Rosamund Pike, now a celebrated actress known for her powerful performances, recently opened up about the unsettling experience she had during the audition for her breakout role in Die Another Day—the 2002 James Bond film where she starred opposite Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.
In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Pike shared a moment from her audition that left a lasting impact. She recalled being asked to undress during the process—specifically, to unzip her dress and stand in her underwear. It was a bold and uncomfortable request, especially considering she hadn’t even secured the role yet.
“In the Bond audition, I was asked to unzip and drop the dress I was wearing, to just stand there in underwear,” Pike recounted. She refused, standing her ground and calmly saying no. “I thought, ‘Well, no, I’ll be doing that if I get the part. I won’t be doing that now.’ I don’t know what possessed me,” she added, reflecting on her younger self’s courage.
Despite her refusal to comply, Pike still landed the part of Miranda Frost—an icy MI6 agent and Olympic-level fencer who is later revealed to be a double agent working against Bond. Her role became central to the film’s dramatic climax, where she faces off against Halle Berry’s character, Jinx Johnson, in a fierce battle that ultimately leads to Frost’s death.
Die Another Day, directed by Lee Tamahori, marked Pierce Brosnan’s final outing as the iconic 007. The movie went on to become a box office hit, raking in over $432 million worldwide and ranking as the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2002. After this film, the Bond mantle was passed to Daniel Craig, who made his debut in Casino Royale in 2006.
As for Pike, her career only soared from there. No longer just “the Bond girl,” she became known for portraying complex, layered characters—often walking the line between elegance and danger. Her standout performances in films like Gone Girl and A Private War earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and nominations for the Oscars and BAFTAs.
Rosamund Pike’s story serves as a reminder of the hidden pressures actors often face early in their careers, and how standing up for oneself—even in high-stakes situations—can still lead to success.