Despite being decades old, the James Bond franchise continues to be a large part of the cultural landscape. With its last film No Time to Die seeing the departure of Daniel Craig from the franchise, the role is now up for grabs.
Daniel Craig played the role of 007 for 5 films, starting off with Casino Royale in 2006. Despite many fans having reservations about the casting, on the premiere, the film was well received by critics and audience alike with Roger Ebert calling Daniel Craig a “superb Bond.”
Which actor will take up the role next?
Henry Cavill, who is rumored to be a part of every franchise imaginable, is also the top contender to play 007, according to the betting site Ladbrokes. The actor has hinted at being interested in playing the role on many occasions, including to The Hollywood Reporter. He said:
“I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers.”
Also read: Why Henry Cavill Is Too Old To Play James Bond
Another actor who has become a fan favorite for the role is Idris Elba. The actor is already a part of the crime genre with Luthor and can hold his own in action scenes, as was observed in The Suicide Squad.
What do the producers have to say?
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have a gargantuan task ahead of them, as James Bond films aren’t a one-and-done deal. The latest iteration of Daniel Craig as 007 had been for 16 years. Speaking to Variety, the producers discussed the issue with the long-term commitment and getting Idris Elba on board:
“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off… And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s[Idris Elba] probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”
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They also underlined another important point of reinvention during the interview, as you aren’t casting an actor, you’re giving the role to a person who leaves a mark on the franchise. So they’re probably looking to do something different, they further said:
“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?’… And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention?”
Considering her focus on reinvention and the character changing with time, we might finally be getting a person of color as James Bond. Both Rege-Jean Page and Idris Elba are some of the top contenders to play the character.
Source: Variety
