New James Bond – who could really be the new 007?
Daniel Craig handed over a license to kill in late 2021 when This is not the time to die has finally been released, but we’re still no closer to figuring out who will replace him as James Bond.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that the new 007 will be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, someone regularly linked to the role. Nothing has been officially confirmed, and a production source said that “there is no truth in the rumors.”
Of course, that doesn’t stop people from talking about whether he would make a good Bond – or who else he would be – and the inevitable names came up.
Idris Elba remains a fan favorite, even though he has repeatedly said he is not interested in playing 007. Other names mentioned include Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy and anyone who has appeared in a TV series that made them look good. suit (hello Richard Madden, Regé-Jean Page and Riz Ahmed!).
But who could? Really become the next James Bond?
There are many candidates and (probably) we are still far from the final choice. However, looking at previous Bonds, we can safely exclude some actors who were considered the best candidates to be the next 007.
Let’s look at the data. George Lazenby was the youngest actor to play Bond, as he turned 30 this year In Her Majesty’s Secret Service was released in 1969 (and Sean Connery joined at the age of 32). The oldest was Roger Moore, at 46, a full four years ahead of the second oldest, 42-year-old Pierce Brosnan.
The average age of an actor debuting in Bond is 38. It’s unlikely that the 26th film will be released this year, and even next year would be a challenge.
If we say the premiere will take place in 2026, the filmmakers will probably be looking at someone in their 30s.
So where are our favorites?
At 51, Elba is already five years older than Moore, so he will be well above average and an unlikely choice even if he wanted to be considered. Hiddleston (43), Hardy (46) and Luke Evans (44) also have dental problems. (Sorry guys.)
40-year-olds Aidan Turner and Henry Cavill – who just lost the role to Craig Casino Royale – are close to the upper limit, while Richard Madden (37), James Norton (38) and Henry Golding (37) are exactly at this sweet spot.
Meanwhile, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is 33 years old, so he wouldn’t be the youngest to debut as Bond. He would have been 35/36 years old when the new movie was released, making him a good candidate based solely on history.
Other younger actors like Nicholas Hoult (34), Jack Lowden (33) and, er, Harry Styles (30) are names we’ve heard for a long time.
Interestingly, Cavill was 23 when he originally lost the role because producers decided they wanted an older Bond. They chose Craig instead. How old was he? 38 years old – optimal age!
This is all speculation and extrapolation, of course. There’s nothing stopping them from choosing an older Bond or a teenager 007 – although we don’t see die-hard fans welcoming the latter.
Hugh Armitage is a film editor at Digital Spy.
Film editor, digital spy Ian has over 10 years of experience in film journalism as a writer and editor. He started out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, then rose through the ranks to report and analyze UK box office performance, as well as carve out his own niche with horror and attend genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a television writer, he was nominated for the PPA Digital Awards in the New Digital Talent of the Year category. In 2019 he became a film editor and in this role he interviewed hundreds of stars including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, became an encyclopedia of people for Marvel and appeared as a guest expert on BBC News and programs – stage at MCM Comic-Con. He continues to push his horror agenda wherever he can – whether his editor likes it or not.
