James Bond producers say films will “change” with “new direction” for next 007 actor
The producers of the James Bond franchise have said the films will “change” in a “new direction” when the next lead actor is announced.
Daniel Craig wrapped up his stint as 007 after five films with 2021’s No Time To Die, and Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who oversee the Bond estate, have not confirmed who will be taking on the role next.
The duo are being awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award on Sunday (November 17), an honorary Oscar given to film producers who work “reflects a consistently high quality”, and ahead of that they have spoken to the Associated Press about the future of the franchise.
“Every time we cast a new actor, the films change,” said Wilson. “It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction. Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”
Broccoli, 64, and her half-brother Wilson, 82, are the children of Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, who along with Harry Saltzman oversaw the Bond films from their beginnings with 1962’s Dr. No. Despite the films raising a collective $7.6billion (£6billion) at the global box office, the key decisions about the future of Bond on screen rest with the family.
Tom Hardy has long been considered among the favourites, with the actor responding to the rumours as far back as 2017. Last year, he was named as the public’s second choice for the role, behind Idris Elba.
It was, however, reported in March that EON Production had offered Aaron Taylor-Johnson the job after he impressed Broccoli in a screen test. The actor was asked about the rumours in April, but swerved the question, as he had done multiple times previously. Neither he nor the producers have confirmed or denied the speculation.
Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan also weighed in on the potential casting, showing his support for Taylor-Johnson.
One of the other actors considered among the frontrunners, Henry Cavill, said earlier this year that he may be “too old now” to take on the role, while Saoirse Ronan recently pitched for her partner Jack Lowden to get the nod.
Craig himself has said that he “doesn’t care” who takes on the role, while Elizabeth Hurley recently said that it would be her “dream” to play a James Bond villain. “I loved the Daniel Craig Bond films, but all the villains were men,” she said.
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Max Pilley
NME
