Brian Cox Jumped at Starring in ‘007: Road to a Million’: ‘I’ve Always Wanted to Play a Bond Villain’

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman Brian Cox said he jumped at the chance to play the mysterious figure of the Controller in upcoming James Bond-themed gameshow “007: Road to a Million.” When asked why he joined the series, which sees real people competing for a £1 million ($1.2 million) by taking part in heart-stopping physical challenges worthy of the fictional spy, Cox deadpanned: “They paid me an enormous amount of money.

And that’s always very attractive.” But the “Succession” star added that he has always wanted to join the 007 franchise and said when the job offer first came in he assumed it was to play the villain in the next Bond feature film. “I thought ‘Oh, 007, finally,'” he said. “I should have realized that haven’t got a new James Bond so why would they be casting a villain?

But I thought: ‘This might be my big moment to play a Bond villain.’ I’ve always wanted to play a Bond villain.” Longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who joined Cox on the black carpet at the premiere of “007: Road to a Million” in London on Thursday evening, said Cox would also have made an excellent spy. “He would have been a great Bond,” she said. “He’s amazing and audiences love him and he’s so great in the show.” The series, which was conceived and produced by Fremantle company 72 Films, is the first time the Bond IP has ever been used outside of feature films. “We’re always very protective of Bond,” Broccoli said. “It wasn’t so much about the time being right [to do a TV show].

It was about the concept being right. 72 Films approached us, we loved the concept and we thought we’d give it a go. And judging by the reaction, I think we got it right.” “007: Road to a Million” sees Cox control the fate of nine pairs of wannabe Bonds as they participate.