He Refused the Role of His Life: This French Actor Said No to the Best James Bond of the Daniel Craig Era
He turned down a 007 role in the film many call Daniel Craig’s best. Years later, the French star admits it still gnaws at him; what could make someone pass on Bond at his peak?
Thirteen years after Skyfall roared into theaters, French actor Tomer Sisley concedes he passed on a Bond part built for fists, not lines, and the choice still nags at him. The 2012 Sam Mendes thriller, led by Daniel Craig with Judi Dench and Javier Bardem, surged past 1.1 billion dollars worldwide. The role he declined, later taken by Ola Rapace as Patrice, explodes into view in the film’s opening train fight. Sisley says he favored acting over stunt work at the time, a stance he revisited in a 2024 interview while weighing it against a career that includes Largo Winch, Surface and the upcoming La Cible.
A role that slipped away
For most actors, stepping into the world of James Bond is a career-defining moment. But back in 2012, French actor Tomer Sisley made a decision that would later haunt him: he turned down a role in Skyfall, widely regarded as one of the franchise’s crowning achievements. Thirteen years later, in a candid 2024 interview, he admitted his regret. Here is how it unfolded.
The monumental success of Skyfall
Released in 2012 and helmed by acclaimed director Sam Mendes, Skyfall quickly took its place among the most celebrated James Bond films. With Daniel Craig as Bond, Judi Dench delivering a powerful farewell performance, and Javier Bardem as a chilling villain, the movie captivated critics and audiences alike. The numbers don’t lie either: with $1.1 billion at the box office, it became the franchise’s highest-grossing production to date. And its iconic opening scene remains etched in memory for its tension and adrenaline.
Tomer Sisley’s surprising decision
In a choice that continues to intrigue, Sisley turned down the chance to be part of this historic film. The role in question? Patrice, the deadly operative seen battling Bond in the unforgettable train fight. Sisley’s reasoning was, in his own words, practical: “It wasn’t really acting. The role had little dialogue and was largely physical. I didn’t see myself as the right fit; it felt more suited for a stuntman.”
However, hindsight often changes perspectives. During his 2024 interview, Sisley confessed to feeling deep regret over the decision. While he had valid reasons at the time, the opportunity to be associated with such a landmark title and the potential impact on his career was one he wished he had seized.
The role that landed elsewhere
When Sisley declined, the role went to Swedish actor Ola Rapace, who portrayed Patrice. While the character didn’t utter many words, his presence in the film’s gripping opening sequence made a lasting impression.
Set against a backdrop of high-speed pursuits and intense close combat, Patrice’s train fight with 007 on top of a speeding locomotive remains one of Bond’s most thrilling action moments.
Moving forward with a unique career path
Despite walking away from Skyfall, Sisley has built a varied and solid career. Known for his dynamic role in the Largo Winch saga, he has also expanded his horizons with appearances in productions like Apple TV’s Surface and the forthcoming French thriller La Cible.
Sometimes, the roles we don’t take shape us as much as those we do. For Sisley, Skyfall may remain his great what-if, but his career trajectory shows that every decision carries its own rewards and a few reflective moments along the way.
