Latest news with #BarbaraBroccoli
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Will Play James Bond Next? 17 Actors Who've Been Rumoured For The Role
It's now been four years since Daniel Craig's departure from the James Bond franchise in No Time To Die – and somehow there's still been no confirmation on who will be succeeding him as 007. The last few months have seen some behind-the-scenes developments for the James Bond franchise, with a new creative team taking control and an Oscar-nominated filmmaker having now been chosen to direct the next instalment. And yet, an actor playing Bond is still be to selected – at least officially. Speculation about the next 007 stretches back to before Daniel Craig even hung up his gun, with new high-profile names constantly being added to the list of potential successors in the last few years. Many have noted that as James Bond moves with the times, it would be fitting for producers to cast an actor of colour in the role, which outgoing producer Barbara Broccoli had expressed interest in (though she had also ruled out giving the part to a woman). As we look ahead to the future of the James Bond franchise, here are 17 stars who've all been rumoured at some point to succeed Daniel Craig at the helm of the series... Who is he? Let's start with the James Bond rumour that's being going the longest – Idris' acting credits include the Thor films, Beasts of No Nation the Fast & Furious series and the BBC detective drama Luther. Where did the rumour come from? Idris has been rumoured to be in the running to play 007 for more than a decade (since the speculation began in 2014, there've been three new films in the series released), with leaked emails from Sony executives suggesting he was a favourite for the part. Following this, then-Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said Idris has been 'part of the conversation' about who the role goes to next. However, in August 2022 it was reported that Idris had made the decision to take himself out of the running – and in the last few years his casting has seemed less and less likely... although we'd kind of love it if he got the opportunity to play Bond at least once, given just how long he was associated with the franchise. 'James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me, 'Do you want to play James Bond?,' I'd be like, 'Yeah!'. That's fascinating to me.' Who is he? Aaron has been widely considered as the frontrunner for the role of James for more than a year now. His past credits include the superhero comedy Kick-Ass, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Christopher Nolan's Tenet. More recently, he's appeared in projects as varied as Marvel's Kraven The Hunter, the arthouse horror flick Nosferatu and Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later. Where did the rumour come from? In November 2022, Aaron supposedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (who has since left the franchise), with follow-up reports claiming the meeting 'went well'. More recently, in 2024, tabloid reports went as far as saying he'd been cast in the role, though this was walked back mere days later. However, the rumour mill has been in overdrive once again in recent history thanks to a series of clues pointing to Aaron playing 007. What has he said? Nothing concrete just yet – but his skittishness when it comes to whether or not he's playing James Bond has to count for something, right? Who is he? Another more recent additions to the list of rumoured potential 007s is another Aaron, this time fellow Brit Aaron Pierre. As well as voicing the title character in Disney's Mufasa, Aaron appeared in The Underground Railroad, played Malcolm X in the anthology series Genius and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal in the sci-fi dystopian drama Foe. Where did the rumour come from? The news appears to come from movie 'insider' Daniel Richtman, who claimed in June 2025 that Aaron is 'being considered' for the part. What has he said? Nothing just yet, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled in case he has anything to add on the rumours. Who is he? He's literally Tom Hardy! You may have seen him in films including Max Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Legend, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception or Venom. Where did the rumour come from? Like Idris Elba, speculation about Tom Hardy playing 007 goes way back. Things hotted up in 2020, though, when the film blog The Vulcan Reporter claimed he'd done several auditions for the part and was 'basically locked into the role'. 'You know, there's a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you're automatically out of the race. So I can't possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it's gone.' Who is he? Probably best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe, Tom also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the drama The Night Manager. Where did the rumour come from? Around the time The Night Manager was airing, many viewers pointed out that the British actor might be a good James Bond, and was soon spotted having a meeting with the franchise's chief Barbara Broccoli. Unfortunately, this was also around the time of those infamous 'I Heart TS' paparazzi shots, with rumours suggesting the ensuing media coverage (and his widely-panned Golden Globes speech) may have cost him the role of the man with the golden gun. 