Why James Bond Producers Are Struggling To Find A New Star: ‘It’s A 10-, 12-Year Commitment’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Becoming the new James Bond seems like a role most actors would love, but the producers of the movie claim the pitching process is harder than many might think.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the producers of the Bond movies, recently revealed why some actors might not want to take on the part of the superspy.
“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” Broccoli said, referring to a break in the movie franchise. “And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So [a prospective actor is] probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”
Wilson interjected, “And he was in his early 30s at the time!”
“A lot of people think, ‘Oh yeah, it’d be fun to do one,” Broccoli laughed “Well. That ain’t gonna work.”
The producer pair are just as hesitant about entering into a new deal with a new actor.
“It’s a big investment for us, too, to bring out a new Bond,” Wilson explained.
“That’s why, when people go, ‘Oh, who are you going to get?’ it’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention, and ‘Where are we taking it? What do we want to do with the character?’” Broccoli said. “And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention?”
She continued, “With [Craig], when we had the conversation at this very table about, you know, [whether he was] going to do it, he said, ‘Well, I’m going to do it. I really want to be a part of it, the whole thing.’ And he lived to regret that. But it’s a big commitment. It’s not just showing up for a couple of months of filming.”
There were rumors that Idris Elba would become the new James Bond, but the actor recently said he doesn’t see Bond when he “looks in the mirror.” Many assumed this was his public rejection of the role.
As Wilson and Broccoli continue the search for the next Bond, the pair share what they’re looking for in the next iteration of the iconic character.
“It’s an evolution,” Broccoli said. “Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace.”
Craig, she added, “cracked Bond open emotionally,” showing the audience the spy’s personal life and feelings.
“The films over his tenure were the first time we really connected the emotional arc,” she shared.
A portion of Movieguide®’s review of Craig’s last movie as Bond, NO TIME TO DIE, reads:
NO TIME TO DIE is supposedly the last movie featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond. Following an exciting opening, Bond breaks up with the love of his life, Madeleine, after he thinks she betrayed him to Spectre and retires. They’re reunited five years later when a terrorist named Safin [rhymes with “Satan”], uses a bioweapon to kill most of Spectre’s leaders, including its leader. Safin kidnaps Madeleine and another important person. So, Double Oh Seven and his successor must rescue them and stop Safin using the bioweapon to murder millions of people.
NO TIME TO DIE packs an emotional punch because of the personal stakes Bond faces. NO TIME TO DIE is packed with exciting action, though some action at the end could be trimmed. The story’s personal nature not only raises the stakes. It also strengthens the story’s moral, redemptive elements. That said, though the amount of foul language is limited, there are two “f” words and two strong profanities. Also, NO TIME TO DIE has intense action violence. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong or extreme caution, depending on age level.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
