Who should/could be a Bond actor?

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  • Posts: 17,293
    His Midsomer Murders performance didn't scream Bond to me, either. I find Nick Hendrix, who plays the current sidekick to Neil Dudgeon's character, more suitable from a charisma perspective. Not that he's an actor to consider either. I might be wrong, but didn't someone bring him up at some point? (Him on the right, of course)

    mid-murders.jpg
    Could probably play a decent (younger) Tanner or something.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 8,505
    His Midsomer Murders performance didn't scream Bond to me, either. I find Nick Hendrix, who plays the current sidekick to Neil Dudgeon's character, more suitable from a charisma perspective. Not that he's an actor to consider either. I might be wrong, but didn't someone bring him up at some point? (Him on the right, of course)

    mid-murders.jpg
    Could probably play a decent (younger) Tanner or something.

    He looks Clive Owenish??
  • Posts: 17,293
    peter wrote: »
    His Midsomer Murders performance didn't scream Bond to me, either. I find Nick Hendrix, who plays the current sidekick to Neil Dudgeon's character, more suitable from a charisma perspective. Not that he's an actor to consider either. I might be wrong, but didn't someone bring him up at some point? (Him on the right, of course)

    mid-murders.jpg
    Could probably play a decent (younger) Tanner or something.

    He looks Clive Owenish??

    Does he? Can't see that myself.
  • Posts: 3,333
    peter wrote: »
    His Midsomer Murders performance didn't scream Bond to me, either. I find Nick Hendrix, who plays the current sidekick to Neil Dudgeon's character, more suitable from a charisma perspective. Not that he's an actor to consider either. I might be wrong, but didn't someone bring him up at some point? (Him on the right, of course)

    mid-murders.jpg
    Could probably play a decent (younger) Tanner or something.

    He looks Clive Owenish??

    Does he? Can't see that myself.
    He looks more like a youngish Tom Hanks to me.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I just googled him and have to say that I like his look for Bond. I know nothing about his acting and screen presence though.
  • Posts: 17,293
    bondsum wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    His Midsomer Murders performance didn't scream Bond to me, either. I find Nick Hendrix, who plays the current sidekick to Neil Dudgeon's character, more suitable from a charisma perspective. Not that he's an actor to consider either. I might be wrong, but didn't someone bring him up at some point? (Him on the right, of course)

    mid-murders.jpg
    Could probably play a decent (younger) Tanner or something.

    He looks Clive Owenish??

    Does he? Can't see that myself.
    He looks more like a youngish Tom Hanks to me.

    He actually does!
  • Posts: 3,333
    bondjames wrote: »
    I just googled him and have to say that I like his look for Bond. I know nothing about his acting and screen presence though.
    We've already covered Nick Hendrix before about a dozen pages back, possibly more now. Honestly, there's nothing remotely alpha male about this guy that would suit the role of Bond. He's just another name that fits "the age appropriation and being an actor alone isn't a good enough reason to qualify one for the role of 007" category. As @Torgeirtrap stated, he's more suitable for the Tanner role.
  • edited November 2018 Posts: 17,293
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  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Have we really run out of alpha male gentleman actors?

    Nowadays, we either have full alpha males like Statham who aren't gentlemanly, or we've got ones who are too effeminate or barely look to have survived the inclusion of that category.
  • Posts: 15,818
    Have we really run out of alpha male gentleman actors?

    Nowadays, we either have full alpha males like Statham who aren't gentlemanly, or we've got ones who are too effeminate or barely look to have survived the inclusion of that category.

    Well said.
  • Posts: 2,081
    bondsum wrote: »
    --- Of course, I'm making these observations as a male which are different to that of a woman's. But essentially the make-up of a Bond audience has been predominately male from the beginning and it's this section of the paying public that the producers need to concentrate on the most. From my own observations, female audiences tend to only like a Bond actor based solely on whether they appeal to their own aesthetic preferences, whereas a male fan sees the actor mostly in terms of his alpha male attributes (acting talent aside). In other words, a woman will see something entirely different to that of a male fan, which is why it's interesting to see some of their own choices.

