Overview
- Ben Starr told VGC on Wednesday that he submitted a self-taped GoldenEye scene and was recalled to meet IO Interactive and Eon Productions, but says he ‘crumbled under the pressure’ and ultimately didn’t get the part.
- Starr praised Patrick Gibson’s performance in 007: First Light and said he is glad he wasn’t cast because Gibson ‘is so fucking good,’ reflecting the strong reaction to the game’s lead actor.
- The role instead went to Patrick Gibson, whose portrayal of a younger, Craig-era–informed Bond has been singled out by critics and players as a highlight of the recently released game.
- 007: First Light launched in late May and earned positive reviews for translating the Bond fantasy into a stealth-forward, globe-trotting action experience, with outlets calling IOI’s design and tone a success.
- Starr’s anecdote underscores how game casting can shape careers—he was an early-stage performer best known for Final Fantasy 16 when he auditioned—and it adds human context to ongoing conversations about the game’s origin-story approach and its possible influence on future Bond casting.