Part of the reason why James Bond movie having such great behind the scenes stories to share is the fact that there are so many who auditioned to be a part of this world who didn’t enter or find their way afterward. This applies not only to the men who could have been Bond, but also to some of the supporting characters in 007’s adventures.
No one knows this better than series veteran Colin Salmon, who played Robinson during the Pierce Brosnan was James Bond . What’s even more interesting is a recent interview with the Spyhard Podcasts (opens in a new tab), Salmon revealed that this was also the case with Bond Woman Monica Bellucci. before finally get the role of Lucia Sciarra in Spectrum with Daniel Craig, the actor had unsuccessfully auditioned for two consecutive films during the Pierce Brosnan era.
Colin Salmon was present on both occasions and told compelling stories about both cases. Here’s how he revealed those experiences, starting with his response to those most disappointed not to land after his James Bond audition:
I’m Monica. Monica Bellucci actually came twice. You appeared once for Tomorrow Never Dies and once again for The World is Not Enough. She tied me to the chair, I was tied to the chair, she straddled me and licked my face. And I was like… and she still didn’t get it. I told him, “Give her what she wants, please.”
As you can see in Colin Salmon’s crazy story The world is not enough at the audition, Monica Bellucci was clearly auditioning for the role of Elektra King. The surprise villain who hatched the diabolical plan that fueled the 19th James Bond film, it was a role that ultimately went to French actress Sophie Marceau.
Even though the casting was absolutely perfect, with Marceau’s Bond Woman equal to 007 , it’s hard not to see how well Bellucci would fit the role. The prospect is especially tantalizing when a few years later she plays the morally gray Persephone in the 2003 sequels to The matrix.
Colin Salmon noted that this was his second time helping Monica Bellucci try out for a female role in the James Bond franchise. Both instances occurred when the actor was selected to help test Bond Women Tomorrow never dies as much as The world is not enough. This experience anchored Salmon in the franchise machine and ultimately helped Pierce Brosnan defend his candidacy to succeed him as 007.
In Monica Bellucci’s case, her first audition for a James Bond film was a little more difficult than the safest incident described above. Continuing his story of how he and the Italian actress have bonded since their previous encounter, Colin Salmon dished this sweet tale:
In all honesty, in Tomorrow Never Dies, I went to lunch with her, because I could tell she was struggling. Her English wasn’t clear so I went to ask if she wanted to lead the lines and we did. Really, because I know the one, I could feel the tension. And then, like I said, he came back for The World Is Never Enough, with Sophie [Marceau] done. So she was there, as you said, in Spectre. I was so happy to see him, especially in such a role. It was an amazing role and Sophie was amazing in The World Is Never Enough.
Whether it’s cast, story ideas, or anything else in the world of 007, the first or even the second time around isn’t always the charm. Several former James Bonds have been nominated on their second attempt, such as even Pierce Brosnan had to wait his turn .
Luck smiled on Monica Bellucci and the results were deserved. Through the stories Colin Salmon has told above, the James Bond franchise story of never saying rings truer than ever, and who knows where that lesson will be taught next.
Source: Cinemablend