    Rrright... Well, my observations and my personal opinions don't align with your observations, and I also don't think that women and men see these things entirely differently. How people see these things generally vary more from person to person than between genders.
    Most people posting here are male (a far larger percentage than I've ever seen in theatres watching the movies), and probably the most common thing the men here discuss regarding the next Bond is "whether they appeal to their own aesthetic preferences" - from height to build to hair to facial features... (it's very similar to most common discussions here about women that guys would like to see in Bond movies). To me the whole idea that one could tell from a mere photograph (or 50 photographs) if someone might be good for a part is a bit strange, I'd need to see an actor act.
    Since movies are a visual medium, obviously looks also matter, but I can't imagine saying some actor "looks the part" - I don't even know what that means, really, and I don't think the Bond actors so far in that manner, either - I like some more than others, but it's certainly not a looks thing; I don't like those I like more because they appeal to my "aesthetic preferences." In fact, if I was asked to list my "aesthetic preferences" regarding men in general or Bond actors in particular, I couldn't make such a list. Looks of any kind without any other appeal (like personality and acting talent) are entirely meaningless to me.
    Certainly some women may find an actor appealing just based on looks (Bond actors included). I don't personally know such women, but I'm sure they exist. Just like some men find actresses appealing just based on looks. From my observations the latter actually seems more common than the former.
  • edited November 2018 Posts: 5,767
    I find a lot of truth in what @Tuulia writes.
  • edited November 2018 Posts: 3,333
    Don't take offence @Tuulia. If you can't accept that men and women have an entirely different perspective on what they like to see in an male actor or movies, then you're purblind to the obvious. Surely you're aware that Brosnan appealed more to the ladies than to men (young boys notwithstanding)? Just because you don't know of such women within your own inner circle of friends or acquaintances, that doesn't make it any less so. Brosnan appealed to the ladies because he was extremely handsome, not because he was a great actor. Look, I'm not going to analyse men vs women just to make my point, but you only have to look at what kinds of musicians women prefer to those of men. Women are drawn to liking a group or singer based predominantly on their looks first and foremost, their music is secondary. Of course, there are exceptions that go against the grain, but these are in smaller numbers. Knowing absolutely nothing about you, I couldn't begin to assign you to a particular category or NRS social grade, but you most definitely fall into one. Principally, Bond movies have a male following. That's not to say there isn't a female fan-base also. I'm sure there's a small male fan-base for Bridget Jones, Mamma Mia! and Twilight movies. Maybe because you can't list your own "aesthetic preferences" it's the reason why you're having trouble coming up with a name for a future Bond successor, no?

    Again, I'm only pointing out how men and women's preferences for a Bond actor differ. This is the reason why women can skip a Bond actor's entire tenure and come back later when they find one that is more to their liking. Men, on the other hand, will stick with the series through thick and thin, so long as the casting follows a similar trait. It's this particular trait that some of us are better equipped at identifying and articulating than some of the other members are.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited November 2018 Posts: 23,883
    bondsum wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    I just googled him and have to say that I like his look for Bond. I know nothing about his acting and screen presence though.
    We've already covered Nick Hendrix before about a dozen pages back, possibly more now. Honestly, there's nothing remotely alpha male about this guy that would suit the role of Bond. He's just another name that fits "the age appropriation and being an actor alone isn't a good enough reason to qualify one for the role of 007" category. As @Torgeirtrap stated, he's more suitable for the Tanner role.
    I must have missed the earlier conversation about him. Coincidentally, a recent episode of Midsomer Murders was on the telly yesterday so I took a quick look. I must agree with you that there's really nothing about him that screams Bond per se.
    Tuulia wrote: »
    bondsum wrote: »
    --- Of course, I'm making these observations as a male which are different to that of a woman's. But essentially the make-up of a Bond audience has been predominately male from the beginning and it's this section of the paying public that the producers need to concentrate on the most. From my own observations, female audiences tend to only like a Bond actor based solely on whether they appeal to their own aesthetic preferences, whereas a male fan sees the actor mostly in terms of his alpha male attributes (acting talent aside). In other words, a woman will see something entirely different to that of a male fan, which is why it's interesting to see some of their own choices.

