The producer for the James Bond films has given a huge update about the next film, amid ongoing rumours about who will be replacing Daniel Craig as the famous MI6 agent.
Since Craig announced that he’d be hanging up the tux, everyone’s had an opinion about who should step up to the plate.
Idris Elba has been among the favourites in the past, but he recently ruled himself out of the running, implying that he’s simply too invested in his current role as detective John Luther, who is due to return in the forthcoming Luther film.
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SAS Rogue Heroes and Skins star Jack O’Connell has also been described by fans as the ‘perfect’ fit, while 26-year-old Tom Holland is another actor who has been linked with the character.
However, it seems we’ve still a way off any official confirmation, as producer Barbara Broccoli has said there’s not even a script yet – let alone a cast.
Speaking to LADbible on the red carpet at the BAFTA Film Awards this afternoon (Sunday 19 February), Broccoli said that, despite all of the rumours about the next 007, casting hasn’t even begun yet.
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Acknowledging there has been a lot of speculation about the new Bond, she said: “No, we haven’t even started casting yet.
“There isn’t even a script."
Broccoli has previously noted how Craig had 'cracked Bond open emotionally', saying that same emotional heft would be required of future 007s.
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She told Variety last September: “It’s an evolution. Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace.”
Speaking alongside fellow producer Michael G Wilson, Broccoli also suggested that 007 casting rumours are much ado about nothing, saying they were still in the ‘early stages’ of tracking down their next Bond.
She even hinted that Idris Elba, who has been hotly tipped to step into Bond’s shoes, was too old for the role.
“We love Idris. The thing is, [the casting decision] is going to be a couple of years off,” she said.
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“And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-12 year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘do I really want that thing?’ Not everybody wants to do that.
“It’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention.”
Last year, producer Michael G Wilson also shared what he felt was required for the role.
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Speaking during an event at London’s British Film Institute to celebrate 60 years of James Bond, he said: “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work.”
He continued: “Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.
"He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
Topics: TV and Film, James Bond
Jess Hardiman