Let's Take a Vote: Who Should Be the Next Smoking-Hot James Bond?
James Bond is one of the most iconic movie characters of all time. Many notable actors have channeled 007 in the franchise, such as Daniel Craig, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Sean Connery. Recently, Amazon acquired the rights to the films, and there's a new flick on the horizon. What we know so far is that the upcoming movie will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman. But who will take on the leading role of the handsome spy?
According to The Telegraph, Pierce Brosnan said that it's a "given" the next Bond should played by a British actor. Here are some of the actors rumored to be in contention. Who do you think would portray the best 007?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Let's be honest: Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a total hunk. The 34-year-old actor has reportedly been in talks to play Bond since 2022. According to a source reported by The Sun, "Bond is Aaron's job, should he choose to accept it. The formal offer is on the table."
Aaron is no stranger to being the star of action-packed films, as he's taken on roles in Kraven The Hunter, Kick-Ass, and Bullet Train.
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Regé-Jean Page
Ever since his swoon-worthy role on Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page has been a popular suggestion for 007. The 37-year-old actor responded to the rumors in a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair.
"It's a conversation people are having, and it's terribly flattering that they're having it. I leave them to it," the celeb said. When asked if he would accept the role, he responded, "I have no idea. It's not a thing that is fully occupying my thoughts. I've got enough on my plate at the moment."
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Richard Madden
Richard Madden is no stranger to action roles. The 38-year-old Scottish actor has appeared in Game of Thrones, Citadel, and Marvel's Eternals.
Madden has also been a James Bond contender for quite some time. He talked about the rumors in an interview at the 2019 Cannes festival, per PEOPLE.
"It's very flattering to be involved in that conversation at all. But it's all just talk and I'm sure next week it will be someone else," Richard said.
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Idris Elba
Rumors were circling around Idris Elba playing the next James Bond since ~2015—and boy does he look incredible in a tux! That said, the actor previously opened up about the idea while on the "Smartless" podcast, sharing that he lost interest when the conversation shifted to race.
"The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this," Idris said. "I was like, 'This is crazy!' James Bond…We're all actors and we understand that role. It's one of those coveted [roles]. Being asked to be James Bond was like, 'Ok, you've sort of reached the pinnacle'. That's one of those things the whole world has a vote in."
The actor added, "Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered. Those that weren't happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it."
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Paul Mescal
Normal People star Paul Mescal has some thoughts about 007. In 2020, he told Variety about the idea of playing James Bond, "The answer is yes, I would like to be that person."
Since then, the 29-year-old Irish actor has appeared in films like Gladiator 2 and All Of Us Strangers.