'What can I say that you don't already know? It's interesting in itself that I've suddenly become very aware of what I'm saying, is it not? 'Because there's something about what I'm saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but the world outside. Whatever I say, I've found, generated more questions.' Who is he? After rising to fame in Game Of Thrones, the Scottish actor later won a Golden Globe for his leading role in Bodyguard. Where did the rumour come from? The action-packed Bodyguard led to Richard being tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond, with the Daily Mail reporting at the time that the drama had caught the eye of former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli. Bodyguard's producers even teased that a potential second series of the drama would depend on 'what happens with James Bond'. 'I'm more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I'm very flattered and thankful. It's a really brilliant thing to be in. 'I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that. If you talk about it, you'll curse it.' Who is he? James is perhaps best known for his TV roles, which have included Happy Valley, Grantchester, McMafia and The Trial Of Christine Keeler, though you may have also seen him in action in the recent big-screen adaptation of Little Women. Where did the rumour come from? While many of the actors named as potential replacements for Daniel Craig are based on anonymous 'insiders' and source quotes, the rumours about James seem to stem primarily from bookies' odds. However, he did spark something of a frenzy in his 2025 drama Playing Nice, when his character was the only person not wearing a tuxedo at a black-tie event, which some felt may have been due to a Bond contractual agreement. 'It's so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it's based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it's just fun and bemusing.' Who is he? Jack Lowden has had a massive few years, scoring Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work in Slow Horses and appearing with Nicole Kidman in the breezy Netflix mystery The Perfect Couple. Where did the rumour come from? This is another story that's based on bookies' odds, with Jack's name soaring towards the top of the list when Amazon acquired creative control of the spy franchise. Nothing yet – although his wife Saoirse Ronan seems keen on him taking over as 007. Who is he? The British star of films like Crazy, Rich Asians, A Simple Favour and the Guy Ritchie action film The Gentlemen. Where did the rumour come from? After Daniel Craig's exit from the James Bond franchise was confirmed, fans began campaigning for Henry to take over the iconic spy role. '[The speculation] definitely [came] from Crazy Rich Asians, maybe the white suit coming out of the park. [And] because I'm Asian and everybody's fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys. 'I don't know. It's an honour to even be in the conversation. It's one of the greatest film roles ever, you'd be stupid to be like, 'I don't want to do that.' 'Isn't it great that people are like, 'OK, now's the time, why the hell can't we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?' Who is he? After appearing in Sunshine On Leith and Pride, George landed his biggest role to date when he took the lead in the Bafta-winning 1917, and he's since appeared in Femme and The End. Where did the rumour come from? According to a 2021 report in Page Six, Bond producers were hoping to reboot the franchise after No Time To Die, making the Bond character, which is where the idea to have George play a rather different 007 was reportedly born. 'You've got to consider it for sure. I mean, it's an amazing thing, but it would also be a massive thing. I don't know if that's a reality, but if it ever became one, of course, it would be a consideration. But be a careful one.' Who is he? Regé-Jean became an overnight sensation earlier this year thanks to his role as the main love interest in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton. Where did the rumour come from? Fans immediately began suggesting Regé-Jean as a potential Bond, and when he announced he wasn't returning for the second season of Bridgerton, the rumour mill hotted up even further. 'Ah, the B word. I think if you are British and do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that. 'That's fairly normal and I'm flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed.' Who is he? Charlie's biggest acting credits include Green Street, Queer As Folk, Sons Of Anarchy and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. He was also famously cast in the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced by Jamie Dornan. Where did the rumour come from? Charlie's name being linked with playing James Bond largely stems from his devoted fanbase, as well as bookies' odds. 'I would be so flattered and honoured to be considered to play James Bond as an Englishman. But my intuition tells me that I shouldn't be waiting for that phone call to come. I think there are many people ahead of me on that list. 