Who should/could be a Bond actor?

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  • Posts: 4,576
    Craig had some pretty heavy flops before Bond. Same for Brosnan. I wouldn't necessarily say either ATJ or Cavill have baggage in terms of their box office performances, at least for Bond. I still don't think either will be Bond.
    talos7 wrote: »
    Here is the next Bond, like Jackman would have done, he will bring the charm of Moore with the physicality of Craig.




    I still struggle to see this guy as Bond. Not quite sure what it is, but I just don't quite see it. I suppose that's what auditions are for. I'd be happy to be proven wrong though. But something about him just doesn't quite click for me with him as an actor in general.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 8,347
    I can’t understand why…
  • edited February 9 Posts: 4,576
    talos7 wrote: »
    I can’t understand why…

    I don't know fully what it is myself. It's just how I've responded to what I've seen him in. I think he gives me Henry Cavill vibes as an actor to be honest. That mixture of charisma without the edge or anything interesting to me about his performances. At least at this point.
  • M_BaljeM_Balje Amsterdam, Netherlands
    edited February 10 Posts: 4,553
    Difficult to see Rupert Friend now in 2025 with know him best from Homeland and Hitman 47. But in this video he feels moost close to Dalton. Problem is that movies/series he choose (Read: To American) and fact he is not big enough are problem. Like Dalton in 1971-1972 way to young in 2005. The guy after him deliever The Goldeneye qoutes the best, help by his Brosnan hair look. Sam Worthington who has moost Brosnan looks and be talked about the moost when he get more fames, in this video this work against him and he try to much.

    I have liked to see Clive Owen as Bond 6 in 2008 or 2010, because my expections til October 2004 (the month/year that he was offcial not returning) was that Brosnan returns for a 5th movie and mabey even a 6th. Clive Owen was hyped mabey to much and it also not sjure or he did audition or whant to do it, because he was mixed about that. Whyle Beyond Borders actor not get the part, Martin Campbell returns. Campbell direct Beyond Borders with him and fans whant him back because of Goldeneye for a very long time, it was Beyond Borders that moost people whant Owen as Bond. And Jeremy Northam was also on my wishlist, Starr remember me moost to him.

    I was litle suprised about Sam Worthington as option for Bond 6, because we talking about him around the release of Man On The Ledge a movie from year of Skyfall (2012). Option for after Daniel Craig not after Brosnan. Present day i get i idea he mabey be moost known for being in Avatar franchise. Atleast there is bit of feeling that acting in other movie's are put on hold and be taken over by Chris Pratt.
  • Posts: 1,056
    Interesting how there were two Australians in the mix. Maybe next time they can try two Welsh persons.
  • edited February 10 Posts: 421
    007HallY wrote: »
    Craig had some pretty heavy flops before Bond. Same for Brosnan. I wouldn't necessarily say either ATJ or Cavill have baggage in terms of their box office performances, at least for Bond. I still don't think either will be Bond.
    talos7 wrote: »
    Here is the next Bond, like Jackman would have done, he will bring the charm of Moore with the physicality of Craig.




    I still struggle to see this guy as Bond. Not quite sure what it is, but I just don't quite see it. I suppose that's what auditions are for. I'd be happy to be proven wrong though. But something about him just doesn't quite click for me with him as an actor in general.

    Sure, all actors have flops. But we're in the era of click bait type news so one day you have this article..
    Exclusive
    LICENCE TO KICK-ASS British hunk formally offered role of James Bond and ‘will sign contract this week’ to take over from Daniel Craig
    We first revealed in 2022 that the Marvel actor had emerged as a surprise frontrunner
    Howell DaviesEllie Henman
    Published: 22:00, 18 Mar 2024Updated: 13:06, 22 Mar 2024

    And then you get the opposite article...
    The problematic career move that could thwart Aaron Taylor-Johnson's chance at James Bond
    By EMMA POWELL FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
    08:40 20 Jan 2025, updated 11:39 20 Jan 2025

    Hollywood bigwigs are questioning if Aaron Taylor-Johnson has the ‘credentials’ to play James Bond after they were left shaken by the dismal response to his new action blockbuster.

