In Miami, Bond prevents a plane explosion, bankrupting Le Chiffre in the process—forcing the villain to organize a high-stakes poker game to recoup his clients’ money. Casino Royale (2006) is the 21st film in the James Bond franchise and serves as a gritty, emotionally charged reboot of the series, introducing Daniel Craig as the new 007. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film re-establishes Bond’s origin story and strips the character down to his brutal, cold-blooded beginnings—before the gadgets and quips.
(Cavill would later say that Campbell turned him down because he thought Cavill was out of shape.) Australian actor Sam Worthington and Scottish actor Dougray Scott were also considered. Scottish actor Sam Heughan, Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, and German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender also auditioned. Scottish actor David Tennant was reportedly considered, although Tennant himself did not know he was on the shortlist until years later. Campbell and casting directors Janet Hirshenson and Jane Jenkins recalled meeting with Alex O'Loughlin, Julian McMahon, Ewan McGregor, Rupert Friend, and Antony Starr to discuss the role. Clive Owen was approached for the role multiple times, but turned it down as he didn't know what he would have done with the character.