The Late Late Show host James Corden battled it out against soccer superstar David Beckham for the role of James Bond in a video airing on June 8, 2017 during Corden’s week in London. Corden and Beckham began the audition process taking jabs at each other as they waited to be called in.”You know this is an audition for James Bond, right?” asked Corden. “It’s not like an underwear commercial or something like that.”
Glancing down at Corden’s stomach, Beckham replied, “I’d say that’s pretty obvious.”
When the casting director finally called them in, she explained they were looking at all types for the role including handsome and charming types like David Beckham. She didn’t offer any such compliment to Corden, with Beckham admitting it was a little bit weird Corden was auditioning for Bond.
Corden and Beckham then competed to see who did the best Bond walk and Corden was at a distinct disadvantage after Beckham switched out his black velvet tuxedo for a baby blue ruffled one with a unicorn embroidered on the back. Next up was a scene with a Bond love interest, Miss Hemlock, which Beckham sabotaged by entering early prompting the actress to chose the sexy Beckham over Corden without hesitation. When it was Beckham’s turn to deliver that scene, Corden substituted in for the gorgeous love interest which threw off his rival. “Oh my god, that’s disgusting! What is this? I’m not dealing with that. No way. I can’t do this. I can’t do that,” said Beckham, pointing at Corden. “Bond would,” said Corden.
Their bickering over how to deliver the iconic line, “Bond, James Bond,” ultimately got both tossed from the audition. They finally realized they’re better as a team and hugged it out. And instead of competing for a Bond role, they opted to play a famous comic book duo.
