Who should/could be a Bond actor?

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  • Jordo007Jordo007 Merseyside
    Posts: 2,483
    We know the Craig era was it's own universe, but to casual viewers they saw Bond die. It'll be interesting to see how the producers reintroduce the audience the character and the world.

    I can see the next Bond title not referencing death or rebirth at all
  • LucknFateLucknFate 007 In New York
    Posts: 1,419
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    The fact that they introduced the "Bond past his prime" idea in SF, only to give him another two installments, is still ridiculous to me, but I really would love to see a one-off with a properly older Bond, either Dalton or Brosnan, in that respect. Why not? If we're now killing off Bond, there's no harm in trying some other, new approaches like that.

    This comment just made me wonder for the first time if Craig planned to quit with Judi in Skyfall, and then it went and made a billion dollars and nobody could refuse a follow up? I remember at the time waiting forever to even get Skyfall in production, and prior to that we all figured Craig might already be done after 2!
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,890
    Had he left following Skyfall it would have been feasible to continue that incarnation with a different actor, say, Fassbender.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 14,861
    mtm wrote: »
    patb wrote: »
    I would previously have agreed to why this could not happen but now we have been introduced the "reality" of different Bond universes, then why not?

    Because we’ve just had three films with an older Bond, that really leant into the idea. I’ve always liked the idea of an old man Bond one off with Dalton or Brosnan, but I think the moment for that has passed now. Would have worked if Craig left earlier but right now I reckon they need to go younger.

    Yeah I think they need to grow the next generation of audience now, I'm not sure many kids who caught NTTD would be desperate to see any more Bond films.

    I do think they’re in a bit of a tough spot with that. Because on the one hand, there’s that demographic crisis brewing, not that many young people being into it. But on the other hand, would trying too hard to appeal to them risk alienating some of the older fans they already have? I think it could be a tricky balancing act for them to pull off, satisfying both those audiences. Other blockbusters manage it, but they don’t have the history that Bond does, and I think a lot of fans have certain expectations as a result of that history. I just hope they don’t play it safe personally.

    Honestly I don't think so. I think it just needs to be thrilling, tense, and well-made and full of cool things, I don't think there's any reason why it should alienate older fans.
  • Posts: 12,837
    mtm wrote: »
    mtm wrote: »
    patb wrote: »
    I would previously have agreed to why this could not happen but now we have been introduced the "reality" of different Bond universes, then why not?

    Because we’ve just had three films with an older Bond, that really leant into the idea. I’ve always liked the idea of an old man Bond one off with Dalton or Brosnan, but I think the moment for that has passed now. Would have worked if Craig left earlier but right now I reckon they need to go younger.

    Yeah I think they need to grow the next generation of audience now, I'm not sure many kids who caught NTTD would be desperate to see any more Bond films.

    I do think they’re in a bit of a tough spot with that. Because on the one hand, there’s that demographic crisis brewing, not that many young people being into it. But on the other hand, would trying too hard to appeal to them risk alienating some of the older fans they already have? I think it could be a tricky balancing act for them to pull off, satisfying both those audiences. Other blockbusters manage it, but they don’t have the history that Bond does, and I think a lot of fans have certain expectations as a result of that history. I just hope they don’t play it safe personally.

    Honestly I don't think so. I think it just needs to be thrilling, tense, and well-made and full of cool things, I don't think there's any reason why it should alienate older fans.

    Yeah I might be overthinking it to be fair, and generalising based off a stereotypical image of what younger and older people are into. I did see kids in the NTTD screenings I went to as well, so it’s not like they’ve lost that crowd completely anyway. And I think the next one being a fresh start free of baggage will probably help.
  • Posts: 14,800
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Probably end of this year we'll have some information like writers, directors etc. If they've kept one ear to the ground and have their eyes on favourites to audition for the next Bond then it might be a quick casting process (ie. under a year from whenever they start) but I can see them brainstorming for now and commissioning actual script drafts for later this year.

