Ever since Daniel Craig departed from the James Bond film series, fans have been looking forward to the next actor who could take the role in the future. While there has been no official update from the studio or the franchise’s producers, it has not stopped fans all around the world from speculating who could potentially be the next British secret agent, popularly known as 007. The list of actors who could take over as the MI6 agent after Craig is quite long and includes actors like Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and many others.
However, as Bond fans expect to see one of these actors feature in the upcoming movies, the Young Bond author has dropped a bomb on them, claiming that almost all rumored actors for the role of 007 have been dropped out by the executives, mainly producer Barbara Broccoli.
Potential James Bond Actors Rejected by Producers
During a recent interview with The Telegraph, Charlie Higson, who is known for the Young Bond novel series and has also been commissioned to work on the new 007 novels, claimed that fans would never be able to guess who the next James Bond will be.
As for the long list of actors who could potentially take over as the new 007, he stated that they have already been rejected by the franchise executives.
“As soon as the papers say so-and-so is being considered as the next James Bond, you know that they’re not going to be the next James Bond.”
The author further stated that Eon Productions is known for surprising fans with their casting, as they did with Craig. “In particular, Daniel Craig – nobody had any idea at all that he might be Bond,” he said suggesting that they might have similar plans for the future of the franchise as well.
Who is No Longer in the Race to be the Next James Bond?
Multiple actors have been a fan favorite to take on the role of James Bond after Daniel Craig. While the makers of the franchise have revealed some criteria they are seeking in the next Bond, that eventually does rule out some of these actors, fans have still been adamant about their choices. And Charlie Higson’s claim that “they have been rejected” could be a shock to many Bond fans.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba has been one of the top fan favorites to be the next James Bond. The actor has been seen in several action roles, and fans have been expecting him to don the title of 007 after Craig. However, prior to Higson’s claims, producer Michael G. Wilson has also stated that they are looking forward to casting someone in their thirties, which has also led to claims the actor that might not be their choice for the role. And with the latest remake of the Young Bond author, it seems that Elba might not be the makers’ choice for the role of the British secret agent.
Henry Cavill
The former Superman actor Henry Cavill has been the top choice among fans to don the iconic tux, especially after his 2015 film The Man From U.N.C.L.E., in which he starred as a spy. Fans have never doubted that The Witcher star, claiming that he would not have issues with action sequences as James Bond. He has also auditioned to star in the franchise along with Daniel Craig and lost the role at the last moment to Craig. However, filmmaker Martin Campbell still claimed that Cavill would be a great James Bond. But seems like the Man of Steel star has again lost the chance to lead the spy action thriller franchise.
Tom Hardy
The Oscar nominee, popular for starring in Marvel’s Venom film series, Tom Hardy, has also been among some of the top contenders to be the next MI6 agent. The actor is known for his versatile roles on the screen and is known for starring in several action movies as well. However, after producer Michael G. Wilson and Higson’s statements, it seems unlikely to happen.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Another name that has taken one of the top spots to be the next James Bond among fans is the Bullet Train actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Fan art of the actor, showing him as the MI6 agent, has been going viral on social media. He is known for starring in several action movies and is considered to be one of the best actors to portray the iconic character on the screen. However, it seems that Johnson would be Bond in fan art only, not only because of Charlie Higson’s claims but also because of his busy schedule.
Rege-Jean Page
Popular for starring in Netflix’s Bridgerton, Rege-Jean Page became a fan favorite for the role of James Bond for his charisma. Fans believe that he could bring out the elegance of the 007, something similar to Pierce Brosnan’s Bond era. The Russo Brothers, who worked with the actor in The Grey Man, also backed him, saying that he would be a “fantastic” James Bond. However, it is also considered to be the movie that allegedly had a negative impact on his potential to be the next Bond. And the confusion has only risen after the recent statement of the James Bond author.
James Norton
British actor James Norton has been considered perfect for the role. While the actor has starred in multiple popular movies and TV shows, he is still deemed a lesser-known star than the rest of the actors on the list. While it could be one of the things that might work in his favor to land the role, it seems unlikely considering the age profile shared by the producer, Michael G. Wilson.
Paapa Essiedu
Higson’s claims also seemed to deny the potential casting of Paapa Essiedu, who joined the list earlier this year. Rumors started circulating that the Gangs of London actor was being considered for the role of 007. Having appeared in a number of feature films, it was alleged to be a hard catch for the 33-year-old actor, but it was also believed to be the role that would eventually raise the modest star towards international stardom.
Richard Madden
Richard Madden has been quite popular for starring in the HBO series Game of Thrones and Marvel’s Eternals. However, he became a James Bond contender after his 2023 Prime Video series Citadel. The series featured him as Mason Kane, a top-class Citadel spy agent. There has also been a cryptic video that allegedly features the actor announcing his casting in the next Bond movie. However, there have been no official reports suggesting the same, and the author’s recent statement also seemingly debunked the cryptic video claims.
Tom Hiddleston
Another Marvel star who is considered to be one of the top contenders is Tom Hiddleston. The British heart-throb is known for his gentleman and has had plenty of experience in the action genre. Fans have been rooting for him to take on the role of the British spy, especially after his role in Susanne Bier’s The Night Manager. It is also believed that the Loki actor could bring on a fresh take for the iconic character. However, it was all before Charlie Higson claimed that the rumored actors for the role of James Bond had already been rejected by the executives.
Will Poulter
Another Marvel actor who is seemingly no longer in the race to be the next James Bond could be Will Poulter. Popularly known for starring in movies like Grassland and Midsommar, he seems to fit the criteria for the role of James Bond. The 30-year-old actor has critical credibility and screen experience and is known for his versatile performances on the screen. He recently joined the popular superhero franchise MCU as Adam Warlock. However, it is also believed that The Maze Runner actor has a profile that could catch Eon Productions eye for the Bond franchise either as its leading man or a Bond villain.
Following the release of Craig’s last James Bond movie, No Time to Die, Barbara Broccoli has shared that they are planning to take some time off from the Bond series. She also claimed that the next movie in the series is not expected to release until 2025. The producer of the franchise also stated that they are planning a “reinvention of Bond,” and it would take at least two years to get the whole concept together for the next Bond project.
Source: The Telegraph
