Last Updated on Jun 10, 2026 @ 13:25:34 PM.
007 First Light, after seven long years and a triple figure budget, released last month to rave reviews, including our own, but it could have been a completely different experience. Whereas we got the excellent Patrick Gibson as the star, Ben Starr, of Final Fantasy 16, Balatro and more almost became the titular star.
Speaking to VGC, Starr said:
“I auditioned for James Bond years ago. I never would have gotten it. I was terrible, I remember doing a self-tape for it. I did the Goldeneye scene, and I got recalled to meet the team. I was a couple of years into doing Final Fantasy at that point, and it hadn’t been released, so I was just a young actor who liked video games. I really kind of crumbled under the pressure. I didn’t deliver what they wanted, and I’m so fucking happy I didn’t get anywhere near it, because my god, Patrick Gibson is so fucking good. He’s unbelievable,”
Set against the globe-trotting adventures of a newly inducted Bond, Patrick Gibson brought a level to the character we’ve never seen on the big screen, and it’s difficult to imagine that same performance would have happened if the lead actor was different. Either way, with at least another two games planned for the IP from IO Interactive, there’s plenty of time and opportunity for Ben Starr to still take part in the iconic franchise.
What do you think? Would Ben Starr have made a better James Bond? Did you like Patrick Gibson’s Bond? Let us know in the comments.
For more from us, check out the latest Cyberpunk 2077 merch, or ATLUS’ reveal of Metaphor: ReFantazio launching on Nintendo Switch 2.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
