THE LAME DUCK: Matthew Rhys claims his mistimed joke turned his James Bond audition into comedy of errors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA : The long list of British actors, who despite their best efforts can't be James Bond, now includes Matthew Rhys. The star of 'The Americans' and 'Perry Mason' admitted that he completely botched his meeting with the producers of 007 when they were seeking a successor after Pierce Brosnan.
The invitation to their offices in the heart of London, according to Rhys, was "very intimidating" for him since the creators had just told the actor to wear a black suit and read 'Casino Royale'. The actor then went on to add other details about the entire incident and said that there was a question he wasn't "anticipating" at all.
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How did Matthew Rhys screw up his audition for James Bond?
Rhys told The Times that the producers questioned him about what he would change about the renowned on-screen figure. He then opened up about how he felt at the moment and said, “I just remember going, ‘Ah.’ I was so not anticipating that question. And then I was like, 'is it a trick question?' Are they waiting for people to go, ‘I wouldn’t do anything. He’s perfect?’”
He revealed that it wasn't feasible to reply to the question with something like, “Oh, it’s been a bit one-note for a few decades, hasn’t it? I think we can drop the misogynistic jokes.” Therefore, he tried cracking a joke to ease the tension and said, he’d give him a limp. "I said, ‘Limp?’ Nothing. ‘Eye patch?’ Nothing.”
Matthew Rhys struck big in Hollywood
Actor Matthew Rhys Evans is from Wales. He is best known for his roles as Philip Jennings in 'The Americans' and Kevin Walker in 'Brothers & Sisters', for which he received two Golden Globe nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also starred as Dylan Thomas in 'The Edge of Love' and Daniel Ellsberg in 'The Post'. Rhys is also known for playing the lead role in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood'. In addition, the actor played the lead character on the HBO historical drama, 'Perry Mason', in 2020 for which he was nominated for his third Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Drama.