Years ago, I watched an interview with Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, and I came away with the realization that Barbara is completely in charge of the Bond franchise. Because of the complex web of publishing and film rights back in the 1960s, the Broccoli family “owns” the James Bond character, which was of course created by Ian Fleming. Cubby Broccoli bought the character and when he died in the ‘90s, Barbara and Michael were put in charge of the franchise. Barbara is much more hands-on, and Michael is clearly fine with it. The next actor to play James Bond will have to impress Barbara, because she’s the decision-maker for all things Bond, that’s what I’m saying. But actors should not rush out and try to schedule those meetings right now. She’s not going to start looking for Daniel Craig’s replacement until next year.
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has said the search for Daniel Craig’s successor will begin next year.
Broccoli appeared as a guest on BBC Radio 4’s Today program alongside her half-brother and fellow Eon producer Michael G. Wilson to discuss all things 007 ahead of the upcoming release of No Time to Die. According to Deadline, the two producers said they would not be giving any thought to Daniel Craig’s James Bond replacement until 2022.
“We’re not thinking about it at all,” Broccoli admitted after being quizzed on whether a decision had been made about who would take over the role of the iconic British spy following Craig’s fifth and final outing as the MI6 agent. “We want Daniel [Craig] to have his time of celebration. Next year we’ll start thinking about the future.”
Broccoli credited Craig for bringing different facets of the character to the surface in a way that allowed them to “really explore the emotional life of Bond and go into the person and complexity and conflicts that happen within the Bond character.” Wilson similarly praised Craig’s performance as he acknowledged that he was leaving behind some “big shoes to fill.”
Broccoli’s quotes were enough to get “Idris Elba” trending on Twitter, because everyone clearly still believes that Idris should be 007. I think Idris was once excited about the possibility that he could play 007, but as the years passed, he kind of grew tired of the Bond conversation. In 2019, he was basically like “if it happens, it happens,” but he left the impression that he wasn’t going to fight for the role and he was kind of over it. Idris is 49 years old right now – I do think that Barbara Broccoli will probably want to go with someone younger. Someone like Rege-Jean Page. Or Tom Hiddleston! Whatever – Hiddles actually met with Barbara Broccoli back in the spring and summer of Tiddles (2016) but I think he talked himself out of the role too. Broccoli will probably go with someone we haven’t even widely considered, honestly.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.
How about Roy F’ing Kent!
“He’s here! He’s there! He’s EVERY F*CKIN’ WHERE!! ROY KENT!”
Damn…he *is* sexy! Lol
OMG this is an amazing idea. Now I’m just going to spend all day imagining Roy, Jamie Tartt and Dani Rojas as Bond. “Martinis are life!”
I don’t think they’re looking for a CGI character. 😜
I kind of love this idea, but highly doubt it. But I do hope the actor hears about it. I think he’d have a blast responding.
JFC this franchise has been going on for over 60 yrs. Bond should be in the Old Spy’s Home already telling jacked up tales of his escapades. Let it die for God’s sake.
he should be using a walker and storing his teeth in a cup every night. It would be nice if the idea of a hypermasculine violent misogynist as an Ideal Man died of old age as well.
It’s not going to be Elba. People need to get a grip. He will be 50 when they start looking and therefore more like 51 when the first movie films. Not happening. Let it go people, it’s getting sad. Elba is doing and has done other interesting work.
They’re wise to wait for awhile. Craig has been wildly popular. Whoever the next guy is deserves some space.
I personally could careless about who place Bond, but what dose Elba being 50 have to do with anything? Sean Connery Was 53 when he did “Never says Never Again” James Bond.
And Roger Moore was 57 when he made A View to a Kill. Those were swan song movies (and both soooooo bad. So. So. Bad); neither actor made another. Connery made his first Bond age 32. Moore was 45 when he started and that remains the oldest for a first time Bond (and the 1970s were a different time, to say the least!)
They want someone can start in roughly two to three years (so add that to any candidate’s current age) and then carry the film series for a decade at minimum. Minimum. Craig has had the role for 16 years. It’s very clear they will go younger and why. 🤷♀️
“Someone like Rege-Jean Page.” Me, suddenly wide awake and interested in Bond movies.
