Spectre’s Monica Bellucci Was Turned Down For These Two Other James Bond Movies

Monica Bellucci starred in Spectre, but she was almost a Bond Girl twice long before the 2015 James Bond movie. An Italian actress and model, Belluci has graced the silver screen with her captivating presence for decades. Known for her roles in films like Malèna, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Passion of the Christ, Bellucci has established herself as a versatile and talented actress. Her distinct blend of charisma and acting prowess has made her a favorite among international audiences. Beyond her film career, Bellucci’s modeling work has also been groundbreaking, challenging norms and embracing a wide range of beauty standards.

In the world of James Bond, Monica Bellucci’s name holds a special place, especially for her role in Spectre. Released in 2015, the Bond movie saw Bellucci play Lucia Sciarra, a character embroiled in the criminal underworld and one of the most iconic Bond girls. Her portrayal was met with acclaim, but Bellucci’s participation in Spectre wasn’t just a professional milestone; it also marked a shift in the type of characters seen in Bond films. However, Monica Bellucci was almost a Bond girl decades before Spectre.

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Monica Bellucci Auditioned For Tomorrow Never Dies & The World Is Not Enough

Before her iconic appearance in Spectre, Monica Bellucci auditioned for roles in two previous Bond films: 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies and 1999’s The World Is Not Enough. For Tomorrow Never Dies, Bellucci auditioned for Paris Carver, which eventually went to Teri Hatcher. Bellucci lost the role because the studio ultimately wanted an American actress to play the character. Brosnan clearly favored Bellucci, as he told Playboy, “The fools said no!“

For The World Is Not Enough, Bellucci tried out for the role of Elektra King, which eventually went to Sophie Marceau. Her screentest for The World Is Not Enough was notably intense and memorable (via Yahoo). James Bond stand-in Colin Salmon recounts a scene where Bellucci, auditioning as Elektra, had to perform a torture scene on Bond. In the movie, Elektra (Marceau) seductively straddles Pierce Brosnan’s Bond, which was also acted out by Bellucci and Salmon. Read Salmon’s comment below:

Salmon added that he was so convinced by her portrayal that he urged the producers to “give her anything she wants, please!” Despite the strong audition, Bellucci did not land the role, partly attributed to Belluci’s then-limited English proficiency. However, Salmon’s support for her talent was unwavering, as he noted, “I went and had lunch with her as I spotted her English was not up to where it needs to be, I offered to run the lines with her. I was so happy to see her in Spectre.”

Monica Bellucci Made 007 History As The Oldest “Bond Girl”

Monica Bellucci’s casting in Spectre at the age of 50 was a groundbreaking moment for the James Bond franchise. It challenged the conventional age norms associated with the term “Bond girl,” traditionally reserved for younger actresses. Bellucci’s perspective on this is both refreshing and empowering. She remarked, “I can’t say I’m a Bond girl because I’m too mature to be a Bond girl. I say Bond lady; Bond woman.” (via The Guardian) This statement reflects a shift in how female roles are perceived in the Bond universe, acknowledging maturity and depth as valuable traits.

However, Monica Bellucci’s Spectre performance was not just about her age; it was a testament to her acting skills, bringing a nuanced and compelling character to life. Her role as Lucia Sciarra was met with positive reviews, appreciating her for adding a new dimension to the Bond series. Now, her casting has opened the door for more diverse and age-inclusive roles in future Bond films, suggesting that talent and character depth are as important, if not more so, than fitting a traditional age mold. Bellucci’s legacy in the James Bond franchise is a proof of her enduring appeal and the evolving nature of the iconic series.

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Sources: The Daily Telegraph, Playboy, Yahoo, The Guardian