2022 marks the 60th anniversary of James Bond. Who will be the next 007 James Bond? Photo: Twitter/X Mark Murphy @thricechampion
In the 25th film, No Time To Die , released in 2021, James Bond “sacrificed” and left the MI6 organization. The role is Daniel Craig’s farewell after five incarnations of the famous British spy. So it is understandable why a new James Bond had to appear, although it is unclear whether this character will be given the same agent number as before.
Agent 007 James Bond, immortal symbol of British culture
007’s favourite car brand, Aston Martin, is also an icon of British culture. Photo: Twitter/X James Bond @007
James Bond is a British spy, working for MI6 under the code name 007. This fictional character was created by writer Ian Flaming in 1953.
Actor Sean Connery became the first James Bond in the film Dr. No (1962). The six actors who have played the iconic character include: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Note that this list does not include Casino Royale (1967), a comedy starring David Niven as Sir James Bond that is not part of the franchise’s “canonical” canon.
What do the actors chosen to play James Bond have in common? They are all tall, handsome, true to the image of a British gentleman, must have British nationality, and must have a certain level of fame. Choosing the successor to Daniel Craig is difficult, because this country has a highly developed film industry and many outstanding male actors.
What are the criteria for choosing an actor for the role of James Bond?
According to producer and screenwriter Michael G. Wilson, the casting process has not yet begun. He admitted that he is looking for someone around the same age as Daniel Craig when he first played Bond (37).
“We looked for someone younger but that didn’t work. Remember, Bond is a veteran, a member of the SAS. He’s a veteran, he’s had a lot of experience in combat.
We also have an “iron rule” that the role is not for someone over 40. Bond can’t be a kid just out of high school that you can bring in and start with. He has to be a man in his 30s.”
Pierce Brosnan trong phim The World Is Not Enough (1999). Ảnh: Twitter/X James Bond @007
In addition, the change in perception of masculine beauty will also change the choices of actors who can play agent 007. According to Barbara Broccoli, co-producer of the Bond series , the next character does not necessarily have to be white, as long as he possesses British nationality.
“Agent 007 is a more fluid character now than it was before. James Bond will be reimagined in the way each actor reimagines the role. That’s the fun and funny thing about this series, the character evolves.”
Daniel Craig in his first James Bond film: Casino Royale (2006). Photo: Twitter/X James Bond @007
Above all, Barbara Broccoli said, her first requirement for accepting a role is that the actor must be loyal to the role for a long time. On average, contracts last from 10 to 12 years. For Daniel Craig, it was 15 years; Rachel Weisz’s husband currently holds the record for the longest James Bond role. Not everyone can escape the image of a role for a long time.
Opportunity to enter the A-list team in a flash
The cast and crew of James Bond: Casino Royale meet the late Queen Elizabeth II at the film’s premiere in 2006. Photo: Twitter/X James Bond @007
However, in an increasingly competitive film market, when new films are competing to be released on online movie streaming platforms (OTT) such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime…, long-standing series like James Bond are a commitment to help actors become A-list stars in one step, gaining global recognition.
Traditionally, James Bond is the role that launches actors into the A-list. Past James Bonds have not had notable careers before signing on to a Bond project.
Sean Connery had a goblin-fighting role in Disney’s Irish fairy tale, Darby O’Gill and the Little People . George Lazenby was a car salesman, then a chocolate model, who had the chance to become Bond when he met producer Albert R. Broccoli at a London hair salon in 1966. Daniel Craig, meanwhile, has appeared in many films, but mostly art films in the UK, and is not famous in Hollywood.
Pierce Brosnan is perhaps the only exception, as he had already achieved some fame after starring in the detective TV series Remington Steele (1982) and a small role in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) before becoming spy 007 James Bond.
Who will be the new James Bond – 007?
The official Bond “selectors” have a few “tips” on the criteria. The first foundation for candidates is to have a few critically acclaimed roles on their CV. Then, they must have the typical Bond on screen traits: muscular, masculine. And the final challenge, the actor will have to perform a scene for their audition. It is a scene from From Russia With Love .
With these descriptions, it can be seen that there are not too many barriers in choosing the new 007 James Bond. This allows the character to change and develop with the times. Here are 5 actors with the potential to become the new era of James Bond.
1. Aaron Taylor Johnson
Ảnh: Getty Images
Recently, the name Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been mentioned frequently by James Bond fans. There have been many rumors surrounding Taylor-Johnson’s secret audition at Pinewood Studios. This source also said that he was very popular with producer Barbara Broccoli. Because Taylor-Johnson is completely suitable for the new characteristics in the selection of 007. Action roles in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Godzilla and Tenet are proof of his acting ability.
2. Tom Hardy
Ảnh: Getty Images
Rumors of Tom Hardy being cast as the new James Bond have been “announced” so many times that even insiders are surprised. The reason may be because he is always at the top of the polls “Who will be the next Bond”. Hardy could also be the future Bond even though he is 46 years old, past the producer’s U40 threshold.
It’s easy to see why Tom Hardy could be Daniel Craig’s successor. Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan backed him for the 2018 blockbuster. It’s almost as if Tom Hardy was halfway there when Pierce Brosnan came along.
If the Venom star were to play Bond, it would be great if the film brought back some martial arts, as Tom Hardy is personally very skilled in jiu-jitsu.
3. Henry Cavill
Photo: Netflix
Henry Caville has been associated with the James Bond franchise for over a decade. He was Martin Campbell’s choice for Casino Royale , but the role eventually went to Daniel Craig because Henry was considered too young (he was only 23 at the time). Now, in his 40s, Henry is “ripe” enough to play James Bond.
Speaking about the rumours surrounding the role to the Sunday Times, The Witcher star said: “Time will tell. You don’t know what direction they want to take Bond. So I’ll just say everything is always open.”
4. James Norton
Ảnh: Getty Images
A string of BBC thrillers in recent years have elevated a British actor to the top of the 007 franchise’s mind. And when McMafia debuted in 2018, James Norton was one of the most talked-about names. The right age and the right celebrity status would help him land the role. However, the actor doesn’t seem too concerned about the role of James Bond and has dismissed any rumours that he’s applied for the role.
5. Richard Madden
Photo: BFI News
Richard Madden rose to fame with the Netflix series Bodyguard . His role as David gave him plenty of opportunities to showcase his 007 credentials, especially since the six-episode series earned him a Golden Globe. Other roles like Robb Stark in Game of Thrones and Ikaris in Marvel’s The Eternals have shown that he can play tough but vulnerable characters, which is what 007 is all about. Despite the accolades, Richard Madden has remained mum when asked about his role as James Bond.
