Who should/could be a Bond actor?

112331234123512361238

Comments

  • The Dr. No film swapped missiles for nuclear power, and MR could do the same! Replace missile with Nuclear fusion power station and an induced meltdown.
  • SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷ Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
    Posts: 2,215
    In a nutshell, what we're saying is, we want a megalomaniac villain for Bond 26. I want that too.
  • BennyBenny Shaken not stirredAdministrator, Moderator
    Posts: 15,191
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited January 1 Posts: 8,507
    When it comes to the big "whos next" I think there is a clue hidden in the types of films Barbara makes when she's not making Bond films. So many actors will suddenly appear in an action movie or show where they get to look cool in a tuxedo right around the time that the role is vacant, as a little calling card to try and turn heads and get people talking about them. In my opinion this is the wrong opproach, and take Daniel Craig as an example. His career started out making weird indie films (and shows) made very much resembles the type of thing that Barbara likes to make, and what she has tried to insert into Bond a bit over the years. So we shouldn't be looking at Eddie Redmayne, Henry Cavill and Tom Hiddleston, who seem to spend all their time soaking up the franchise limelight in order to build the biggest reputation and demand the largest paychecks possible. That's the Downey Jr, Dwanye Johnson approach, EON hates it. Instead what we should be looking for in building a strong set of indie credentials, of working with interesting directors of passion projects. That's what Craog was doing before Bond, and what will enamour EON towards the next guy. This is why I think Josh Oconnor could potential get an audition with them, because between La Chimera and Challengers in the past few years he has now dealt himself in as a serious and talented performer - prestige. And if we know anything EON and Barbara love prestige, and rolls their eyes at this years flash in the pan.
  • buddyoldchapbuddyoldchap Formerly known as JeremyBondon
    edited January 1 Posts: 202
    Benny wrote: »
    Get Aidan Turner for a 2027 debut.
    Have a strict trilogy of films released over a nine year timeline. That would make him 44 on debut and 53 when he finishes. More of a believable age to be a Commander in the Navy, and still young enough to still be playing Bond when he finishes.
    Three films only over nine years. It’s possible.

    giphy.gif?cid=6c09b952rwu22uiza5tgjokt2tpoh6pcvgfmphqizjumg1id&ep=v1_internal_gif_by_id&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g
  • edited January 1 Posts: 380
    Welcome to 2025! 😉

    Josh O’Connor starred in Challengers. Amazon MGM Studios film. Working for an Amazon film or tv show may be an advantage because Amazon know who you are, they're hired you before. I don't know if it's a significant advantage because Eon can cast whoever they want but I'm guessing Amazon may prefer an actor they've worked with.

    Here's a clip of Josh O’Connor in Challengers:



    If this isn't false modesty he says he doesn't see himself as Bond. YouTube short on him playing Bond:

    https://m.youtube.com/shorts/h9zOdYtHpVY

    I think a better response would be "well you never know." Or "it's nice suggesting me as the next Bond." But his response doesn't strike me he's right for the part. But I guess things can change. The financial incentive is huge, right! I think the fame and money would tempt many actors to reconsider. 😉

  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 18,369
    The Dr. No film swapped missiles for nuclear power, and MR could do the same! Replace missile with Nuclear fusion power station and an induced meltdown.

    That sounds a bit like John Gardner's Licence Renewed too. Interestingly, its working title was Meltdown.
  • BennyBenny Shaken not stirredAdministrator, Moderator
    Posts: 15,191
    bondywondy wrote: »
    Welcome to 2025! 😉

    Josh O’Connor starred in Challengers. Amazon MGM Studios film. Working for an Amazon film or tv show may be an advantage because Amazon know who you are, they're hired you before. I don't know if it's a significant advantage because Eon can cast whoever they want but I'm guessing Amazon may prefer an actor they've worked with.

    Here's a clip of Josh O’Connor in Challengers:



    If this isn't false modesty he says he doesn't see himself as Bond. YouTube short on him playing Bond:

    https://m.youtube.com/shorts/h9zOdYtHpVY

    I think a better response would be "well you never know." Or "it's nice suggesting me as the next Bond." But his response doesn't strike me he's right for the part. But I guess things can change. The financial incentive is huge, right! I think the fame and money would tempt many actors to reconsider. 😉

    He's an odd one for me. I wouldn't be appalled if he became the next James Bond, but I'm not fully seeing it right now. He doesn't strike me as a leading man type, more of a character actor or sidekick.
    His looks are more villainous than hero. Also, that YouTube clip suggests he's possibly not interested in the role, the comment from Zendaya about 'not knowing me' could suggest they've discussed the role whilst filming and Josh has ruled himself out.
    Time will tell.
  • SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷ Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
    Posts: 2,215
    I think since the wait has been this long, it might somewhat favour Bond 7 from severe backlash. Because it would get to a point where people would be less concerned of who is picked as Bond, simply because they just miss Bond and want a new Bond film.
  • Posts: 360
    I don't see what interviews have to do with it unless they say they don't want the role. And even that can't always be taken seriously.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited January 2 Posts: 8,507
    bondywondy wrote: »
    Welcome to 2025! 😉

    Josh O’Connor starred in Challengers. Amazon MGM Studios film. Working for an Amazon film or tv show may be an advantage because Amazon know who you are, they're hired you before. I don't know if it's a significant advantage because Eon can cast whoever they want but I'm guessing Amazon may prefer an actor they've worked with.