    I said it before, I think it's a chicken and egg thing: they will get general ideas and will try to find an actor fitting them, but changing the project if necessary to fit the new Bond actor.

    Yes. Arguably they sort of did it with Craig (considering Henry Cavill got so close I get the sense they were initially leaning more into the noticeably younger Bond angle).

    And this is why I never thought the idea of re-hiring Brosnan for a fift Bond was a serious idea, at least not once the project was CR.

    No, having him certainly wouldn't have worked. Quentin Tarantino of course had his idea for CR with Brosnan as Bond, although it sounded absolutely terrible.

    I don't know what book Tarantino had been reading when he said Bond in the novel killed Vesper and considered Uma Thurman in the role. Or maybe he read CR drunk.

    I never knew that was something he was planning on in his film. I know he said after the 2006 film came out that he refused to watch it because he was annoyed that the producers hadn't consulted him about rebooting the series with CR... Ok Quentin...

    To be fair to him, the scene with Michael Fassbender at the bar in Inglorious Basterds is wonderfully Fleming-esque, but I just don't think he'd be the right fit. A Casino Royale adaptation with an ageing Brosnan just doesn't sound appealing to me however.

    I don't think it would have worked at all. Brosnan being betrayed by Vesper would have come off as an old fool.
  • Posts: 2,752
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Probably end of this year we'll have some information like writers, directors etc. If they've kept one ear to the ground and have their eyes on favourites to audition for the next Bond then it might be a quick casting process (ie. under a year from whenever they start) but I can see them brainstorming for now and commissioning actual script drafts for later this year.

    I said it before, I think it's a chicken and egg thing: they will get general ideas and will try to find an actor fitting them, but changing the project if necessary to fit the new Bond actor.

    Yes. Arguably they sort of did it with Craig (considering Henry Cavill got so close I get the sense they were initially leaning more into the noticeably younger Bond angle).

    And this is why I never thought the idea of re-hiring Brosnan for a fift Bond was a serious idea, at least not once the project was CR.

    No, having him certainly wouldn't have worked. Quentin Tarantino of course had his idea for CR with Brosnan as Bond, although it sounded absolutely terrible.

    I don't know what book Tarantino had been reading when he said Bond in the novel killed Vesper and considered Uma Thurman in the role. Or maybe he read CR drunk.

    I never knew that was something he was planning on in his film. I know he said after the 2006 film came out that he refused to watch it because he was annoyed that the producers hadn't consulted him about rebooting the series with CR... Ok Quentin...

    To be fair to him, the scene with Michael Fassbender at the bar in Inglorious Basterds is wonderfully Fleming-esque, but I just don't think he'd be the right fit. A Casino Royale adaptation with an ageing Brosnan just doesn't sound appealing to me however.

    I don't think it would have worked at all. Brosnan being betrayed by Vesper would have come off as an old fool.

    To be fair to QT, he's rather good at finding that certain 'something' in actors who don't always put in strong performances (John Travolta being one). I think he always gets the best out of his actors so in a sense it might have actually have been a very good Bond performance from Brosnan.

    It most likely would have been a bit weird though. A bit too OTT in places, less restrained than what we expect from Bond films. I mean, the truth is it was never going to happen, which makes the fact that Tarantino was seemingly upset over it all the more baffling.
  • sandbagger1sandbagger1 Sussex
    Posts: 686
    Theo James, who is a favourite for 007 for many people here, is going to be starring in the HBO adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife, premiering May 15. It should give him a chance to show a certain amount of range, and I think if his performance gets praise it will help his chances for Bond (I'm sure Eon will want someone who is seen as a 'proper' actor rather than a heart-throb). Anyway, here's the trailer for anyone who's interested:
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 784
    I think Aidan Turner looks the most Bondian out of all the candidates. He reminds me of an old actor but I cannot remember if it was James Mason or someone else. His eyes/eyebrows make him instantly recognisable

    He is definitely getting screentested, but might he be too obvious a choice to win over Babs after Craig? I don't see anyone complaining if he does get it.

