Is Damien Lewis now one of the leading contenders to take over as James Bond?

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The Royal Ascot has begun! I’m sure we’ll have some good royal photos from Royal Ascot in the days to come. But for now, these photos of Damian Lewis and his wife Helen McCrory are fresh off the presses. I’m assuming Damien’s facial hair look is for a role, because he still looks like he’s in costume. He looks like he’s playing turn-of-the-century Sherlock Holmes: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Sexual Attraction.

I don’t cover Damien that much because I tend to think people aren’t really intensely interested in him, especially now that he’s left Homeland (sidenote: I haven’t watched Homeland since he left). Damien just did the miniseries Wolf Hall, which I tried to watch but got really bored. He will soon be filming To Appomattox, where he plays General Sherman. Damien works consistently and he actually is a wonderful, interesting actor. Which makes the next story a little bit weird. British bookies now believe that Damien is one of the “favorites” to take over as James Bond. Seriously.

Bookmakers have slashed odds on Damien Lewis becoming the next James Bond after a flurry of large bets on the Homeland star. William Hill now has Lewis as short as 6/4 to follow Daniel Craig as 007 amid speculation that forthcoming movie Spectre could be the 47-year-old’s final stint as the suave British spy. Lewis is now the favourite for the role ahead of Idris Elba, 42 (5/2), Tom Hardy, 37 (4/1), Henry Cavill, 32 (5/1) and Michael Fassbender, 38 (7/1).

Craig is thought to be contracted for at least one more movie after Spectre, but might choose to go out on a high if Sam Mendes’ return to the director’s chair proves as successful as his last outing, the $1bn Skyfall. The Oscar-winning British film-maker’s second 007 movie is widely predicted to be one of the year’s biggest releases.

Hackney-born Elba, best known for turns in The Wire and BBC crime drama Luther, was the previous frontrunner to play Bond. But he appeared to rule himself out in April, telling an audience at London’s British Film Institute that he had given up on getting the call from 007 production company Eon. “If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone,” said Elba, further suggesting the longstanding rumour was “really starting to eat itself”.

[From The Guardian]

If Daniel Craig steps down after Spectre – and that’s a big IF, considering he threatened to do the same after Skyfall – then this speculation hasn’t even started! People tend to forget that Daniel’s casting sort of came out of nowhere and that the producers will likely go with an unexpected choice to replace Craig. Damien would be “unexpected” in that his name is rarely part of any serious discussion up until this moment. Usually the conversation is about Idris Elba. Or Chiwetel Ejiofor. I’m just throwing that name out there! Chiwetel would be an amazing Bond.

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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89 Responses to “Is Damien Lewis now one of the leading contenders to take over as James Bond?”

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  1. Loulou says:

    Seriously?? I think this guy is hot in kind of a quirky way, but not a Bond way! Idris Elba is way more your classic Bond hot.

    • Franca says:

      I don’t find him hot even in a qurky way, and I usually love gingers. But his teeny tiny mouth is a bit creepy. Did he also complain about being posh?

      His wife on the other hand is amazing. Aunt Polly should be the next Bond. They wanted a female dr who, why not a female bond?

      • Jenna says:

        I find his mouth very off-putting and not hot. He is clearly a dedicated actor but watching homeland that mouth just kept bugging me. I just wanted to reach out and stretch it out a bit!

    • Sugar says:

      Agree about Idris. He’d be great in the part.

      I don’t miss Damien and his fluctuating American accent on Homeland. His storyline needed to end.

    • joy says:

      Idris FTW. He’s so hot.

    • NUTBALLS says:

      I agree. I adored him in Band of Brothers, Life, Wolf Hall and Homeland, but Bond? Ummm, no.

      Idris would make an interesting Bond and one I’d be willing to pay money to see, unlike Daniel Craig.

      Damian and Helen look so great together. They’re one of my favorite Brit celebrity couples.

    • denisemich says:

      +1

    • Miss Gloss says:

      1+ Idris Elba

    • Maria A. says:

      Actually, Lewis would be interesting playing some other character in a Bond movie, especially if one handed it over to the likes of Tarantino, who likes his characters ‘colorful’ and full of quirks.