    Here's a clip of Josh O’Connor in Challengers:



    If this isn't false modesty he says he doesn't see himself as Bond. YouTube short on him playing Bond:

    https://m.youtube.com/shorts/h9zOdYtHpVY

    I think a better response would be "well you never know." Or "it's nice suggesting me as the next Bond." But his response doesn't strike me he's right for the part. But I guess things can change. The financial incentive is huge, right! I think the fame and money would tempt many actors to reconsider. 😉

    This is a man who favourite hobbies include ceramics and scrapbooking. If Amazon is worried about Bond potentially becoming a figure that modern audiences find to extreme, then there's no one better to be able too smooth those worries. If you watch his interviews he's the most disarming, relaxed, amiable young man you're ever likely to see, and everyone seems to love him as an actor. The fact that he has a relationship with Amazon is just the icing on the cake. I think there's a real chance he will be one of the ones to screentest for the role, when the time comes.
  • buddyoldchapbuddyoldchap Formerly known as JeremyBondon
    Posts: 202
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?
  • BennyBenny Shaken not stirredAdministrator, Moderator
    Posts: 15,191
    To quote Sir Rog in FYEO; “You know @Mendes4Lyfe, you’re fickle.”
  • Posts: 1,500
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Yeah, he looks cute at best. He is not Bond material.
  • Posts: 15,265
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.
  • edited January 2 Posts: 360
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Yeah, he looks cute at best. He is not Bond material.

    I've never heard anyone say King Charles is cute.
  • SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷ Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
    edited January 2 Posts: 2,215
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    edited January 2 Posts: 3,187
    Dunno about Dominic West as Bond, but Samuel West might make a good M.
  • Posts: 1,500
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.

    He looks like a James Purefoy's brother.
  • SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷ Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
    Posts: 2,215
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.

    He looks like a James Purefoy's brother.

    Funny, I think James Purefoy was also considered for Casino Royale or so.
  • Posts: 15,265
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.

    He looks like a James Purefoy's brother.

    Funny, I think James Purefoy was also considered for Casino Royale or so.

    I think it might have only been a rumour, but one I liked a lot back then.

    I really wish we now had the pool of actors we had back in 2005 for a potential Bond: Dominic West, James Purefoy, Jason Isaacs... I'm glad we got Craig, but there were so many interesting names floating around.
  • SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷SecretAgentMan⁰⁰⁷ Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
    Posts: 2,215
    Ludovico wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.

    He looks like a James Purefoy's brother.

    Funny, I think James Purefoy was also considered for Casino Royale or so.

    I think it might have only been a rumour, but one I liked a lot back then.

    I really wish we now had the pool of actors we had back in 2005 for a potential Bond: Dominic West, James Purefoy, Jason Isaacs... I'm glad we got Craig, but there were so many interesting names floating around.

    Yeah, very right.
  • edited January 2 Posts: 4,362
    Ludovico wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    O'Connor looks like he should play king Charles, not Bond. Are we really this desperate?

    Well, I always thought Dominic West could play Bond and he ended playing Prince Charles in The Crown.

    Yeah. I also thought Dominic West at some point, was rumoured to screen test as Bond in Casino Royale. He also looks like McLusky's Bond, because of how raw and rugged he (West) looks.

    He looks like a James Purefoy's brother.

    Funny, I think James Purefoy was also considered for Casino Royale or so.

    I think it might have only been a rumour, but one I liked a lot back then.

    I really wish we now had the pool of actors we had back in 2005 for a potential Bond: Dominic West, James Purefoy, Jason Isaacs... I'm glad we got Craig, but there were so many interesting names floating around.

    I think Wilson said 200 candidates were at one point considered in early stages. No idea how many auditioned. To be fair as well I think Sam Worthington and Goran Visnjic auditioned (and the former is a pretty unmemorable actor in my opinion, and the latter seemingly couldn’t even do a British accent of some sort. I’ll personally take some of the lot around nowadays. I like Dominic West, but Purefoy is pretty unmemorable in my opinion. Issacs is a really good actor but I’m not sure if he’s Bond for me, and I don’t think any could have done what Craig did in the role).
  • edited January 2 Posts: 4,362
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    He’s really not a bad actor, but I’m sorry to say I don’t think there’s anything interesting about his performances. The worst thing you can be is unmemorable (not even boring - unmemorable). It’s not his voice or his pouting that gets me, but his flatness as an actor. I’d be shocked if he was cast as Bond.
  • Posts: 1,500
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    He’s really not a bad actor, but I’m sorry to say I don’t think there’s anything interesting about his performances. The worst thing you can be is unmemorable (not even boring - unmemorable). It’s not his voice or his pouting that gets me, but his flatness as an actor. I’d be shocked if he was cast as Bond.

    and Nicholas Hoult?
  • Posts: 4,362
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    He’s really not a bad actor, but I’m sorry to say I don’t think there’s anything interesting about his performances. The worst thing you can be is unmemorable (not even boring - unmemorable). It’s not his voice or his pouting that gets me, but his flatness as an actor. I’d be shocked if he was cast as Bond.

    and Nicholas Hoult?

