Farewell Daniel Craig, It’s Time For A New James Bond To Save the World
The search for the next James Bond is on, and it’s anyone’s guess who will take over from Daniel Craig. The rumour mill has been churning since Craig’s departure in 2021, and with so many talented actors in the running, it’s hard to pick a favourite.
A Thirty-Something Bond
Producer Michael G. Wilson has given us a hint about what they’re looking for in the next Bond. “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past, but trying to visualise it doesn’t work,” he said at London’s British Film Institute in January 2023. “Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off.
The Front Runners
So, who are the top contenders for the role? Let’s take a look:
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, aged 34, has already impressed producers with a secret audition and has filmed the famous “gun-barrel teaser footage”. He’s got the action hero credentials to back it up, starring in the Kick-Ass franchise and Marvel’s Avengers.
Regé-Jean Page, aged 36, is another favourite among bookies. His role as the sullen, smouldering Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton shows he’s got the charm and charisma to pull off Bond.
James Norton, aged 39, has been touted as an early favourite to replace Craig. His roles in Happy Valley and War And Peace demonstrate his ability to play complex, dark characters.
The Dark Horses
But what about the lesser-known contenders? Paapa Essiedu, aged 34, has skillfully avoided talking about Bond, but his performances in I May Destroy You and Gangs Of London show he’s got the acting chops to take on the role.
Damson Idris, aged 33, has been given 9/2 odds by William Hill and has already shown his interest in playing Bond. His roles in Outside The Wire and Snowfall demonstrate his ability to play complex, action-packed characters.
The Ones to Watch
And then there are the actors who are a bit too young to play Bond just yet, but show promise for the future. Harris Dickinson, aged 28, has already indicated he’d be game to play Bond in the future, and his performances in Triangle Of Sadness and Scrapper show he’s got the talent to back it up.
Paul Mescal, aged 28, is another young actor who could be a future Bond. His roles in Normal People and the upcoming Gladiator sequel show he’s got the charm and charisma to take on the role.
The Ones Who Are Out of the Running
Unfortunately, some actors are just too old or too young to play Bond. Here are a few who are out of the running:
Cillian Murphy, aged 48, is too old for the role, despite his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer.
Henry Cavill, aged 41, has been ruled out due to his age, despite his previous audition for the role in 2006.
Luke Evans, aged 45, is also too old for the role, despite his experience in action films like Clash Of The Titans and The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug.
Idris Elba, aged 51, has been ruled out due to his age, despite being a long-time favourite to take over from Craig.
Tom Hiddleston, aged 43, is too old for the role and has already committed to Disney+’s Loki series.
Tom Hardy, aged 46, is also too old for the role, despite his experience in action films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises.
The Wild Card
And then there’s Harry Styles, aged 30, who has already shown his acting credentials in Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman. He’s got the charm and charisma to take on Bond, and his androgynous style could bring a fresh perspective to the role.
The Verdict
It’s anyone’s guess who will be the next James Bond, but with so many talented actors in the running, it’s sure to be an exciting ride. Whoever takes on the role will have big shoes to fill, but they could be the perfect Bond with the right combination of charm, charisma, and action-hero credentials.