    Also was the controversy surrounding Daniel's appearance good or bad for publicity?
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited May 2022 Posts: 14,861
    Theo James, who is a favourite for 007 for many people here, is going to be starring in the HBO adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife, premiering May 15. It should give him a chance to show a certain amount of range, and I think if his performance gets praise it will help his chances for Bond (I'm sure Eon will want someone who is seen as a 'proper' actor rather than a heart-throb). Anyway, here's the trailer for anyone who's interested:

    It’s a Steven Moffat script so I’m certainly looking forward to that.
    Also was the controversy surrounding Daniel's appearance good or bad for publicity?

    On the recent documentary about Craig’s time as 007, Michael Wilson said he thought the backlash to Craig and the silly stories had cost CR and the film could have earned more without them. I guess he knows these things.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 14,861
    Ms Broccoli was asked again on Thursday about the search for a new Bond, she says it will take some time.

    https://variety.com/2022/film/news/barbara-broccoli-james-bond-daniel-craig-macbeth-1235254646/
  • Jordo007Jordo007 Merseyside
    Posts: 2,483
    Unless they're bluffing, I can't see any development about Bond 26 this year. It was always extremely wishful thinking I guess
  • Posts: 14,800
    mtm wrote: »
    Ms Broccoli was asked again on Thursday about the search for a new Bond, she says it will take some time.

    https://variety.com/2022/film/news/barbara-broccoli-james-bond-daniel-craig-macbeth-1235254646/

    The contrary would have surprised me.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    That statement about "beginning the search" this year led me to believe we won't hear anything until 2023, at least (or knowing these folks, '24-'25). I've given up on hoping that this series returns to some consistent release pattern, new era or not.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    Posts: 2,895
    I could easily believe that Aidan Turner was playing the same character as Dalton!
  • Jordo007Jordo007 Merseyside
    Posts: 2,483


    Cards on the table I've never heard of this account, so no idea how good a source it is but I saw Henry Cavill was trending this morning and apparently this is why.

    I'll be honest I hope it's wide of the mark because I couldn't think of three more obvious candidates. As for Elordi, coincidentally has just starred in Deep Water with Ana De Armas
  • Posts: 14,800
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    That statement about "beginning the search" this year led me to believe we won't hear anything until 2023, at least (or knowing these folks, '24-'25). I've given up on hoping that this series returns to some consistent release pattern, new era or not.

    I'm not really surprised. And it's not only for Bond. Except for superhero movies, franchises have become bigger and bigger and thus are difficult to set in motion. Unless perhaps they go for something smaller scale like CR,
  • Jordo007 wrote: »
    Cards on the table I've never heard of this account, so no idea how good a source it is but I saw Henry Cavill was trending this morning and apparently this is why.

    It just seems to be an extrapolation/misunderstanding of what the Variety reporter (Sasha Urban) wrote to introduce Barbara Broccoli's statement about taking time:
    Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and even “Euphoria” star Jacob Elordi have been whispered about in relation to the coveted role, and Lashana Lynch became the first woman to hold the 007 title when her role of Nomi took over Bond’s position in the last film. But Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli says “it’s going to take some time” before Craig’s replacement is named.
    https://variety.com/2022/film/news/barbara-broccoli-james-bond-daniel-craig-macbeth-1235254646/

    The article does not indicate that any of these actors are really considered.
  • Jordo007Jordo007 Merseyside
    Posts: 2,483
    @Herr_Stockmann thanks for the clearing that up mate
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 3,273
    I am not quite as certain as you are. 5/6 previous actors have had considerably darker complexions than white British. And although Craig is blonde, he looks more Russian than he does native to me (but so do most of the blonde candidates)

    Idris Elba doesn't look that old without a beard, and he doesn't need to stay on for 20 years or even 10. He looks younger than me and I am not even in my 30s yet.

    Elba is too old, period! That ship has long since sailed.