    The actor, 34, who has long had his name in the mix to replace Daniel Craig as the titular British spy, failed to grip audiences as the lead in Kraven the Hunter – a superhero spin-off about Spider-Man's enemy.

    ‘Kraven has been a real disaster for Sony and a really tough break for Aaron,’ a producer, who has worked with Bond actresses, told DailyMail.com.

    ‘People will ask whether Aaron has that mainstream appeal or if this was just a blip.

    ‘And if those questions are being raised by studios in Hollywood, the same concerns will no doubt be held at MGM Amazon who are overseeing the new Bond film with Eon.’


    In this modern social media era film flops get more media coverage than ever before. The shallow media can say Leo Suter is the new favourite with the producers - "they saw him in whatever film and think he has all the qualities to replace Craig!" - then his next film kinda tanks at the box office and the media move on to the next guy.

    Craig was ideally placed because the only big budget film he made before Bond was Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie was the star not Craig. If the film had bombed people wouldn't say "Craig flopped in Tomb Raider so maybe he's not right for Bond!" Angelina Jolie was the lead and the success or failure of Tomb Raider would be on her and other aspects of the film - the quality of story, is it a faithful adaptation of the video game etc.

    Had Craig made a Marvel or DC film prior to Casino Royale with him as the main lead and it flopped, the media would question his suitability. "Is craggy Craig the man for Bond? His latest film fails to find an audience!"

    I agree that actors flopping in films is no big deal. Many flms struggle to find a large audience but the problem is many actors want to make blockbuster films for the fame and money and if they're also potential Bond candidates it can be the quickest way to ruin your chances! Kraven tanked hard so why should Eon/Amazon pay Johnson a lot of money to play Bond?

    Argylle and Man From Uncle flopped hard so why should Eon/Amazon pay Cavill a lot of money to play Bond?

    There's no financial incentive to cast Cavill or Johnson. Money plays a massive part in film making and what gets made, who is cast.

    Eon can find a cheaper actor with zero box office failure. Some guy working in tv or low budget independent films. This is why the smart move is to remain fairly unknown and hope you get the big break to audition for Bond. If you wow the producers you're still unknown at the time so cheap to hire. 🤭

  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 17,001
    Craig was making The Invasion with Nicole Kidman when he was cast I think, and that was a bit of a disaster all round.

    Bear in mind some of the time, the 'x actor is tipped to be the next Bond' stories are started by their own PR firms; it's an easy way to get some column inches. I imagine Eon get turned off them pretty quickly if they do conspicuously do that though.
  • edited February 10 Posts: 4,576
    bondywondy wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »
    Craig had some pretty heavy flops before Bond. Same for Brosnan. I wouldn't necessarily say either ATJ or Cavill have baggage in terms of their box office performances, at least for Bond. I still don't think either will be Bond.
    talos7 wrote: »
    Here is the next Bond, like Jackman would have done, he will bring the charm of Moore with the physicality of Craig.




    I still struggle to see this guy as Bond. Not quite sure what it is, but I just don't quite see it. I suppose that's what auditions are for. I'd be happy to be proven wrong though. But something about him just doesn't quite click for me with him as an actor in general.

    Sure, all actors have flops. But we're in the era of click bait type news so one day you have this article..
    Exclusive
    LICENCE TO KICK-ASS British hunk formally offered role of James Bond and ‘will sign contract this week’ to take over from Daniel Craig
    We first revealed in 2022 that the Marvel actor had emerged as a surprise frontrunner
    Howell DaviesEllie Henman
    Published: 22:00, 18 Mar 2024Updated: 13:06, 22 Mar 2024

    And then you get the opposite article...
    The problematic career move that could thwart Aaron Taylor-Johnson's chance at James Bond
    By EMMA POWELL FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
    08:40 20 Jan 2025, updated 11:39 20 Jan 2025

    Hollywood bigwigs are questioning if Aaron Taylor-Johnson has the ‘credentials’ to play James Bond after they were left shaken by the dismal response to his new action blockbuster.