    • Sun Glasses Aready says:

      Nice guy/actor but no.
      The other names mentioned are either boring, too short or too thin. Its time for a change and a new Bond world order – therefore it must be Idris or Jollie.

  2. Mireille says:

    I like Richard Armitage for the next Bond.

    • Franca says:

      That would be amazing.
      I’d like tobsee Idris, even if he is too old. Or Chiwetel.

      • Mireille says:

        Chiwetel yes. For some reason I can’t see Idris. I think of him being too proper or better suited for Shakespeare — he’s got such a formidable presence. I’d rather see him as Macbeth or Henry IV.

      • Amelia says:

        YES, YES, YES FREAKING YES to Richard Armitage as James Bond.
        The only problem with that is the possible association with his Lucas North character in Spooks. Whether or not that’s too closely related or not will be down to producers, but I am so onboard for this.
        I quite like the idea of Fassbender as Bond. I remember there was quite a stir of excitement after X-Men: First Class came out.
        And as much as I love Idris Elba, without being rude – I feel as though he might be a bit old for the role now. Maybe a few years ago like he said, but assuming he would be tied into a multi-film contract, he could end up playing Bond until he’s nearly 60.

    • Andrea says:

      This is an awesome idea!

    • GlimmerBunny says:

      ALL THE YES TO THORIN AS BOND

    • vauvert says:

      Oh yes, that would be fantastic!!

    • klein says:

      YES

    • NUTBALLS says:

      I’d cosign on that!

      • nimmi says:

        Another vote for Phwoarin Schmokinshield. I want Sir Idris of Elba to have a new franchise of his own.

    • Josa says:

      Yes to Armitage.

  3. MrsB says:

    Absolutely. Not. I like Damien Lewis, and think he’s a great actor. But, I just don’t think he could pull off James Bond.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      No. Just no. I mean it. No.

      And the “Case of the Missing Sexual Attraction” just killed me.

      Again, no.

    • mom2two says:

      Agree. He’s more Bond villain to me. Please no to Cavill, Fassbender and Hardy: too well known and too over exposed. I hope if the next Bond is not Idris Elba, then it’s someone out in left field like Craig was.

    • Dara says:

      Am I the only person that watched his series Life in the U.S. (it was on for two seasons a few years before Homeland)? He could switch from ironic humor to grace and charm to quiet menace to downright homicidal at the drop of a hat. There were a couple of times where I swore he was Steve McQueen (the actor, not the director) reincarnated. Sexy stuff.

      Sadly, I do think he has crossed the age barrier for Bond but I think he would kill it. I can proudly say I was rooting for Daniel Craig as Bond for years before anyone mentioned him seriously. I always had a soft spot for James Purefoy too but I think I need to start scouting from the younger ranks of British actors. All my usual faves are aging out of the role.

      • The Other Katherine says:

        No, I saw that that show too! I thought Damien Lewis was really good in it.

        I still think he’d be awful as Bond, though. Just wrong.

        Idris Elba FTW! (I don’t think we’ll actually get that, more’s the pity. Just another white guy, most likely.)

      • Vizia says:

        Life Is one of my fave re-binge-watch series. And Armitage would be a fabulous Bond….

  4. Damn says:

    Loved him in Band of Brothers.

  5. dorothy says:

    Oh Lord give me a hot ginger Bond. I agree with both your recommendations as welll…can we have multiple Bonds? Cloning alert.

  6. Claire says:

    Nope. I like him but nope.

  7. Beth No. 2 says:

    Gosh I cannot recognise Damian (spelt with an “a”!) Lewis in that get-up. 😀

    On one hand I am massively excited at the prospect of (probably?) the world’s first Ginger Bond (time to think of some saucy titles), but then he doesn’t really give me a Bond vibe.

    Hardy and Fassbender, both fantastic actors, also strike me as suspect choices. Hardy exudes roguish easygoing charm rather than Bond’s polished, debonair appeal. And Fassy is more like the hot neighbour who secretly hides dead bodies in his backyard. As for Cavill, erm nope.

