AceShowbiz - Michael Fassbender revealed he auditioned for James Bond when the franchise was looking to replace Pierce Brosnan. However, the "X-Men" actor ended up pitching his rival, Daniel Craig, for the role when he met "Casino Royale" producers.

"I met with Barbara Broccoli just you know through passing and I actually went in to an audition phase before Daniel [Craig] was cast, but I don't think I was ever in the mix," Fassbender said.

"But I remember going into that room and meeting with her and [Michael G.] Wilson and I think I was like, 'Daniel Craig is…' I don't know why I was promoting him, I should have been promoting myself," he remembered before humorously added, "This is what I was saying, I was terrible at auditions."

Reflecting further, the actor also mentioned how he ruined his chance to star in "Mad Max: Fury Road" by showing up to Warner Bros. an hour late during the audition.

Despite the missed opportunity, Fassbender acknowledged Craig's success, stating, "Obviously, Daniel did a fantastic job and went on to be I think the most successful Bond in history but that was it really, there was never a conversation after that."

Fassbender was among the several younger stars who auditioned for Bond when the franchise was being rebooted after Pierce Brosnan's final appearance as 007 in "Die Another Day."

Henry Cavill was another significant contender during the audition process. "Casino Royale" director Martin Campbell praised the former Superman last year.

"He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn't exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond. He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape…very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little young at that time back then."

As the search for a new James Bond continues with Craig stepping down after five movies, Fassbender reflected on the possibility of being cast now. He admitted, "I think it's over," but suggested a few picks himself, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and "Bridgerton" star Rege-Jean Page.

Fassbender speculated, "Regé [Jean Page] who's in this movie, I think after people see his performance in this, he could be a frontrunner."

The movie he mentions is "Black Bag," in which Fassbender plays a spy named George Woodhouse. The film, set to hit theaters on March 14, also stars Cate Blanchett, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, and none other than former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.