Tomer Sisley Turned Down James Bond’s Skyfall– And He Still Regrets It
When Skyfall hit theaters in 2012, it wasn’t just another James Bond movie — it was a cultural moment. Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, and Javier Bardem, the film became a global phenomenon, pulling in over $1.1 billion worldwide and earning its place as one of the franchise’s finest.
But behind the scenes of this blockbuster, a major decision was quietly made — one that French actor Tomer Sisley would come to regret.
A Missed Opportunity
More than a decade later, Sisley opened up in a 2024 interview about turning down the role of Patrice, a wordless but memorable villain in Skyfall’s explosive opening act. The character — a deadly assassin — goes head-to-head with Bond in a high-octane chase and brutal train-top brawl, one of the film’s most iconic sequences.
Originally, the role had been offered to Sisley, already known for action-heavy parts like Largo Winch. But at the time, he passed.
His reasoning? The role felt more like stunt work than acting. “There was barely any dialogue,” he recalled. “It just didn’t feel like the right match for me.”
Ola Rapace Steps In
With Sisley out, Swedish actor Ola Rapace stepped in and delivered a silent but striking performance as Patrice. While the character didn’t say much — or anything, really — the physical presence and tension he brought to the screen made a lasting impression on Bond fans.
- That adrenaline-fueled chase through Istanbul, culminating in Bond being shot and falling from the train, remains one of the most gripping intros in Bond history.
Reflections from the Road Not Taken
In hindsight, Sisley admits that turning down Skyfall wasn’t just skipping a role — it was missing out on being part of cinematic history. “I’ve thought about it a lot over the years,” he said. “You don’t get that kind of opportunity every day.”
And while he doesn’t dwell in regret, the missed chance to be part of the Bond universe — especially during Craig’s critically acclaimed run — has stayed with him.
A Career with Its Own Highs
Despite that missed shot at Bond glory, Sisley has carved out a strong and diverse acting career. Beyond Largo Winch, he’s appeared in international series like Surface on Apple TV and has a lead role in the upcoming French thriller La Cible.
Not every actor’s journey goes through MI6. And sometimes, the paths we choose define us just as much as the ones we leave behind.
