James Bond: 10 Iconic British Actors Who Should Have Played 007

3. Paul McGann

paul mcgann docro I from Withnail & I was the second choice behind Pierce Brosnan when Timothy Dalton was killed in action as the iconic spy. McGann apparently greatly impressed in his auditions for the role. McGann went on to play Doctor Who instead, but would have presented an altogether grittier, more Liverpudlian version of James Bond. McGann perhaps wouldn€™t quite cut the same stylish figure as Brosnan did, but may at least have gotten a few, €˜the name€™s James Bond mate€™ in there for value. McGann was possibly a little young to play Bond at the time, but would have been a brave choice nonetheless. McGann as Bond would show the ever-shifting identity of the Bond character and McGann has shown great versatility throughout the noughties in such varied roles as Lesbian Vampire Killers to Queen of the Damned. With respect, there are two other actors from that glorious film Withnail & I who might have played excellent Bonds or at least, Bond spoofs. Firstly that exquisite, ultra-Englishman Richard E Grant, who would have cut an entirely new kind of Bond; svelte, sharp, almost prickly. Those Martini€™s would have to be diluted somewhat though, given his alcohol intolerance. Secondly, Richard Griffith, old uncle Monty, would have made a tremendous Bond. Who needs all those action sequences when he has such wit and candour at his fingertips.
Contributor
Contributor

David Hynes is a freelance writer, working in print, online, on stage and for screen. A film and book enthusiast, he has just finished his first novel.