Javier Bardem Turned Down James Bond Role Until He Pitched This Bold Idea for His Villain

Javier Bardem initially turned down the chance to play a James Bond villain, but one conversation with director Sam Mendes changed his mind. The actor ultimately signed on for 2012’s Skyfall after pitching a more provocative side to his character, Raoul Silva, including the idea that the villain wanted to have sex with Daniel Craig’s 007. Speaking at the London Film Festival on Sunday, October 11, Bardem, 57, recalled his hesitation about joining the franchise. He admitted he was nervous about what he could bring to a Bond movie, but his discussions with Mendes opened the door to a different approach. Bardem said Mendes was receptive to his ideas about Silva’s sexuality. The actor played a former MI6 agent who turns against the organization, and his character’s charged encounter with Bond became one of Skyfall’s most memorable scenes. Mendes took Bardem’s proposal to the studio, which the actor said responded with considerable bravery. The resulting scene sees Silva flirt with Bond #CelebrityNews #HollywoodNews #PopCulture