    That leaves Idris Elba, though I’d agree Chiwetel seems the best suited of possible candidates.

  8. DianaM says:

    No opinion here on Daniel Lewis possibly being Bond – I just wanted to say that his wife is a truly wonderful actress: she was excelent in Peaky Blinders!

  9. A says:

    No.
    Needs to be younger…hotter….unknown actor….otherwise…will. not. work.

  10. A says:

    Someone under 35 please

    • Pattinson will be about 31 when the role opens, and Hoult will near 30.

      • Damn says:

        LMAO

      • Amelia says:

        Sparkles would be eaten alive as Bond. He’s far too high profile, and if I’m being rude, a bit drippy.

      • Tig says:

        While Rob can rock a tux, don’t see him pulling off all the stunts/CGI necessary for 21st century Bond movies. Here are some other “out there” choices- Matthew F from Homeland( how about that for coincidences?) or the young actor from the HP movies who’s morphed into an extremely nice looking young man?

      • Vizia says:

        Life Is one of my fave re-binge-watch series. And Armitage would be a fabulous Bond….

      • Vizia says:

        Oooh, Neville Longbottom as Bond? Innnnteresting…..

  11. ncboudicca says:

    I love Helen McCrory, she knows how to dress.

    • eribra says:

      I’d never heard of her before peaky blinders but immediately Googled her and wow! I had a hard time reconciling aunt polly and Helen McCrory. She dresses beautifully, so much lighter irl. I love aunt polly though.

    • Dara says:

      I find Damian infinitely hotter knowing Helen McCrory has given him her stamp of approval. She kicks all sorts of a$$. Maybe she’s available for Bond.

  12. Mia4S says:

    The British press love this nonesense. Why in the world would Fassbender take on Bond? Hardy? Cavill is Superman for at least the next 4-5 years. This is fan casting!

    The same kind of betting was done on the role of Doctor Who. The guy who actually got the role, Peter Capaldi didn’t even show up on the list until about 2 weeks before he was announced. It’s all BS!

  13. I don’t think any of the names being thrown out will be Bond. It will be someone we all say “who?” about, a complete out-of-left-field unknown.

  14. meow says:

    Fabulous actor, but, no, not Bond.
    I miss Sean Connery.

  15. boredblond says:

    Bond isn’t supposed to be a kid, is he? He’s the guy with a past–who’s been around forever and knows all the tricks (I’m supposing..never made it thru one of those films..) Maybe it’s the hat, but I’m not feeling Bond here..

  16. lucy2 says:

    I think he’s a good actor, but he doesn’t have the right…something for Bond. Intrigue? Suaveness? I’m not sure what it is, but I can’t seem him having it. And I know some people love him, but I myself don’t find him attractive.
    Idris or nothing!

  17. Birdix says:

    I thought Homeland would suffer without him, but it didn’t. Loved the recent season.

  18. Bethie says:

    Brody?! Ew.

  19. Kathy says:

    just seen Spy and I thought , Jude Law , now he would make a good James Bond!

  20. Trinitay4u says:

    I am still for team Idris Elba. We need him to play James.

  21. Andrea says:

    I totally could see Fassbender as Bond, not sure on Damien Lewis, but he is sexy too.

  22. Adrien says:

    No. I want Idris Elba. Damien is too smug looking. He’s like a British Jay Mohr in terms of looks.

    • Hudson Girl says:

      LOL, OMG, this is perfect- he does look smug. He looks more like the white collar criminal in a Bond film, or the smug IT guy that interacts with Bond.

  23. magz says:

    Plz no

  24. Jaded says:

    Daniel Day Lewis….he would smolder as Bond.

  25. vauvert says:

    I agree with one of the above suggestions, Armitage. He is incredibly hot and a fabulous actor. I like Idriss but I just can’t see him as Bond. (I guess because I love his acting but I don’t understand why so many people think he is super sexy… and Bond needs to be THE sexy.)

  26. Tough Cookie says:

    ugh. No.

