Phil Dunster, the star of 'Ted Lasso', has been "quite firmly" turned down for the role of James Bond, as confirmed by the actor himself. Dunster, famed for his portrayal of Jamie Tartt, revealed on a podcast the details of discussions his agent had with Bond franchise head Barbara Broccoli about the possibility of succeeding Daniel Craig as the iconic spy. Unfortunately for Dunster, the opportunity was dismissed shortly thereafter. "There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face," he shared, reflecting the disappointing but clear stance from the Bond production team.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Salke, the global head of Amazon MGM Studios, is actively working with Eon Productions alongside producers Barbara and Michael G. Wilson to pave the way forward for the next iteration of Bond. Salke recently discussed this collaboration with The Guardian, stating, "There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors]... I think there are a lot of different ways we can go. We have a good and close relationship with Eon and Barbara and Michael. We are not looking to disrupt the way those wonderful films are made. For us, we are taking their lead." Her remarks underline the care being taken to maintain the legacy of the beloved franchise.
Salke also acknowledged the patience needed from Bond fans during this transitional phase. "The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point," she stated, reinforcing the commitment to not letting the franchise stagnate.
Casting speculation has reached fever pitch, particularly surrounding actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Recently, hints emerged about Taylor-Johnson being favored to don Bond's tuxedo, with former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan publicly expressing his support for the 34-year-old. During his appearance on 'The Ray D’Arcy Show', Brosnan stated, "I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so," solidifying the notion within the industry of Taylor-Johnson’s capability.
With Daniel Craig’s final appearance as Bond in 'No Time To Die' back in 2021, the anticipation for his successor has only intensified. Surprisingly, more recent betting odds indicate Josh O’Connor has surged past Taylor-Johnson as the top choice among bookies, with odds tipped at 8-11. O’Connor has gained recognition for his portrayal of Prince Charles in 'The Crown', and expectations are sharply turning toward him as the next possible face of the franchise.
These developments have undoubtedly put the heat on the casting decisions Team Bond faces, and with contenders such as O'Connor and Taylor-Johnson being heavily discussed, it is clear the production team has their work cut out for them. The drive to select the next actor who will bring Bond back to life reflects not only the rich legacy of Ian Fleming's character but also the industry's desire to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Given the various perspectives and opinions being shared among industry figures and fans alike, the question remains: who will be the one to inherit the mantle of one of cinema's most enduring characters? Only time will tell as the excitement surrounding the casting process continues to build.