    I'm fairly sure the next actor will be young, not that well established so his name isn't associated with any other franchise. This allows him to be in the next series of Bond films, which could span another 20 years. Elba is now too old for just one movie, forget another 5 after that.

    I also think due to the reboot, this will be going back to Bond nearer the beginning of his career, not the end.
  • Posts: 2,752
    Jordo007 wrote: »


    Cards on the table I've never heard of this account, so no idea how good a source it is but I saw Henry Cavill was trending this morning and apparently this is why.

    I'll be honest I hope it's wide of the mark because I couldn't think of three more obvious candidates. As for Elordi, coincidentally has just starred in Deep Water with Ana De Armas

    Jacob Elrodi's a new one. Another actor to add to the unlikely candidate list I guess...
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 3,273
    007HallY wrote: »
    But why would 5'6 or even 5'4 be a problem if the actor was otherwise ideal for the role? Is it a deciding factor?

    Many people - including actors - are around this height. Tom Cruise is roughly 5'7 and Al Pacino is 5'6, the latter of which I found surprising (if you'd have told me his character in The Godfather was meant to be 5'10 or so I'd have believed it). I was surprised to read that Scott Cann is 5'5. Anyway, filmmakers are always going to be working around something with these actors - maybe it's the fact that they're hairline is receding or thinning at the back, maybe they're too short, too tall, have a beer belly, have a tattoo, have a funny mole on their neck... whatever, it can be worked around. Just get the best actor for the part.

    Why hire a short actor if there are taller actors available? The perfect Bond for me would be someone who is tall already, so no need for camera cheating, wearing heel lifts, needing to hire shorter women, etc.

    Also someone who oozes X factor macho charisma in real life, without trying to act it. Someone who naturally embodies all the character Bond traits, a tough guy in real life who women are naturally attracted to, like Connery or Idris Elba, etc. A person who walks into a room and everyone takes notice on a primeval level. The original Alpha male.

    If they carry off the essence of Bond already without even trying, and they look like Fleming's original description, and they have the talent to act brilliantly too, then this is all that is needed, IMO.

    This isn't rocket science. No need to go for someone like a 5ft 3" ginger white freckly skinny guy, or an overweight long haired Asian because they happen to be a great actor. That isn't enough.
  • Jordo007 wrote: »
    Lol, does it feel like this was put out there by Jacob Elordi's agent or something to anyone else? One name does not go with the rest. It's funny because I had just been thinking about Elordi as a possible Bond candidate just yesterday or the day before. Though he's only 24 years old, and 6'5. And Australian. Still, he's handsome and seems like kind of a rising star, so who knows. Maybe they're thinking about actually doing a young Bond thing this time, like they were supposedly going to do last time before BB insisted on DC...
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 2,752
    007HallY wrote: »
    But why would 5'6 or even 5'4 be a problem if the actor was otherwise ideal for the role? Is it a deciding factor?

    Many people - including actors - are around this height. Tom Cruise is roughly 5'7 and Al Pacino is 5'6, the latter of which I found surprising (if you'd have told me his character in The Godfather was meant to be 5'10 or so I'd have believed it). I was surprised to read that Scott Cann is 5'5. Anyway, filmmakers are always going to be working around something with these actors - maybe it's the fact that they're hairline is receding or thinning at the back, maybe they're too short, too tall, have a beer belly, have a tattoo, have a funny mole on their neck... whatever, it can be worked around. Just get the best actor for the part.

    Why hire a short actor if there are taller actors available? The perfect Bond for me would be someone who is tall already, so no need for camera cheating, wearing heel lifts, needing to hire shorter women, etc.

    Also someone who oozes X factor macho charisma in real life, without trying to act it. Someone who naturally embodies all the character Bond traits, a tough guy in real life who women are naturally attracted to, like Connery or Idris Elba, etc.

    If they carry off the essence of Bond already without even trying, and they look like Fleming's original description, and they have the talent to act brilliantly too, then this is all that is needed, IMO.