  27. Christina says:

    Hmmm – It could be interesting. Thinking back, when Daniel Craig signed on, almost eveyrone said he would be the worst Bond ever and, yet, he has been truly fanastic!

  28. Jen43 says:

    Yuck, no.

  29. Kiki says:

    Idris Elba. And I am not playing the race card. Idris is HOOOOTTTT. And anyone who thinks otherwise are cray cray. How could you not have a dark handsome man whose hackney accent is just endurably sexy ( I think so) and he can act. Oh did I mention that he is hot. Chiwetel would also make a great Bond but Idris Elba is just sexy. So team Idris for bond all the way.

    • EN says:

      Idris is too full of himself. Arrogant men are not hot unless they have something to back up the high opinion of themselves.
      I usually wouldn’t rain on someone’s parade but you did call me cray cray.

  30. Elleno says:

    LOVE THIS. This man can act his a** off! I think he has a very intelligent and regal demeanor that would carry this role off perfectly. I saw him for the first time in the Forsyte Saga.

  31. NUTBALLS says:

    Ruth Wilson should be the next Bond. She’d kill it.

  32. EN says:

    Lewis and Elba are both too old and it is a good thing, since I dislike both of them. They come across as arrogant, which I would forgive if I perceived talent that compensated for it, but I don’t.

    I want Richard Armitage (but he is probably too old as well) or Tom Hardy for the next Bond.

  33. Moxie Remon says:

    He’s not memorable. If they don’t put Idris Elba as Bond i’ll leave this Earth.

  34. kri says:

    I think Sophie Hunter should be the next Bond.

  35. Diane says:

    UGH a ginger Bond. No way. He was the weakest link in Homeland. I was happy when he bit the dust. Bond is sexy. He is NOT.

  36. Div says:

    Hell no. I like him, but he’d make a terrible Bond.

  37. Beth says:

    Fassy, Hardy, Elba, and Cavill are all just fancasting at best. The next guy to be James Bond will either be an unknown or someone who is currently a working actor, but just not on the radar. I know it occasionally happens, but realistically, how often does the fan favorite actually get the role? And also think of when the next time the position opens up and Craig retires; the 70’s born guys will be too old. Think mid 80’s and younger if you really want an idea as to who gets the role.

    • suziekew says:

      Actually, Pierce Brosnan was a fan favorite when he got the role of James Bond. I agree with Beth it will definitely be a guy born in the mid to late 80’s who gets the part eventually.

  38. Nicole says:

    No, he’s not a leading contender. Bookies are a bunch of idiots.

  39. MAC says:

    I loved Wolf Hall and when he was on Life (was canceled). I think he is a good actor but as Bond he wouldn’t cut it. Bond needs to have a bit of a bad guy element to him and he seems like the nice guy from next door. Even if he was not that in Wolf Hall. His wife is a great actor.

  40. Camille (The Original) says:

    I hope not. Yuck. I don’t know who I find less appealing as Bond, Craig or this guy.

  41. Abigail says:

    Chiwetel no. Idris yes–perfect Bond. I also like Fassbender. But not Lewis!

  42. Dorky says:

    Please no. His mouth is way too floppy. *shudder/grossed out*

  43. Sue says:

    Lewis the the kind of actor that emulates the spirit of Sir Alec Guiness….an actor who becomes the role, not matter how different in look, stature or character. Who would have thought that a bald headed slightly built man could have played, Fagen in Oliver Twist or Price Faisal in Lawrence of Arabia? I know that whatever role Damien tackles, he will knock it out of the park because he is that talented! Bravo and I look forward to seeing him in any and all endeavors he participates in…quality acting is where it’s at with Mr. Lewis!

  44. Nephelim says:

    Helen McCrory ´s dress is a camouflage dress. Looks like a Azulejo , a portuguese tile style.

  45. caela says:

    Yup that facial hair is for a play he’s doing in London, American Buffalo. If you think he looks odd like this you should see the full get up, purple suit and gelled hair. I think he’s really talented but I don’t see him as Bond…

  46. Dippit says:

    Matthew Goode?!!

  47. S says:

    No! No! No! Please, no Damien Lewis!