As speculation swirls around the next James Bond, two notable figures are making headlines: actor Olly Rix and the legendary Al Pacino. Rix, known for his role in the BBC One medical drama Casualty, has revealed that he has been part of "exciting" conversations regarding the iconic 007 role, which has been vacant since Daniel Craig's departure after No Time To Die.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Rix shared that he caught the attention of Pacino and his daughter, Julie, who are working on a portrait portfolio of British actors they believe could take on the mantle of Bond. "Al Pacino is one of the reasons I wanted to be an actor," Rix said, expressing his enthusiasm about being considered for such a prestigious role.
Rix, 40, has made a significant impression since joining Casualty earlier this year. He mentioned that he watched No Time To Die three times in just over 36 hours, solidifying his admiration for Craig's portrayal of Bond. He stated, "Daniel Craig was the definitive Bond for me, he was my favourite," reflecting on the impact Craig's performance had on him.
With the upcoming Bond film being produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, who recently took over the creative rights from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the excitement surrounding the franchise is palpable. Rix noted, "I love the role and to see what they might be planning next is so exciting," indicating his eagerness for the future of the franchise.
Interestingly, Rix's journey to potentially becoming Bond has a unique twist. While studying at Oxford University, he was approached by the secret intelligence services and encouraged to apply for a position. "I began the vetting process and at the same time I'd applied to drama school," he explained, ultimately choosing to pursue acting after winning a scholarship. Rix received a letter from the secret services wishing him well and expressing hope that he might one day assume the role of Bond.
Meanwhile, Daniel Craig's legacy continues to loom large in the Bond universe. As fans eagerly await news of who will be the next actor to don the tuxedo, the absence of a confirmed Bond 26 in the 2025 movie schedule has left many wondering about the future of the franchise. The anticipation builds as the rumored release window approaches.
In a related note, Mike Reyes, a James Bond expert at CinemaBlend, recently highlighted a lesser-known fact about Craig's performance in No Time To Die. Reyes shared that the impressive donuts performed by the Aston Martin in the film's pre-credits sequence were executed by Craig himself, without the aid of a stunt driver. Special Effects Supervisor Chris Corbould confirmed this in a recent discussion, adding another layer of admiration for Craig's commitment to the role.
Reyes reflected on his experience attending the home video junket for No Time To Die back in 2021, where he had the opportunity to speak with Corbould about the film's groundbreaking stunts. "I was given a thrilling ride in a Range Rover, as a stunt driver recreated a sequence from the final Daniel Craig James Bond movie," Reyes recounted, emphasizing the excitement of the event.
As the Bond franchise prepares for its next chapter, fans are left to ponder the future of 007. Rix's potential involvement, alongside the creative minds of Pascal and Heyman, suggests a new direction for the series. The combination of Rix's rising star power and the legacy of Craig creates an intriguing narrative for the next installment.
In the meantime, Rix remains focused on his current role in Casualty, where he portrays Flynn Byron, a character with a complex backstory and evolving dynamics. Rix has expressed his commitment to bringing authenticity to the character, drawing inspiration from special forces to enhance his portrayal.
As viewers tune in to see how Flynn navigates moral dilemmas and personal challenges in the emergency department, Rix's performance will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences. His recent visit to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home further showcases his passion for meaningful work outside of acting, as he aims to support animal welfare.
As the world awaits the next Bond, the conversations surrounding casting and creative direction are more important than ever. The combination of Rix's enthusiasm and the involvement of industry legends like Al Pacino hints at a promising future for the franchise.
In conclusion, whether it’s Rix’s potential rise to 007 or the thrilling stunts of Craig's tenure, the legacy of James Bond continues to inspire and excite fans worldwide. As the next chapter unfolds, audiences will be eager to see who will ultimately take on the mantle of this iconic role.
