A personal connection with Pierce Brosnan allowed Michael Madsen to die another day

Speaking to The AV Club, Madsen spoke fondly of his ill-fated time in the film, recalling his first encounter with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and how he "loved" the experience shooting. Apparently, none of this would have happened if it weren't for the fact that "Reservoir Dogs" alums Madsen and Brosnan were neighbors. The actor shared how he managed to make it to 007's 20th outing thanks to his chance relationship with the Bond star:

"I was friends with Pierce [Brosnan] because we lived on the same beach and our kids played together, and I joked with him one day about being in a Bond movie. I thought it would be pretty interesting to be on a resume. And Barbara Broccoli took me to London just to meet her and talk about this little part. My mum and sister are completely in love with Judi Dench, and Pierce is my boyfriend, so I went to meet Barbara, and the next thing that you know, I got the part."

The veteran actor recalled filming at hallowed Pinewood Studios - the longtime home of the Bond films - where he evidently cycled around the "big set" and enjoyed reconnecting with his "Mulholland Falls" director Lee Tamahori. And it seems the novelty of it all hasn't escaped Madsen, who noted how "you have to know more than a few people involved to get you in." In his case, knowing Bond himself was enough.