'It's very flattering sort of fan dialogue. Nobody's ever, on a professional level from within the industry, brought that up to me. 'As much as people want to talk about me playing James Bond – please continue. Maybe that's the genesis of these things. Maybe fan chatter leads to industry people actually talking about it in a more serious way.' Who is he? Sam is best known for playing one of the lead roles in the historical drama Outlander. Where did the rumour come from? Sam has actually been on Bond producers' radars for a while, having previously auditioned to succeed Pierce Brosnan in Casino Royale, which would eventually become Daniel Craig's first outing in the role. 'I don't know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it's an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.' Who is he? Henry is famous for playing Superman in the superhero's most recent big-screen offerings, and also has the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. Where did the rumour come from? After taking on an action role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., many viewers suggested he'd be a fitting replacement for Daniel Craig, with rumours last month suggesting his name had been raised among producers as a hot favourite. Like Sam Heughan, Henry also auditioned for Casino Royale, back when he was just 21 years old. 'I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it's all up in the air. We'll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.' Who is he? The chart-topping singer made a name for himself as a member of One Direction, before making a name for himself as a Grammy-winning solo artist. He also has two films coming out in the near future, having previously made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Where did the rumour come from? This might sound like the work of over-excited Directioners, but in 2021, The Sun reported that Bond producers were hoping to take the character in a 'new age' direction, and tipped Harry for the role. What has he said?Harry's reps said the rumours were 'not even remotely true'. Too bad, tbh. Who is he? Ted Lasso fans will recognise Phil from his Emmy-nominated performance as Jamie Tartt. Where did the rumour come from? Interestingly, unlike most of the names on this list, this rumour comes straight from the horse's mouth, with Phil confirming that a 'conversation' was had about him playing Bond – albeit very a short one. What's he said? 'There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.' Who is he? Another more recent addition to the list of rumoured James Bond stars, Lucien Laviscount's past credits include Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens and Emily In Paris. Where did the rumour come from?The Daily Mail first reported in December 2022 that Lucien had caught the eye of James Bond producers, with an unnamed source claiming he 'ticks all of the boxes' as a 'super talented' and 'extremely handsome' young actor. However, it appears there's one drawback. According to the Mail, Lucien's reality TV past (after leaving Waterloo Road, he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, and was involved in a brief showmance with a certain Ms Katona) has put off some execs behind the scenes. What has he said? Again, he's yet to address the rumours directly, so make of that what you will. Aaron Taylor-Johnson Fuels Bond Rumours With This Awkward 28 Years Later Red Carpet Moment Danny Boyle Has This 1 Regret About Stepping Away From No Time To Die Helen Mirren Admits She 'Never Liked' James Bond: 'It Was Born Out Of Profound Sexism'
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
British star Matthew Goode reveals dark reason Bond producers rejected him
Matthew Goode has revealed the dark reason James Bond producers rejected him moments after meeting him. James Bond bosses have been whittling down the long list of actors for years in a desperate bid to find the man who will replace Daniel Craig. Barbara Broccoli, 65, along with her brother Michael G. Wilson, 83, were the producers of the Bond franchise before they were replaced by Amazon MGM Studios for a massive $1 billion dollar deal in February. And before they chose Craig, Dept. Q star Goode revealed on Thursday's episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he was personally invited for a sit down chat with the producers who were seemingly interested in potentially having him be the new Bond before the role eventually went to Craig. However, sadly the meeting didn't go as the actor had planned. 'I didn't get to the audition,' remarked the star. 'But it was quite a funny one because — and she's gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person — she was like, 'So what's your idea for Bond?' And I was like, 'My idea for Bond. We've gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women. He hates a lot of people. He's in deep pain. He's brilliant at killing people.'' Goode confessed that his vision for the character didn't end up sitting well with the then producers, who swiftly dismissed him from the meeting. Goode reflected: 'I think by the end of the interview, she was like, 'Mhmm. Next.' I wanted to make it really dark.' 