Internet sleuths are convinced Richard Madden (Game of Thrones, Bodyguard, Eternals) has been cast as the next James Bond after the Scottish thespian posted an extremely tongue-in-cheek video of himself enjoying a martini alongside Citadel co-star Stanley Tucci.
The duo clink glasses of 007’s signature cocktail before Tucci asks Madden: “How’s yours?” To which Madden replies while staring at the camera: “Delicious.” This otherwise awkward exchange is punctuated by what Deadline‘s Caroline Frost so aptly describes as “conspiratorial” giggles; as if there’s an inside joke we’re all missing.
Of course, it didn’t take long before the accusations were fired in both Madden and Tucci’s direction.
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“New Bond and Q???” commented one user.
“There you go, the new James Bond,” commented another.
“To the gods of 007 this is a no brainer.”
The identity of Daniel Craig’s successor post-No Time To Die has been shrouded in speculation even before the now-retired screen spy hung up his gun.
Over the past few months, the cyberspace has been awash with rumours, pointing towards everyone from Spider-Man star Tom Holland (which has since been debunked) to the slightly more credible Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Taylor-Johnson – who you may have encountered through the likes of Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tenet, and most recently, Bullet Train – was a “top choice,” according to an insider who spoke with The Sun back in December.
“He went for a screen test to be the next James Bond in September and producers and [Barbara Broccoli] loved him. He is now one of the front-runners.”
The news of Taylor-Johnson’s secretive audition at Pinewood Studios naturally instilled an overwhelming sense of confidence in his candidacy.
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Almost immediately after the headlines circulated, he was listed as the Sportsbet favourite at $2.87, beating out the more established likes of:
- Henry Cavill ($3.25)
- Rege-Jean Page ($3.50)
- Aidan Turner ($4.50)
- Chiwetel Ejiofor ($4.50)
- The perennially discussed triumvirate of Tom Hardy ($6.50), Idris Elba ($10.00), Richard Madden ($10.00)
- Michael Fassbender ($17.00)
- and plenty more
While it’s still uncertain who will take on the iconic mantle at this stage, we do know the specific criteria.
No Time To Die reignited the longstanding debate about whether the franchise should finally introduce the first female Bond. In part due to the fact that Lashana Lynch portrayed an MI6 operative who inherited the 007 moniker after Craig’s James Bond walked away from the spy life. Such an outcome, however, has been ruled out by the custodians of this modern mythology. And for good reason.
“I think it will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” said veteran Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (daughter of Cubby Broccoli).
“I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles. I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women.”
“He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
When prompted about the matter of 007’s gender, Daniel Craig himself echoed the very same sentiments as Barbara Broccoli.
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“The answer to that is very simple. There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour,” he explained.
“Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?”
Well-informed insiders have also revealed the producers are keen to turn back the clock on old JB, hopefully finding someone fresher-faced than on previous occasions. But within reason. Michael G. Wilson (half-brother of Barbara) further narrowed the scope by stating there’s a definite age parameter.
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work,” said Wilson.
“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 30-something.”
In summary, the next James Bond will be a young-ish preferably British actor/British-passing actor hailing from the UK like Richard Madden or, indeed, Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