    The actor, 34, who has long had his name in the mix to replace Daniel Craig as the titular British spy, failed to grip audiences as the lead in Kraven the Hunter – a superhero spin-off about Spider-Man's enemy.

    ‘Kraven has been a real disaster for Sony and a really tough break for Aaron,’ a producer, who has worked with Bond actresses, told DailyMail.com.

    ‘People will ask whether Aaron has that mainstream appeal or if this was just a blip.

    ‘And if those questions are being raised by studios in Hollywood, the same concerns will no doubt be held at MGM Amazon who are overseeing the new Bond film with Eon.’


    In this modern social media era film flops get more media coverage than ever before. The shallow media can say Leo Suter is the new favourite with the producers - "they saw him in whatever film and think he has all the qualities to replace Craig!" - then his next film kinda tanks at the box office and the media move on to the next guy.

    Craig was ideally placed because the only big budget film he made before Bond was Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie was the star not Craig. If the film had bombed people wouldn't say "Craig flopped in Tomb Raider so maybe he's not right for Bond!" Angelina Jolie was the lead and the success or failure of Tomb Raider would be on her and other aspects of the film - the quality of story, is it a faithful adaptation of the video game etc.

    Had Craig made a Marvel or DC film prior to Casino Royale with him as the main lead and it flopped, the media would question his suitability. "Is craggy Craig the man for a Bond? His latest film fails to find an audience!"

    I agree that actors flopping in films is no big deal. Many flms struggle to find a large audience but the problem is many actors want to make blockbuster films for the fame and money and if they're also potential Bond candidates it can be the quickest way to ruin your chances! Kraven tanked hard so why should Eon/Amazon pay Johnson a lot of money to play Bond?

    Argylle and Man From Uncle flopped hard so why should Eon/Amazon pay Cavill a lot of money to play Bond?

    There's no financial incentive to cast Cavill or Johnson. Eon can find a cheaper actor with zero box office failure. Some guy working in tv or low budget independent films. This is why the smart move is to remain fairly unknown and hope you get the big break to audition for Bond. If you wow the producers you're still unknown at the time so cheap to hire. 🤭

    It’s worth saying that that ebb and flow with the tabloids is nothing new when it comes to rising stars. It’s literally been a joke for decades that the British press like to raise up celebrities only to knock them down, and often with actors it’ll be through underperforming films. It’s the same with outlandish Bond rumours.

    I agree there’s no inherent financial incentive to hiring Cavil or ATJ (and if I’m honest I don’t think hiring an actor purely because of the financial incentive is a good tactic for Bond anyway). But I don’t think an actor having that flop makes much difference in itself. But you’re right, it depends on the film/the actor’s role. If the actor puts in a particularly bad lead performance in what’s meant to be a blockbuster movie that fails, I reckon that wouldn’t be a good thing for them. But I wouldn’t say that’s quite the situation with ATJ in Kraven, or Cavill in Argyll (limited as their performances were). Neither’s careers have tanked because of those flops. Hell, look at the flops of previous Bond actors. I’d argue there’s been worse in there. Dalton was in Sexette which was a major flop and from what I’ve seen of him in it is quite bad as a leading man (his singing is particularly awful). Brosnan seems to have had some pretty bad reviews for Taffin. I think if an actor stars in a higher budget flop but gets positive reviews for their performance, they’ll be absolutely fine.

