” he explained.
“Unfortunately I was shooting another movie and I couldn’t do the final test.”
The role then famously went to Craig, who has starred in four of the blockbuster spy thrillers.
Urban, 43, admitted to The Fix that he was actually relieved he didn’t get the role.
‘But I’m actually pretty grateful I didn’t because I think Daniel Craig did such an extraordinary job and I couldn’t have imagined a better Bond.’
Watch: Star Trek Beyond, starring Karl Urban
