Doctor Who’s David Tennant was on James Bond shortlist

The name’s Who. Doctor Who. David Tennant has revealed that he was once in the running to portray James Bond after Pierce Brosnan hung up his martini.

On a recent episode of the Acting for Others Presents… podcast, David Tennant–alongside Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You)–revealed that not long before he commanded the TARDIS, he was almost behind the wheel of an Aston Martin.

The Scottish-born actor (Sean Connery much?) said, “I never believed I had [a chance] until I worked with a director recently who had worked with the Broccolis, who said, ‘Yeah, you were on the list that time.’ “I went, ‘What time?’ He went, ‘The last time.’” David Tennant deduced that the “last time” must have meant Daniel Craig, who first took over the role of James Bond with 2006’s Casino Royale. “I think it was a long list,” he said, “and I don’t think I was ever near the top of it, but apparently so.” Albert R. Broccoli was one of the most notable Bond producers; his daughter, Barbara, took over soon before his death.

Being cast in Casino Royale would have made David Tennant James Bond #6, taking over from Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig was officially cast in 2005, the same year Tennant signed on as the Tenth Doctor, which he held until 2010. Doctor Who is now on the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), while Bond producers are still searching for 007 #7.

At 51, it’s probably safe to assume that David Tennant is no longer in the running to play Bond, as that would make him the oldest first-time 007 in the franchise’s history.

What do you think of this? Would David Tennant have made a good James Bond? Or would he have shaken–or stirred–things in the wrong direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!