    At the end of the day I think it comes down to who EON want. If they want to take a chance on an actor because they believe in him, then they’ll do it. Short of someone completely toxic/financial poison (more someone akin to an Ezra Miller, not that that’s an actor they’d ever consider anyway) I think they’ll go for them.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 17,001
    Brosnan was veering towards straight to video hell, so in a way it's kind of amazing they did go for him on the basis of where his career was.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    Posts: 3,212
    bondywondy wrote: »
    Had Craig made a Marvel or DC film prior to Casino Royale with him as the main lead and it flopped, the media would question his suitability.
    Tbf, the British press questioned Craig's suitability for Bond, anyway. From the day he was announced all the way up to the CR premiere, the press gave him a kicking at every turn. It was relentless and abusive and a lot of it was personal. The failure of The Invasion didn't make it worse, it was barely mentioned. I doubt that things would've been different if that film had been a big success either, tbh. It seemed to be Dan himself they'd got it in for, regardless, and it only stopped when CR was so undeniably great and Craig was demonstrably superb as Bond. As I remember it, there seemed to be bit of a stunned response in the British media, as if they couldn't quite believe that it was even possible that both DC and CR could be that good.

  • LeonardPineLeonardPine The Bar on the Beach
    Posts: 4,208
    Venutius wrote: »
    bondywondy wrote: »
    Had Craig made a Marvel or DC film prior to Casino Royale with him as the main lead and it flopped, the media would question his suitability.
    Tbf, the British press questioned Craig's suitability for Bond, anyway. From the day he was announced all the way up to the CR premiere, the press gave him a kicking at every turn. It was relentless and abusive and a lot of it was personal. The failure of The Invasion didn't make it worse, it was barely mentioned. I doubt that things would've been different if that film had been a big success either, tbh. It seemed to be Dan himself they'd got it in for, regardless, and it only stopped when CR was so undeniably great and Craig was demonstrably superb as Bond. As I remember it, there seemed to be bit of a stunned response in the British media, as if they couldn't quite believe that it was even possible that both DC and CR could be that good.

    The pile on against Craig was savage. And not just from the press.There were also a lot of fans rabidly against his casting. Even to that moronic website, 'CraigisnotBond' or whatever it was called.

    The picture of a musclebound Craig in the sea shut them up for a bit.

    But no other Bond actor went through what Craig endured. And he dealt with it admirably.
  • edited February 10 Posts: 4,576
    We’ll see what it’s like for the next actor, but I think nowadays between the tabloids and people on the internet in general it’s never easy for someone taking on a part like Bond. Just looking at the last few years/other franchises, Robert Pattinson got a bit of push back initially for getting cast as Batman before the movie came out and did well. I see it too with the new Superman actor. So I expect it with Bond unfortunately.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 17,001
    I don't follow it at all, but folks are pushing back against the new Superman? He seems totally inoffensive to me, the fella looks like Superman. What is their issue?
  • edited February 10 Posts: 4,576
    mtm wrote: »
    I don't follow it at all, but folks are pushing back against the new Superman? He seems totally inoffensive to me, the fella looks like Superman. What is their issue?

    For some reason people I know constantly seem to get social media posts complaining about the new suit and how Henry Cavill was the better Superman. I'm not that into social media generally but I've seen a lot of it too. It might just be a vocal minority of 'fans' and algorithms highlighting these posts, but I've also seen a couple of very misleading headlines about the new film. Stuff like how test screenings were negative (the context was the film was unfinished/didn't have all it's VFX in place, it wasn't actually a formal test screening but a private one, and that it actually seemed to get good feedback overall). The other one is about how high its budget is.

    I guess some people are a bit sore about Cavill's departure from the role and maybe have nostalgia for the Snyder films.
  • 007HallY wrote: »

    I guess some people are a bit sore about Cavill's departure from the role and maybe have nostalgia for the Snyder films.

    Bingo. It’s the contingent of Snyder fans that are hellbent on seeing the new Superman fail.
  • edited February 10 Posts: 4,576
    007HallY wrote: »

    I guess some people are a bit sore about Cavill's departure from the role and maybe have nostalgia for the Snyder films.

    Bingo. It’s the contingent of Snyder fans that are hellbent on seeing the new Superman fail.

    Makes sense. Hopefully the film's good and does well. Corenswet seems like a good fit for the role to me. Then again I'm not a big fan of Cavill as Superman/those dreary Snyder films.

