Sam Worthington has scored roles in Avatar and Terminator Salvation, but there was one major part he just couldn’t nab.

The 33-year-old actor admits he once aimed to become the next James Bond, but he couldn’t work out how to play the suave spy.

“I held off and held off doing the audition because I couldn’t find a way into the character. And when I finally did I went for it,” Worthington recalled. “I got a half a day of acting with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell. I got to do some scenes with some great actors, gave it my all, and it wasn’t right for me.”

However, the experience led Sam to believe in his abilities. That confidence helped him land the role of Jake Scully.

“I was backing myself. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he told ShortList magazine. “I thought the least I’ll get out of this is to act a few scenes with James Cameron, and that’s a hell of an opportunity. I learned that from going for the James Bond audition. If I give it all I’ve got and still don’t get the part, then so be it. This time I did.”

Sam’s next movie - Clash of the Titans - opens in theaters this Friday.