Following Daniel Craig's retirement, speculation is mounting that the producers behind the next James Bond film want a much younger actor to play 007.
Producers of the next installment in the long-running James Bond film franchise are reportedly looking for a much younger actor to fill the shoes of 007.
According to the UK's Express newspaper, rumors have begun swirling that age plays a significant role in casting the next James Bond after producers ruled out Outlander's 42-year-old lead Sam Heughan. The knock-back was revealed by Ross King, an entertainment correspondent on the British morning TV show Lorraine, who speculated that the actor did not fit the strict requirements set by directing studio Eon. Speaking on air, King said: "The latest rumor - and in some ways part of this is very much true - which is, basically, the Bond producers are looking for a younger Bond." He then said the studio is likely seeking "someone probably in their 30s.”
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The rumor potentially rules out the numerous names previously floated who are in their 40s, such as fan-favorite Brits Idris Elba and Tom Hardy. Other actors considered for the role, such as 39-year-old Henry Cavill, may also be too old to suit the producers' requirements.
The role of James Bond remains vacant following actor Daniel Craig's departure from the franchise after the release of the long-delayed No Time to Die. Craig starred in five Bond films over the years: Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2016) and, finally, No Time to Die (2021). Craig announced his retirement in 2019 after famously telling The Guardian newspaper that he would "rather slash my wrists” than reprise the role and that if he did, it would only be for the money.
Since then, producers have begun a long, drawn-out recruitment process that has seen a Rolodex of names floated publicly and privately. Speculation includes the potential for a female actor to take the mantle of James Bond for the first time in the series' history. However, the producers behind the film have not indicated they intend to move in such a direction. Industry figures such as Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo and No Time to Die star Ana de Armas have also had their say on who they'd like the next Bond to be.
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As one of the longest-running and most-beloved film franchises in cinematic history, millions of fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the announcement of who will replace Craig. Based on the novels of British writer Ian Fleming, the series has had 25 installments under studio Eon since it debuted with Dr. No in 1962 and has seen actors like Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Piers Brosnan portray the super spy.
Work on the as-yet-untitled Bond 26 continues and will be distributed internationally by Universal Pictures when it completes production.
Hailing from the rainy Scottish countryside, Greg now splits his time between the mountains of Gunma and the streets of Tokyo. He works as a Gaming News Writer for CBR.com, as well as writing freelance about sci-fi, technology and social issues. Find him on Twitter at @greghill.
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