    I can't quite see the next Bond being picked apart by fans of Craig in the same way. I can imagine it being more anti-woke keyboard warrior types having an issue with the next Bond/film prior to its release for whatever reason. We'll see I guess.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited February 10 Posts: 17,001
    007HallY wrote: »

    I guess some people are a bit sore about Cavill's departure from the role and maybe have nostalgia for the Snyder films.

    Bingo. It’s the contingent of Snyder fans that are hellbent on seeing the new Superman fail.

    Ah okay, that does sound believable. I presume that's all happening on Xwitter: it seems the place for that type of man/boy now.


    007HallY wrote: »

    I can't quite see the next Bond being picked apart by fans of Craig in the same way. I can imagine it being more anti-woke keyboard warrior types having an issue with the next Bond/film prior to its release for whatever reason. We'll see I guess.

    Yes no matter who it is he won't be manly/dark-haired/hairy-chested/white etc. enough for the horrible new culture we seem to be developing; I'm not looking forward to it to be honest.
  • @007HallY and @mtm

    I like the Snyder films (however edgelord/grim-dark they get at times) but I’m just inherently a fan of the character overall. This new one seems to be much more in touch with the lighthearted tone of the comics which I think is a great move on the part of James Gunn considering the influx of “evil Superman” knockoffs that have been around for the last 5-10 years. I mean we’re getting Krypto the Superdog; that’s enough to mark a distinct difference Snyder’s approach and Gunn’s haha.

    As far as Bond, I don’t the next actor will have the backlash that Craig had (unless they cast a POC which will have a certain group of people throwing their arms in the air.) I think the success of the Craig era really showed people that it’s no longer about casting someone who fits the Connery/Dalton/Brosnan mold rather than getting someone who can really sell the role and handle the material given. The parameters have been expanded for who could be a Bond actor thanks to Craig, and after NTTD; the possibilities for the next story expand as well.
  • edited February 10 Posts: 4,576
    @007HallY and @mtm

    I like the Snyder films (however edgelord/grim-dark they get at times) but I’m just inherently a fan of the character overall. This new one seems to be much more in touch with the lighthearted tone of the comics which I think is a great move on the part of James Gunn considering the influx of “evil Superman” knockoffs that have been around for the last 5-10 years. I mean we’re getting Krypto the Superdog; that’s enough to mark a distinct difference Snyder’s approach and Gunn’s haha.

    As far as Bond, I don’t the next actor will have the backlash that Craig had (unless they cast a POC which will have a certain group of people throwing their arms in the air.) I think the success of the Craig era really showed people that it’s no longer about casting someone who fits the Connery/Dalton/Brosnan mold rather than getting someone who can really sell the role and handle the material given. The parameters have been expanded for who could be a Bond actor thanks to Craig, and after NTTD; the possibilities for the next story expand as well.

    I mean, nothing against Snyder or those who enjoy his films. I just don't like them at all! Not even a big Superman fan really. The constant negativity from some circles about the new film/actor is really annoying though, as are the comparisons to Cavill. There's just no need to put so much energy into hating a film before it comes out.

    We'll see about the next Bond. Yes, I can imagine if they're not white there'll be a bit of nastiness, but honestly I suspect it can be about anything. Even when ATJ was rumoured there were idiots ready to boycott Bond because he has Jewish heritage. That's a bit more extreme and a minority, but I think there are a number of commentators/'fans' who won't be happy with whatever the next Bond film looks like, the actor included (again, the sort of people who claim the series is too woke or whatever nowadays to the point they criticised NTTD before it was released - I simply can't see the majority of such people being happy with anything EON do).

    mtm wrote: »
    007HallY wrote: »

    I guess some people are a bit sore about Cavill's departure from the role and maybe have nostalgia for the Snyder films.

    Bingo. It’s the contingent of Snyder fans that are hellbent on seeing the new Superman fail.

    Ah okay, that does sound believable. I presume that's all happening on Xwitter: it seems the place for that type of man/boy now.

