James Bond Lookalike Wasn't Allowed To Be In No Time To Die As He 'Looks Too Much Like Daniel Craig'
Along with his lookalike work, Jason Kent also dabbles in the entertainment industry through regular roles as a supporting actor
A Daniel Craig lookalike who also works as an extra in TV and film found that his likeness to the 007 actor was so uncanny, he was unable to find work on the new Bond flick, No Time To Die.
Jason Kent, 50, has a few day jobs as a painter, decorator and factory worker, but he also moonlights as an 'assassin' - working as a lookalike for one of the world's most famous secret agents, Daniel Craig.
Kent says it all began back in 2004, when Daniel Craig was on the rise thanks to his breakthrough role in Matthew Vaughn's crime flick Layer Cake.
Since then, as Craig's ascent to fame has made him a household name, Kent found he's been able to piggy-back on the actor's success, now making up to £1,000 a pop by stepping into the character's iconic black tux for photoshoots and public appearances.
Kent told LADbible: "I remember back in 2004 I had people saying, 'You look like that guy in the film Layer Cake'."
"This is the first time I had heard of Daniel Craig.
"He was then announced as the next Bond. Over the next few years I watch as his popularity went through the roof but I held back from doing any lookalike work.
"Every time I went out I had people coming up to me saying how much I looked like him, wanting selfies which helped boost my confidence.
"One day I plucked up the courage to have some photos done and loved them."
Along with his lookalike work, Kent also dabbles in the entertainment industry through regular roles as a SA [Supporting Artist], taking on background roles in TV and film.
Having worked on huge films including Sam Mendes' WWI epic 1917 and Joe Wright's 2017 hit The Darkest Hour, he found there was one movie he couldn't weasel his way into.
He continued: "I also do SA [Supporting Artist] work - background roles on TV and film where I've seen some incredible sets including The Darkest Hour and the recent 1917.
"Unfortunately I couldn't get on the latest Bond. My agency said I looked to much like him to be stood in the background."
Thankfully, Kent's not been missing out completely on the new Bond hype, having said the lookalike work has been flooding in during the leadup to the release of No Time To Die.
Kent said: "As the new film No Time To Die approaches I'm getting lots of enquiries for photoshoots and lookalike work.
"I have an agency in Germany that have booked me for some work over there when the film is released.
"Lookalike work ranges from £500-£1000 ($656-$1312) and photoshoots from £250-£500 (£328-£656).
"I prefer the photoshoots and also get some great shots out of it too."
He's also happy he'll always have his community of fellow lookalikes, who often collaborate, stay in touch or are part of social media networks like Same De La Same, which has supported Kent and many others.
"It's cool when you get a load of lookalikes together, we all support each other," Kent said.
"There are some fantastic lookalikes out there.
"I've done some charity work also, including one with Kate Moss Lookalike Denise Ohnona. We've also done a photoshoot together with an Aston Martin around London."
Kent added: "Daniel Craig is a tough act to follow. Although this seems to be his last outing as James Bond, he's a great actor and will carry on his career in other things and it will be interesting to see what future parts he plays, but he will always be remembered as James Bond.
"So hopefully the interest in a lookalike will continue."
Featured Image Credit: Jason Kent
Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Celebrity, Daily Ladness, Originals, Daniel Craig, James Bond
Jess Hardiman