    This isn't rocket science. No need to go for someone like a 5ft 3" ginger white freckly skinny guy, or an overweight long haired Asian because they happen to be a great actor. That isn't enough.

    We're into the hypothetical here, but I think my broader point is that no actor will be the 'full package' when it comes to playing Bond in terms of look. Even an actor that oozes that charisma or has that x-factor might have one or a few other things that stray from that image of Bond. They might be balding, on the shorter side, not have the right colour hair or eyes etc. I just don't necessarily see Connery's toupee as all that different to a hypothetical actor who is right for the role, looks and is able to act the part but is a bit short. Both can be worked around.

    I broadly agree, any Bond actor needs that charisma, x-factor and appeal to women in how they play the part that feels natural. They need to convey that inner darkness/cruelty that Fleming wrote about so well in his descriptions of Bond and they need to be convincingly tough where needed. But I also think a future Bond needs to put their own mark on the role too, as all other Bond actors have done. They need to do something new while conveying the essence of the character as you said. This is partially dependent on the direction of the films. Fleming's Bond is a multifaceted character who even changes throughout the novels so there's plenty to be influenced by.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 14,861
    007HallY wrote: »
    But why would 5'6 or even 5'4 be a problem if the actor was otherwise ideal for the role? Is it a deciding factor?

    Many people - including actors - are around this height. Tom Cruise is roughly 5'7 and Al Pacino is 5'6, the latter of which I found surprising (if you'd have told me his character in The Godfather was meant to be 5'10 or so I'd have believed it). I was surprised to read that Scott Cann is 5'5. Anyway, filmmakers are always going to be working around something with these actors - maybe it's the fact that they're hairline is receding or thinning at the back, maybe they're too short, too tall, have a beer belly, have a tattoo, have a funny mole on their neck... whatever, it can be worked around. Just get the best actor for the part.

    Why hire a short actor if there are taller actors available? The perfect Bond for me would be someone who is tall already, so no need for camera cheating, wearing heel lifts, needing to hire shorter women, etc.

    There is no such thing as the perfect actor for the role though. We haven’t had one yet -even Connery was the ‘wrong’ nationality and balding- so you’ll always have to accept a compromise, especially if you want someone really good, rather than just someone who looks like Bond.
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 784
    Venutius wrote: »
    I could easily believe that Aidan Turner was playing the same character as Dalton!

    I wouldn't put him up there with Dalton yet. Dalton is a brilliant actor. While I think Aidan's looks fit the role even better, he has so far only shown naturality and subtlety playing Davinci.
  • Posts: 14,800
    007HallY wrote: »
    Jordo007 wrote: »


    Cards on the table I've never heard of this account, so no idea how good a source it is but I saw Henry Cavill was trending this morning and apparently this is why.

    I'll be honest I hope it's wide of the mark because I couldn't think of three more obvious candidates. As for Elordi, coincidentally has just starred in Deep Water with Ana De Armas

    Jacob Elrodi's a new one. Another actor to add to the unlikely candidate list I guess...

    As unlikely as he is, he's more likely to get the role as Elba or Cavill. He's very young, but at the rate things are going it might not be a problem.
  • edited May 2022 Posts: 784
    Might I say Elordi is too tall and not rugged enough. It's hard to find a convincing henchman who's shorter than him. Bond should have an underdog quality to him, physically, but not be a hobbit like Richard Madden.

    Elordi could def play superman in a new Smallville or perhaps batman in the far future.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    Posts: 2,895
    I wouldn't put him up there with Dalton yet. Dalton is a brilliant actor. While I think Aidan's looks fit the role even better, he has so far only shown naturality and subtlety playing Davinci.

    True - I was going by looks alone!
  • Posts: 14,800
    Might I say Elrod is too tall and not rugged enough. It's hard to find a convincing henchman who's shorter than him.

    He could def play superman in a new smallville or perhaps batman in the future.

    I don't know whether he's rugged or not, but I'd tend to say that he might indeed be too tall, at 6'5, for the reason you mentioned.
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