Rosamund Pike recently revealed an unsettling experience from her early days in the film industry.
The accomplished actress shared that during an audition for the 2002 James Bond movie “Die Another Day,” she was asked to undress to her underwear.
Despite being just 21 years old at the time, Pike stood her ground and declined the request, eventually earning the respect of the producers.
This revelation came to light during an “Audible Session” where Pike discussed her narration of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”
Recalling the incident, Pike recounted how she was instructed to remove her dress and reveal her undergarments for the audition.
However, she made a bold decision to defy this demand, asserting that if they wanted to see her in such attire, they should offer her the role based on her talent.
She expressed her firm stance, stating, “There’s no way I’m going to take off a dress in the audition for this tape to be sent around Los Angeles and to be judged on that.”
For the audition, which called for formal attire, Pike opted to wear her grandmother’s elegant silk gown.
Unfortunately, the costume designer deemed it insufficiently glamorous for a Bond film and presented Pike with skimpier alternatives.
Feeling out of her element, Pike acknowledged the stark contrast between her usual roles and the demands of the Bond franchise.
Despite the pressure, she maintained her dignity by refusing to comply with the revealing wardrobe suggestions.
Reflecting on her experience, Pike emphasized that she felt at ease while working on the set of the MGM production, alongside lead actor Pierce Brosnan.
Her account sheds light on the challenges faced by actresses in the industry, particularly in navigating auditions that may compromise their integrity.
Pike’s revelation emerges amidst the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, which has brought to light numerous instances of misconduct and exploitation within the entertainment industry.
Other actresses, including Mira Sorvino, have shared distressing encounters of being subjected to inappropriate advances or demands during auditions.
The prevalence of such experiences underscores the importance of advocating for respectful and professional treatment in all aspects of filmmaking.
In response to these revelations, the Hollywood Reporter has reached out to MGM for comment on the matter.
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