Not every actor’s journey with 007 First Light has taken the same path.
In a recent interview with VGC, Ben Starr revealed that he once auditioned for the role of James Bond before the part ultimately went to Patrick Gibson.
Meanwhile, two performers who did make it into 007 First Light could have a much bigger future ahead of them. Speaking to Variety, CEO Hakan Abrak shared new details about what lies ahead for Noemi Nakai’s Isola and Gemma Chan’s Dr. Selina Tan following the game’s launch.
Ben Starr Was Almost Bond
Known for his performances as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI and Verso in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Starr revealed that he was among the actors considered for the role of Bond during the development of 007 First Light.
According to Starr, his audition for James Bond began with a self-tape based on a scene from GoldenEye. The performance was enough to earn him a callback and a meeting with the team behind 007 First Light.
Speaking to VGC, Starr later explained that the experience became increasingly intimidating as he found himself performing in front of representatives from IO Interactive and Eon Productions.
Despite making it that far, Starr admitted that he ultimately struggled with the pressure of the audition process.
“I never would have gotten it. I was terrible.”
Looking back, however, he has no regrets about the outcome and was full of praise for Patrick Gibson’s performance as Bond.
“I’m so f**king happy I didn’t get anywhere near it, because my god, Patrick Gibson is so f**king good. He’s unbelievable.”
While Starr’s journey with 007 First Light ended before it truly began, the future appears considerably brighter for two actresses already familiar to players.
As IO Interactive continues to expand both the story and Tactical Simulation beyond launch, recent comments from CEO Hakan Abrak suggest that Noemi Nakai and Gemma Chan may not be finished with the franchise just yet.
Selina Tan: More Field Exercises Ahead?
When Gemma Chan was first introduced as Dr. Selina Tan ahead of launch, many fans hoped the acclaimed actress would play a significant role in Bond’s journey. Instead, the character primarily serves as the face of Tactical Simulation, introducing challenges and tracking Bond’s progress throughout the mode.
Speaking to Variety, Abrak suggested that players should expect to see more of Dr. Tan as 007 First Light continues to evolve. Describing Chan as a “franchise character,” he hinted that the character may yet grow into the larger role many fans expected when she was first introduced.
“So, yes, you will see more of her, and she will be presenting some of the new stuff in Tactical Simulation, and maybe down the line she’ll be part of these missions as well.”
Exactly what that might look like remains unclear. While Abrak’s comments were largely focused on Tactical Simulation, his suggestion that Dr. Tan could eventually become part of “these missions” leaves room for speculation about whether her role might one day extend beyond the mode itself and into a story arc of her own.
Isola’s Story May Not Be Over
The second character singled out by Abrak is one whose fate is much more closely tied to the main story.
One of the biggest unanswered questions following the events of 007 First Light surrounds Isola, portrayed by Noemi Nakai.
Although Bond uncovers the truth behind the conspiracy at the heart of the story, many details about Isola’s own past remain unresolved by the time the credits roll. According to Abrak’s interview with Variety, that may have been intentional.
“Isola’s backstory, that’s one of those things that you could expect we would pursue and explore more. I think we left it in a great place. The thing Bond has been looking for is gone and now he’s got his title and maybe the work really starts now.”
While Abrak stopped short of confirming any specific plans, his comments suggest that IO Interactive sees further potential in Isola’s story and may not consider her role in Bond’s journey complete.
With Bawma already confirmed to return in 007 First Light’s first post-launch story expansion, it will be fascinating to see what other stories IO Interactive has planned as Bond’s journey continues beyond the main campaign.
Image credits: Jonathan Brady/PA Images, IO Interactive
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