I imagine it’s going to be someone lesser known – anyone with an established and busy career isn’t going to want to lock themselves into a long contract and movie after movie.
Same, but I also think they want someone lesser known because the actor comes without ‘baggage’ for lack of a better word. The franchise is strong and long-lasting enough that it doesn’t depend on having a well known actors as their lead. Someone less well known also doesn’t come in with the built-in expectations that a star would bring in (expectations based on past hits, all the stans, etc.). There’s a risk involved (see the casting and reactions to both Tim Dalton and James Craig), but when it pays off, it PAYS off.
It’s almost certainly not going to be any of the men (or women) whose names have been thrown out there. I remember that, after Pierce Brosnan, there were a bunch of big names circulating and then when Daniel Craig got it, people were like, “who?!” (and then got mad because he was blond).
I think it’s going to be the Outlander actor.
Yeah I could go for that!
Yum. Sam Heugen is HOT STUFF!!!
Won’t be Elba, could be Rege (that would be cool), likely a Hiddleston type though
I think Idris is too old, as sad as that makes me. I’m team Rege-Jean. I saw some article talking about the guy who played Poldark and while that would make me swoon, again–I think they should go for someone younger.
Interested to see who is cast. But I’m really tired of the prognosticating. Just want to know who it’ll be!
It will be a male between the ages of 38-42 with a low international profile. Dalton, Brosnan, and Craig weren’t well known when they were picked with Brosnan being the best known of the three but even he wasn’t well known beyond followers of the few TV shows they had done. They want someone who will be known for BOND, not someone known for being other characters too. And the contract will be for 3 films with an option for a 4th or maybe a 5th but the guy will not be Bond beyond age 53-54. For those reasons, Idris is out as Bond. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a great Bond villain. Those parts tend to go to better known actors.
Bronson was MUCH better known than Craig or Dalton. His name was in the media constantly as the ‘perfect’ Bond, in similar ways that Idris has been promoted by the media, only more so. He might not have had an international profile, but his casting was not a surprise, while both Craig and Dalton were out of the blue.
Of course they’re thinking about it, lol.
I would love Reje-jean but I think its going to be someone that no one is discussing.
Rege-Jean was campaigning for the role in the British tabloids but then he signed up to play the The Saint so I think he’s out. And I think Idris is out too. My guess is they pick some white guy to soothe the fears of the British public.
Oh, I wish they would end James Bond for good… Just kill him already… (eye rolling…)
I don’t get the fascination… I really don’t…
Idris Elba is the fucking sexiest man in the world and they haven’t cast him yet? JUST LOOK AT THE HEADER PICTURE!!! They’re going to deny THAT? What fools they be.
I don’t care how old he is, it HAS to be Elba. I’m not watching any Bond movies (including this last one with Craig) unless it’s Elba.
Does anyone really care? They’ve been talking about it for years that it’s now annoying. The next Bond is going to be in their 30’s. Idris is too old now.
It’s going to be Tom hardy watch!
YES! I’m here for Tom Hardy! I have had a crush on him ever since Taboo.
Cast either Chiwetel Ejiofor or Dev Patel and you’ll have my butt premiere night for years. Otherwise, IDC.
Dev Patel would be a good choice. He’s the right age (31), and given the rather complicated history of the UK and the Indian subcontinent, there’s the potential for some really interesting storylines and character development. Plus, Dev is very easy on the eyes (as is Chiwetel)!
Henry Golding? 🙂 🙂
Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
http://www.mynewplaidpants.com/2018/11/oliver-jackson-cohen-nine-times.html?m=1
http://www.mynewplaidpants.com/2018/10/just-heads-up.html?m=1
If you’ve seen The Invisible Man with Elizabeth Moss, there’s the magnificent Aldis Hodge — who plays the detective James (Jackson-Cohen plays the title character).
My beloved Tiddles would not be convincing to me as Bond, but Rege-Jean Page… Why yes, yes, that could work.