By Mallory Mattingly
Director and screenwriter Denis Villeneuve wants a “fresh face” to play James Bond in the new BOND 26 film — specifically, an unknown British actor.
This rules out stars like Tom Holland, Taron Egerton and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whose names were all tossed around for the iconic role. Actors like Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell, Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi are also out of the running, “much to the disappointment of the fans who had been campaigning for them to be cast,” Comic Book Resources reported.
Villeneuve and Amazon MGM Studios want the new 007 actor to be in his late twenties or early thirties, ruling out older stars like Henry Cavill (aged 43), Tom Hardy (47) and Idris Elba (53).
One Bond super fan expressed his disappointment that Cavill won’t take on the titular spy, saying, “a Henry Cavill Bond, in my opinion, would have been phenomenal, but it seems those opportunities have sailed away. Thoughts?”
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Ultimately, though, a source told Deadline that “it’ll come down to this: Are they right for Bond? Are they right for the story that Villeneuve and screenwriter [Steven] Knight will be telling?”
Villeneuve hasn’t disclosed his Bond movie’s plot just yet but assured fans that when he finishes DUNE: PART THREE, he will dedicate his full focus to the new movie.
“I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since DR. NO with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” the director said.
In February, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the James Bond franchise as Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli stepped back from the franchise.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a press release. “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
“With my 007 career spanning nearly sixty incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” Wilson echoed.
“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time To Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,” Broccoli added.
While most of the details for Villeneuve’s James Bond are unknown, fans can rest assured the franchise is in good hands.
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