Ralph Fiennes 'would’ve been a terrible James Bond', happy as M

03-Mar-2014 • Spectre (2015)

English actor Ralph Fiennes, who took over as MI6 chief M from Dame Judi Dench at the end of the latest James Bond film 'Skyfall', has opened up to the Telegraph about his flirtation with the 007 role years ago.

The English actor, best known for his role in the romantic drama The English Patient describes in an interview in this weekâs Seven magazine how he met Bond producer, Albert âCubbyâ Broccoli 20 years ago to discuss the part.

"There was a conversation that was great and a meeting with Cubby Broccoli [who died in 1996], that was terrific," said Fiennes. "I think thatâs all I can say, except that it didnât lead to anything on both sides. I donât think I felt ready to commit and I think they were looking at Pierce Brosnan."

Fiennes said he had no regrets about not being Bond and was looking forward to playing M in Bond 24, "I think I wouldâve been a terrible Bond, actually. I think Iâm happier playing M. And I think Daniel Craig is a brilliant Bond."

Thanks to @MeladMoshiri for the alert.