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By Don Kaye
Special to MSN Movies

It seems strange now to think that when Daniel Craig was first cast as British secret agent James Bond for 2006's successful franchise reboot, "Casino Royale... more," his hiring was met with consternation by a number of 007 fans. Some even launched a petition asking Eon Productions, the series' producers, to replace Craig before they had even seen one frame of footage. Of course, that debate is now moot: Craig proved himself a fantastic Bond, possibly the best since Sean Connery originated the role in 1962, while "Casino Royale" was not only the best Bond movie in decades but a box office and critical hit -- and now followed by "Quantum of Solace." But what if Craig had not been offered the role? Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli reportedly looked at some 200 actors, ranging from stars like Jude Law and Eric Bana to relative unknowns like Sam Worthington and Dominic West. We personally were campaigning (not that anybody listened) for Clive Owen, whose ferocious intensity often got him touted as a potential Bond. We came around to Craig eventually, but what if Owen had taken the part? Would he have worked, and would "Casino Royale" have been as successful? Any number of actors have been linked to the role of 007 over the years, going right back to the start of the series. Some of the could-have-been-Bonds make sense, while others just seem downright bizarre (Adam West?). Take a look at our list, which ranges from rumored contenders to contracted players, and see if you think they could have done the job. As for the next Bond, six or eight years from now, that's classified, but keep the name Henry Cavill in mind. (Sony Pictures)Close