    Rrright... Well, my observations and my personal opinions don't align with your observations, and I also don't think that women and men see these things entirely differently. How people see these things generally vary more from person to person than between genders.
    Most people posting here are male (a far larger percentage than I've ever seen in theatres watching the movies), and probably the most common thing the men here discuss regarding the next Bond is "whether they appeal to their own aesthetic preferences" - from height to build to hair to facial features... (it's very similar to most common discussions here about women that guys would like to see in Bond movies). To me the whole idea that one could tell from a mere photograph (or 50 photographs) if someone might be good for a part is a bit strange, I'd need to see an actor act.
    Since movies are a visual medium, obviously looks also matter, but I can't imagine saying some actor "looks the part" - I don't even know what that means, really, and I don't think the Bond actors so far in that manner, either - I like some more than others, but it's certainly not a looks thing; I don't like those I like more because they appeal to my "aesthetic preferences." In fact, if I was asked to list my "aesthetic preferences" regarding men in general or Bond actors in particular, I couldn't make such a list. Looks of any kind without any other appeal (like personality and acting talent) are entirely meaningless to me.
    Certainly some women may find an actor appealing just based on looks (Bond actors included). I don't personally know such women, but I'm sure they exist. Just like some men find actresses appealing just based on looks. From my observations the latter actually seems more common than the former.
    I recall we had a fascinating discussion on this subject a few years back on a dedicated thread (I can't remember the name of the female member who started it, but she no longer posts here regrettably). I must confess shamefully that I fall into the category you noted above (highlighted) to an extent.
  • RoadphillRoadphill United Kingdom
    Posts: 984
    When we discuss someone's 'look' it is, of course, subjective.

    I can only speak for myself, but when I consider a potential Bond's look, it is usually what my mind's eye conjures when I think of the Bond character. And that is usually linked equally from what Fleming wrote, to the actors that have already portrayed Bond on screen.

  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,980
    There are very few alpha males in the film industry, Hemsworth is one of the few; here's a shot of him with darker hair from a new film he's doing; it even has "a comma of which falls on his forehead"

    dRtrKKV.jpg?1

  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    I just don't see him as Bond.

    Being alpha male isn't enough. He also has to be gentlemanly.

    Something we don't have in the industry, these days. Only Cavill comes to mind when I think of the template.
  • edited November 2018 Posts: 17,293
    I can't see past the surfer dude type with Chris Hemsworth, unfortunately. That goes all the way back to his Home and Away days. Cavill is template Bond looks wise – maybe too much…?

    Edit: would prefer Cavill over Hemsworth.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,980
    Interesting, I've seen him interviewed,in candid moments with his family, as well as quieter, lighter moments in various films and think he can with ease portray the gentleman side of Bond. I also think he possesses an intangible that Cavill lacks, charisma.
    At one time I was a huge supporter of Cavill , in hindsight, based strictly on his look, but the more I saw of him the more my support dwindled. The opposite is true for Hemsworth, the more I see of him the more he looks perfect for the role.