    I thought he was good. I’m not quite seeing Bond even in that performance (there’s just not quite that level of intensity or gravitas for me, or quite the right vibe). But I rate him highly as an actor.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited January 2 Posts: 16,710
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    This is what I find about him every time, yes: he's not actually bad (aside from the pouting) but when you think about what opportunities the script affords him and what other actors could do with the same roles, it kind of becomes clear how weak he is and how much he throws away. I would probably even say that Cavill actually brings a bit more to his roles, even.

    Bond is, ultimately, not a massively fascinating character on the page and requires a very good movie actor to bring a bit more life and personality to the part and make it sing, and on the most part Eon have managed to pick actors who can do that. Johnson is not that guy.
  • edited January 2 Posts: 4,362
    mtm wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    This is what I find about him every time, yes: he's not actually bad (aside from the pouting) but when you think about what opportunities the script affords him and what other actors could do with the same roles, it kind of becomes clear how weak he is and how much he throws away.

    Bond is, ultimately, not a massively fascinating character on the page and requires a very good movie actor to bring a bit more life and personality to the part and make it sing, and on the most part Eon have managed to pick actors who can do that. Johnson is not that guy.

    Yes, you need an interesting actor. Ok, they have to have intensity, screen presence, and some form of dark or rugged good looks and all that Bondian stuff, but ultimately they also have to have something to them as an actor. I know not all the Bond actors have been of consistent reputation or acting quality, but all made relatively interesting acting decisions in the role and most prior had some wonderful performances under their belt. ATJ is just…. flat. So agreed.

    It’s really annoying for Nosferatu. I can imagine so many other actors doing so much more with that role.

    And yes, I’d also say Cavill, despite his limited ability and even screen presence, is much more interesting and charismatic.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,507
    007HallY wrote: »
    mtm wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    This is what I find about him every time, yes: he's not actually bad (aside from the pouting) but when you think about what opportunities the script affords him and what other actors could do with the same roles, it kind of becomes clear how weak he is and how much he throws away.

    Bond is, ultimately, not a massively fascinating character on the page and requires a very good movie actor to bring a bit more life and personality to the part and make it sing, and on the most part Eon have managed to pick actors who can do that. Johnson is not that guy.

    Yes, you need an interesting actor. Ok, they have to have intensity, screen presence, and some form of dark or rugged good looks and all that Bondian stuff, but ultimately they also have to have something to them as an actor. I know not all the Bond actors have been of consistent reputation or acting quality, but all made relatively interesting acting decisions in the role and most prior had some wonderful performances under their belt. ATJ is just…. flat. So agreed.

    It’s really annoying for Nosferatu. I can imagine so many other actors doing so much more with that role.

    Have you seen challengers?
  • Posts: 4,362
    007HallY wrote: »
    mtm wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Apologies for the double post, but after just having seen Nosferatu (which I enjoyed a lot, albeit with criticisms after) I have to say I thought ATJ was a strikingly weak link in that film.

    His character could have been played in at least three different ways - colder, warmer, more flawed etc. But the guy did nothing with it. It was literally nothing. One dimensional. I guess he was fine, but there was nothing natural feeling about his performance in my opinion. I was actually surprised, and I’d had these criticisms about him beforehand.

    This is what I find about him every time, yes: he's not actually bad (aside from the pouting) but when you think about what opportunities the script affords him and what other actors could do with the same roles, it kind of becomes clear how weak he is and how much he throws away.

    Bond is, ultimately, not a massively fascinating character on the page and requires a very good movie actor to bring a bit more life and personality to the part and make it sing, and on the most part Eon have managed to pick actors who can do that. Johnson is not that guy.

    Yes, you need an interesting actor. Ok, they have to have intensity, screen presence, and some form of dark or rugged good looks and all that Bondian stuff, but ultimately they also have to have something to them as an actor. I know not all the Bond actors have been of consistent reputation or acting quality, but all made relatively interesting acting decisions in the role and most prior had some wonderful performances under their belt. ATJ is just…. flat. So agreed.

    It’s really annoying for Nosferatu. I can imagine so many other actors doing so much more with that role.

    Have you seen challengers?

    Yes. I didn’t like it much unfortunately but I could appreciate it. I personally think a better indication of O’Connor as Bond is in God’s Own Country and Only You. But I didn’t like him much in Challengers and didn’t quite get that seductive or intense quality Bond needs. But I think he’s a talented actor.
Sign In or Register to comment.