'I should have said was, 'But also incredibly charming.'' laughed the star. 'Ultimately, you know. What they did get was Daniel Craig.' Meanwhile, the rumour mill has been continually whirring as to who will take on the iconic 007 gig. But most recently, it was Aaron Taylor-Johnson who has dropped hints that he'll be stepping into Bond's shoes. The Marvel movie star, 34, recently signed a deal with Omega – the brand of watch the 007 spy wears. Omega has been supplying timepieces to the iconic movie character since the release of 1995's Golden Eye. When asked previously whether he would step into Bond's shoes, the Marvel star said: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Make James Bond an ‘Alcoholic, a Drug Addict. He Hates Women': Matthew Goode's ‘Really Dark' 007 Pitch Got Him Dropped From ‘Casino Royale' Auditions
Matthew Goode recently appeared on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast and clarified rumors about him auditioning for James Bond. Before Daniel Craig was cast in 2006's 'Casino Royale,' a handful of actors such as Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington all went out for the part. But Goode, a relative newcomer at the time with credits like the Mandy Moore rom-com 'Chasing Liberty' and Woody Allen's 'Match Point' under his belt, never got to actually audition because he bombed his meeting with 007 franchise producer Barbara Broccoli. 'I didn't audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli],' Goode said. 'It was quite a funny one because — and she's gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person — she was like, 'So what's your idea for Bond?' And I was like, 'My idea for Bond. We've gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women. He hates a lot of people. He's in deep pain. He's brilliant at killing people.''Goode continued, 'I think by the end of the interview, she was like, 'Mhmm. Next.' I wanted to make it really dark, but what I should have said was, 'But also incredibly charming.'' More from Variety What's Next for Denis Villeneuve's Bond Movie? Amazon's Wishlist Includes Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson Denis Villeneuve to Direct James Bond Film at Amazon Mads Mikkelsen Reprises James Bond 'Casino Royale' Villain Le Chiffre for 'Hitman'-'007 First Light' Video Game Crossover Cavill did it make into the audition room but was considered too young to the play the role. Craig was ultimately chosen, kick-starting a new Bond era on the big screen that would reach an all-time franchise high with 2012's 'Skyfall' ($1.1 billion grossed worldwide). Craig exited 007 in 2021's 'No Time to Die.' Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson are no longer running the Bond franchise after they shockingly sold creative rights to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year. Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has been hired to direct the next 007 movie, although no actor is currently attached to play the new Bond. In a new report from Variety, insiders said that Amazon is seeking a British actor under the age of 30 for to assume the 007 mantle. Per the report: 'Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson are at the top of the list. Elordi is Australian, but that would not be a deal-breaker as far as Amazon is concerned; remember Aussie George Lazenby starred in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'' Watch Goode's full. interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast in the video below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Denis Villeneuve to direct new James Bond film
Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. The Oscar-nominated Canadian film-maker most recently directed the hugely successful blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two, as well as Arrival, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049 and Prisoners. 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory,' Villeneuve said in a statement on Wednesday. 'I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.' Villeneuve is about to start shooting a third Dune film, Dune: Messiah, which is currently scheduled for a 2026 release. He is also attached to direct a historical drama about Cleopatra, an adaptation of Arthur C Clarke's science fiction novel Rendezvous with Rama, and an adaptation of a science fiction short story by South Korean writer Kim Bo-young. Head of Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, said on Wednesday: 'We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself … James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure.' Villeneuve's appointment is part of a wider shakeup of the Bond franchise, after longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson gave creative control to Amazon MGM Studios in a deal reported to have cost around US$1bn. There has been no confirmation of when the next Bond film will be released and the search is still on for who will play the spy after Daniel Craig, whose last Bond outing, No Time to Die, made US$774m worldwide. Actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James and James Norton have all been named as favourites for the role. However, despite having the back of two former Bonds, Taylor-Johnson