    Ah, ya have to love opinions. :D
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Better leave it at that. ;)
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I think Hemsworth has some positive attributes, most notably a welcome boost to a preferred height (and age) range and an ability to comfortably deliver in the lighter moments. However, I am not impressed with his dramatic chops. I appreciate that one doesn't have to be theatrical quality to be Bond, but I've yet to see him truly deliver when the moment calls for a bit of angst and drama, and I think a good Bond actor must be able to do that well given Babs penchant for it, and more importantly, must be able to do it subtly.
  • JeremyBondonJeremyBondon Seeking out odd jobs with Oddjob @Tangier
    Posts: 1,318
    I find Hemsworth like Hardy et al a little too rugged looking, not classically handsome like Connery, Dalton etc, which to me is a no no.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Agreed. He’s like a laidback version of Hardy.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I'm currently watching Bodyguard. I'm afraid I don't see any Bond in Richard Madden. This is irrespective of his height. There's nothing special about the guy.
  • American audiences happy for black James Bond but balk at further diversity
    https://theplaylist.net/james-bond-american-survey-actors-20181120/

    The black James Bond argument is back with extensive polling to show that American audiences generally approve of a black actor taking the role after Craig. I think the question here is less whether there should be a black actor or whether Idris Elba should play the role. People just really want that guy in the part.

    I'm surprised Eon didn't ditch Craig after 25 and just get Elba to do the next film. They'd be looking a certain $1billion worldwide gross.

    I mean this guy oozes Bondian class and sophistication. Just look at these photos from last Sunday's Evening Standard Theatre Awards. He doesn't look like a man in his late 40's. I reckon they should take the punt...

    6347134-6403531-image-m-40_1542568940518.jpg
  • Posts: 14,832
    bondjames wrote: »
    I'm currently watching Bodyguard. I'm afraid I don't see any Bond in Richard Madden. This is irrespective of his height. There's nothing special about the guy.

    The role is not really Bondian, but Madden at least shows that he can handle himself in an action thriller, in a similar setting to a Bond movie. And he now as a fanbase. Yes David Budd is not James Bond, but neither is Remington Steele.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,570
    @Pierce2Daniel why do you say that Elba is a certain $1Billion gross? His last two films tanked so where was this desperate audience when he needed them most?

    Elba needs to appeal to alot more people than a few thousand slavering women.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    Ludovico wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    I'm currently watching Bodyguard. I'm afraid I don't see any Bond in Richard Madden. This is irrespective of his height. There's nothing special about the guy.

    The role is not really Bondian, but Madden at least shows that he can handle himself in an action thriller, in a similar setting to a Bond movie. And he now as a fanbase. Yes David Budd is not James Bond, but neither is Remington Steele.
    I understand what you're saying about the role not being Bond, but I just don't see any Bond in him. There are many actors who can handle themselves in an action thriller, but Bond should be far more imho, and at the very least distinctive. Madden is quite ordinary in my view.
  • edited November 2018 Posts: 1,661
    NicNac wrote: »
    @Pierce2Daniel why do you say that Elba is a certain $1Billion gross? His last two films tanked so where was this desperate audience when he needed them most?

    Elba needs to appeal to alot more people than a few thousand slavering women.

    Idris Elba's age is a hindrance anyway. Bond 26 to be released 2022/2023? Elba will be 50/51. Seems a bit old to start playing the role. Not impossible, I guess, but unlikely. It's fair to say Elba hasn't had a moderate-to-big Hollywood hit with him the leading actor (The Dark Tower did really badly and that was a major role) but Craig wasn't a big film star prior to Casino Royale. I don't think the next Bond actor has to be a big film star with many hits films. They have to have that magic ingredient to impress Barbara Broccoli. Who knows what that is!

    Some new names should pop up before 2021 which could be the year Bond 26 goes into production. Madden should look a bit more mature by 2021 so could have a chance. On the other hand 2021 is three years away and people may forget Madden. His career may not keep him in the public eye. One day you're famous, the next you're not! I remember Julian McMahon as one of the names up for Bond back in 2004/2005. He was the star of tv's Nip/Tuck and he played Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four. I doubt most people remember him now. Impossible to predict who will be a 'hot name' around the time of Bond 26.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    I think the reason Elba keeps coming up is because he combines a certain ruggedness with a natural suave. It's a very difficult combination to achieve, and increasingly rare these days.
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