In a period full of speculation about the next James Bond, Naomie Harris, who portrayed Moneypenny in the last few films, expressed concerns over the direction the franchise may take under Amazon's stewardship. In a candid interview, Harris stated, "I just hope they don’t try to make it too modern — we all grew up with Bond, and I think it needs those classic elements for people to connect with it." She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the franchise's traditional roots while evolving with contemporary themes.
Harris also addressed the importance of retaining the character's British identity and masculinity. "Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive, and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth — and he has to be male," she remarked, reassuring fans concerned about the potential 'wokefication' of the beloved character.
With the release of "No Time to Die" now four years past, fans are eagerly awaiting news about the next actor to don the iconic tuxedo. The rumor mill has been rife with potential candidates, most notably Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whose name has surfaced frequently among frontrunners. According to reports from The Sun, he underwent a screen test last September, and producers, including Barbara Broccoli, expressed admiration for his performance. However, despite the buzz, there's been no official announcement confirming the casting.
Alongside Taylor-Johnson, other names in the mix include Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Joe Alwyn, and Paul Mescal. Mark O’Connell, author of "Catching Bullets – Memoirs of a Bond Fan," also highlighted newcomer Harris Dickinson as a name to watch. O’Connell predicted that the announcement regarding the new Bond actor could be made this summer, heightening expectations within the fan community.
Meanwhile, the competition for the role has expanded further with lesser-known actors entering the conversation. Recently, Stephen Graham, known for his role in Netflix’s "Adolescence," has asserted himself as a surprising candidate. According to Coral, the bookmakers have slashed his odds to 33-1, indicating mounting public interest. Coral's John Hill noted, "Stephen Graham has played many roles in his career, and now he is being backed to become the iconic 007.”
Stephen Graham’s portrayal of Eddie Miller in the hard-hitting series has garnered attention for its stark portrayal of knife crime in the UK, earning rave reviews and sparking national conversation. His previous works include performances in notable films such as "This Is England" and "Snatch."
In terms of the overall Bond narrative, the franchise stewards have made it clear that the next 007 will retain his British roots. Before selling the rights to Amazon in a significant £770 million deal, producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson assured the public that the character would not undergo any drastic changes regarding nationality or gender.
O'Connell reiterated this sentiment during a recent appearance on LBC, expressing his hopes for Bond to remain British and potentially favoring a lesser-known actor for the role. He acknowledged the possibility of familiar names like Henry Cavill re-entering the conversation but emphasized the desire for a fresh face.
In light of the evolving cinematic landscape, fans are voicing strong opinions about what they want to see from the next Bond iteration. While some embrace modernization, others rally against straying too far from the franchise’s classic elements. With Warner Bros’ previous revelations, it seems the stewards aim to strike a balance between honoring the past while catering to contemporary sensibilities.
As the anticipation builds among fans and the industry alike, many await clarity on who will inherit the mantle of James Bond. The journey has been filled with speculation, debates on identity, and fervent hope for the archive’s legacy to continue vibrantly into the future. Until an announcement is made, the speculation surrounding the future of 007 promises to keep fans engaged and involved in the legacy of one of cinema's most enduring characters.
