It’s almost an unwritten rule that if you’re competing for the lead role in the James Bond movies, multiple try outs can only boost your odds. As Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan’s hirings came after previous attempts had failed, that lesson is pretty well enforced in 007 lore. Which is probably why Rupert Friend turning down an audition for "Casino Royale" feels more like a good luck charm than an albatross.

The "Asteroid City" star’s reasons for passing on that opportunity remind me of the same vibes that came from Elizabeth Olsen’s comments on working with Marvel. I gathered as much while looking over comments that Friend had made to Variety while promoting his gig in Wes Anderson’s eclectic film.