Theo James’ career nearly took an unexpected turn after the actor auditioned for the 2011 fantasy adventure film Conan the Barbarian. While losing an audition is not usually considered fortunate, it may have proved to be a boon for The White Lotus actor, who recently revealed that it was one of the first roles that he auditioned for.
James, who has gained recognition for his work in shows and movies like The Gentlemen, The Divergent, and The Monkey, recently reflected on his audition for the Jason Momoa starrer, which ended up being a huge flop.
Theo James dodged a bullet with his failed Conan the Barbarian audition
Theo James, who has been enjoying the success of the comedy horror film The Monkey, recently reflected on some of his past auditions in an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast.
“I’ve done some over the years especially when I was younger,” he recalled before sharing his experience auditioning for the lead role in Conan the Barbarian in his first year of “being an actor.”
He shared,
I remember… like in my first year as being an actor Conan the Barbarian was being cast — I remember going and I’m going in with a bunch of young dudes and we’re all nervously waiting outside.
He recalled, “It was like a page and it said, the top line was, ‘Do that and you die,’” impersonating the titular character as he further reflected on his audition.
The Monkey star continued,
So I went in and I said the line, and then I said the other line, and then casting director said, ‘What are you doing what about the whole bit in between?’… That’s the bit when he’s on a carriage and then he like stabs someone, throws a spear at someone.
James revealed that he performed “terribly badly” in that scene and admitted, “I never [did] anything like that ever again.” Though he eventually lost the role to Jason Momoa, it was not the worst thing for James, who was still finding his footing in the industry.
The movie was a huge flop, earning only $63.5 million worldwide on an estimated budget of $90 million (Box Office Mojo), and received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics.
Theo James denied ever wearing spandex for a superhero audition
During his appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Theo James also reflected on whether he had ever worn a spandex suit to audition for a superhero role.
With his rising fame and recognition with shows like The Gentlemen, the actor has become a popular fan casting choice for several iconic roles, including James Bond and superhero roles in leading franchises such as DCU and MCU.
However, while James joining any of them remains uncertain, the actor has denied adorning a spandex, a staple for superhero roles, for an audition. “No, never never… I never have I swear my life, I never… I’m not hunky enough, I think,” he said when asked if he had ever worn a spandex suit for an audition.
While he has yet to join any franchise, the actor has expressed interest in an interview with CBR. “What about Swamp Lizard or something? That could be cool,” he said while discussing the superhero roles.
While James has yet to take on a live-action superhero role, he did lend his voice to Bastion in X-Men ’97, leaving fans eager to see him in a larger superhero project.
Conan the Barbarian is available to watch on Peacock.
The Monkey is playing in theatres.
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