appeared to rule himself out of contention last year, telling GQ: 'I don't feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me. I feel like, whatever's drawn out for me, I can fucking do better.' In November, Broccoli said the next James Bond actor will be in his 30s and could be of any race, with Associated Press writing: 'It will be a man. He'll likely be in his 30s. Whiteness is not a given.' The actor will also need to be contracted to at least a decade's worth of films. There have reportedly been fierce rows over 007's future between Wilson and Broccoli, who oversaw the franchise for decades as the children of its original producer, Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, and Amazon, with Barbara Broccoli allegedly branding Amazon executives 'fucking idiots' over ideas to expand the franchise with spin-offs and a TV series.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Here's all you need to know about director Denis Villeneuve's new Bond film – from who could play 007 to leading actress
AFTER years of speculation, it has been revealed that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will take the helm for the 26th James Bond movie. Yesterday's announcement by Amazon, new owners of the 007 franchise, now offers fans a tantalising glimpse into what might be in store for the suave spy. 20 20 Villeneuve, 57, has worked closely with some of the most handsome leading men in Hollywood — so will that influence who will step into Daniel Craig 's tuxedo as the Martini-loving leading man? In one sense, the franchise will be in safe hands with the Canadian director, who said: 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father.' And Villeneuve has been hailed as a 'cinematic master' by Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, which paid billions to take creative control of the films from Barbara Broccoli 's Eon Productions earlier this year. Barbara took over as Bond producer from her father Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1995. And she even tried to hire Villeneuve for the spy's last outing in 2021's No Time To Die. But fans fear the new film might lack Bond's famous wit and saucy humour. Movies orchestrated by Villeneuve tend to be somewhat serious and sombre. His leading men are often emotionally isolated loners wrestling with difficult moral dilemmas. So whoever is cast next is more likely to resemble Daniel Craig's brooding Bond than Roger Moore's eyebrow-raising playboy. Oscars, five Baftas and two Golden Globes. His big break came when his fourth film, Incendies, was shown at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals in 2010. Hollywood took notice and his movies have gone on to make a billion pounds worldwide, largely thanks to the two Dune movies. Daniel Craig says goodbye to James Bond as gives an emotional speech to cast and crew on the set of No Time To Die Villeneuve is married to journalist Tanya Lapointe and has three children from his previous relationship with actress Macha Grenon. His daughter Salome is also a filmmaker and her debut short film III premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. Villeneuve will be the first director to also executive produce a Bond film, meaning he will have final say over the edit. Ajay Chowdhury, from the James Bond International Fan Club, said: 'This is testimony to his position in the cinematic landscape as one the top practitioners of the craft.' But with no cast confirmed, it could still be years before the box office opens for business. In the meantime, we take a look at what might happen . . . WHO WILL BE THE NEW 007? 20 20 20 20 There are plenty of Brits still in the running, too. 20 20 20 20 20 WHO WILL BE A BOND GIRL? 20 20 20 20 20 THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES SOME Bond buffs are making a bizarre (and incorrect) connection between the filmmaker and 007. Villeneuve once said his favourite place is The Magdalen Islands, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. 20 20 The claim is that ornithologist James Bond – who author Ian Fleming named his hero after – is known for his work on the birds of those Islands. But he was actually miles away in the West Indies. It could be the first black and white Bond. Villeneuve shot the first major scenes for Dune: Part Two in black and white, leading to frantic calls from studio bosses. It could take years to shoot as Villeneuve is still tied up with Dune: Messiah, Nuclear War: A Scenario, a new version of Cleopatra and Rendezvous With Rama. THE LOCATIONS MANY of Villeneuve's most iconic movie locations will also be familiar to Bond fans. They include: 20 20 Norway: The dramatic cliffs and fjords were used for the ancestral home of the Atreides family in Dune, while the country's Lake Langvann was the setting for Madeleine Swann's childhood home in No Time To Die. Hungary: Blade Runner 2049 might have been a box office flop, but critics raved about its 'cold visual magnificence'. In part this was due to large amounts being shot in Budapest. The city's Memento Park was also the inspiration for Statue Park in 1995's GoldenEye. Mexico: Sicario is set in the central American country, which also featured prominently in the opening sequence of 2015 Bond film Spectre.