    I don't use Twitter, but I sometimes have to use Facebook for work purposes and I used to constantly see those sorts of posts on there, especially after the first teaser was released. It actually got really annoying.
  • ThunderballThunderball playing Chemin de Fer in a casino, downing Vespers
    Posts: 840
    After watching Calvin Dyson's newest video reacting to circa 2005 auditions of actors who lost out to Craig, I am adding Rupert Friend to my short list of favorite Bond contenders. He's older now, 43, but still looks young enough.
    Here he is now:
    MV5BMjA4NjAyMDM2N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDQ3ODgxNDM@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg
  • LeonardPineLeonardPine The Bar on the Beach
    Posts: 4,208
    After watching Calvin Dyson's newest video reacting to circa 2005 auditions of actors who lost out to Craig, I am adding Rupert Friend to my short list of favorite Bond contenders. He's older now, 43, but still looks young enough.
    Here he is now:
    MV5BMjA4NjAyMDM2N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDQ3ODgxNDM@._V1_FMjpg_UX1000_.jpg

    I liked him in Homeland, his American accent was convincing which is why i didn't realise he was English. He can certainly deliver in the physical action department.
  • edited February 11 Posts: 4,576
    I liked his ‘05 performance in the test footage, but if I’m being critical I’d say it’s a touch too far into Sherlock Holmes than Bond. He’s very confident but in that more gentlemanly, cordial way, and I think his performance with his moving gazes and head tilts really emphasises that he’s ‘reading’ Onatop. I feel Bond’s gaze would be more fixed and he’d be putting more of a front, trying to make it seem like he’s flirting with her (and for all intents and purposes doing so), but also letting her understand that he knows there’s something going on with her. It’s a tricky thing to give off in a reading, that mixture of alpha male-ness, intelligence, sex appeal, and of course humour. For what it’s worth Friend certainly had charisma and gave off a sense of Bond’s magnetism, so it’s not completely in the wrong direction. But it wasn’t quite it.

    But age can improve an actor, and he was very good (I don’t know if I’ve seen him in anything otherwise, but if he’s being praised here there must be a reason). I think they’d have to retest him though.
  • buddyoldchapbuddyoldchap Formerly known as JeremyBondon
    edited February 12 Posts: 225
    Ludovico wrote: »

    Ugh, big no. People have no eyes?
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 8,347
    Ludovico wrote: »

    Ugh, big no. People have no eyes?

    Yes! I was not “crushed “ by this story
  • Posts: 4,576
    There’s a new Bridget Jones film? Wow. That was my biggest revelation about that article.
  • Posts: 421
    Rupert Friend is "ready" for James Bond: "I've got the scars and bruises"

    Friend acknowledged that his moment to snatch up the role might have passed, but added he feels contentedness in being confident enough to step up if called upon.

    "Last week, I literally decided that I was ready," he added. "Now they may or may not be interested, and that’s totally fine... It doesn’t matter if you do it or not, but it’s important to listen to the cycles of life and understand the universe is always on time, just sometimes you and I are a bit early or a bit late."

    https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/rupert-friend-james-bond-scars-bruises-newsupdate/



  • Posts: 15,366
    007HallY wrote: »
    There’s a new Bridget Jones film? Wow. That was my biggest revelation about that article.

    And obviously, if there's a new British romcom, the male lead will be seen as a Bond contender.
  • ThunderballThunderball playing Chemin de Fer in a casino, downing Vespers
    Posts: 840
    bondywondy wrote: »
    Rupert Friend is "ready" for James Bond: "I've got the scars and bruises"

    Friend acknowledged that his moment to snatch up the role might have passed, but added he feels contentedness in being confident enough to step up if called upon.

    "Last week, I literally decided that I was ready," he added. "Now they may or may not be interested, and that’s totally fine... It doesn’t matter if you do it or not, but it’s important to listen to the cycles of life and understand the universe is always on time, just sometimes you and I are a bit early or a bit late."

    https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/rupert-friend-james-bond-scars-bruises-newsupdate/



    Awesome. But of course, EON won't act fast and snatch him up. It's not in Barbara or Michael's character to act fast. 😅
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    edited February 13 Posts: 8,347
    I haven’t seen this posted here; it’s an interesting glimpse into the casting process.

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