Portraying both the most famous fictional CIA agent and an American statesman in the space of just six months would be enough of a challenge for most seasoned actors. But not content with his roles as Felix Leiter and Colin Powell, the talented Jeffrey Wright proved he really can do it all by taking on the legendary musical genius Muddy Waters.
"Good job I didn't get confused. I really don't think I'd buy an album featuring Colin Powell singing the blues," he says, before pausing to think his next statement through. Looking mischievous, he then adds: "I might, however, have liked Muddy Waters making decisions in an American State department."
Wright flips between all three characters, and occasionally breaks into song or plays a famous blues riff on an imaginary guitar. It doesn't take long to realise his passion is deeply rooted in music.
"I'm from the south — Southern Virginia, South Carolina, so music is in my heart and soul. I'm deeply in love with it so this film was amazing."
Critics have singled him out as one of the most underrated and underexposed actors of his generation and Wright's undeniable talent and ability have allowed him to bring to life any role he undertakes.
"I have been very lucky. Having worked on three amazing films in such a short period — James Bond: Quantum of Solace, W. and Cadillac Records — I have had a wonderful time.
"Although now I need a break to think things through. I want to refocus and spend some time with my wife and children over the holidays and really think about the future. I want to craft the right situation and be sure I'm going in the right direction in this crazy world."
Taking on three roles simultaneously was a challenge for Wright, but choosing his favourite Bond proves almost impossible.
"Well, if Daniel Craig asks then it's definitely him," he laughs and adds he has no choice because he may have to work with him in the future.
"But up against Sean Connery, well that's always going to be a tough one. Let's just leave it that if Craig asks then I think he's the best Bond."
In 2006, Wright became the second African American to play Felix Leiter in an official James Bond film, appearing in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. This also makes him only the second actor in the history of the Bond franchise to play the role more than once, following in the footsteps of David Hedison, who took on the role in Live and Let Die and Licence to Kill.
In terms of having fun in the workplace, it surely can't get much better than working on a Bond set and Wright says shooting the film was always surprisingly easy.
"It's like a formula — [it's] not open-heart surgery. Everything just seems to fall into place. The only difficulty for me was shuffling schedules to film Cadillac Records at the same time."
Slipping seamlessly between the fast-paced, high-impact, gadget-driven world of Bond and the more passionate, emotional and creative existence of artists like Etta James and Muddy Waters, Wright is undoubtedly the chameleon of the movie world. And working alongside Beyonce was an added pressure.
"Beyonce was just one of an ensemble of amazing actors, actresses and singers. It was wonderful to see her strip away Beyonce Knowles for the film. She literally lost everything we know about her as a pop singer and showed her talent as an actress. She really committed to the film and was an inspiration."
