157. A Tribute to Mads Mikkelsen | How the Delectable Dane Conquered Hollywood

Published: Feb. 2, 2021, 6 p.m.

The year was 2006. Daniel Craig, the new James Bond, took the role after dozens of names were considered. Eva Green became the reboot’s first Bond girl, beating out Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, and Audrey Tautou. And then there was the role of the villain, which went to a somewhat obscure actor from Denmark--Mads Mikkelsen.

Despite having only appeared in one English-language film, 2004’s underappreciated King Arthur, the Danish actor seems to have been the only actor in serious contention for the part. As the villain Le Chiffre, Mikkelsen was glacial, calculating, and ironic. Perhaps even more importantly for a Bond film, he looked good in designer suits, luxury sports cars, and overpriced watches. Producers didn’t need to look elsewhere; Mads fit the part perfectly.

Hosted by Eileen Shortall and written by Trent Kinnucan

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