August 20th 2024.
One of the actors who was previously considered a top contender for the iconic role of James Bond remains open to the possibility of taking on the coveted part. Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding the casting of the next 007, Welsh heartthrob Luke Evans has confirmed that he would not turn down the opportunity if it were presented to him.
Evans, who has already made a name for himself in major franchises such as Fast and Furious and The Hobbit, sees playing Bond as another exciting feather to add to his cap. Despite being 45 years old, the actor believes he still has what it takes to pull off the intense stunts and action sequences required for the role, especially since Bond producers have stated their preference for an actor in their 30s.
Along with other notable names like Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy, Evans has been in the mix of potential candidates to take over the role from Daniel Craig, who will be stepping down after the release of No Time to Die in 2021. He has also been grouped with newer contenders like Leo Woodall and breakout Netflix stars Jonathan Bailey and Theo James.
For Evans, being considered for the role of James Bond holds extra personal significance as an openly gay man. In an interview with Out magazine, he shared his initial reaction to being on the list of potential Bonds and how it reflects the progress and inclusivity in the industry.
If given the opportunity today, Evans states that he would not hesitate to accept the role of 007. He believes he still has plenty of years left to handle the physical demands of the character and, as he jokingly adds, he looks pretty good in a tuxedo as well.
Despite being a strong contender for the part, Evans' odds have recently slipped according to bookmakers, with him now seen as an outsider for the role. However, just a few months ago, he was among the frontrunners with odds as short as 8/1.
Currently, the hot favorite for the role is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is rumored to have filmed the iconic gun barrel sequence as part of his audition. While nothing has been officially announced yet, it is believed that the decision ultimately falls on Eon producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
In an interview with Deadline, Broccoli mentioned that the next Bond movies will be a reinvention of the character and that filming is at least two years away. Wilson also confirmed that they are looking for an actor in their 30s, in line with the franchise tradition of casting Bond as an experienced veteran.
Despite the 30s age range, previous Bonds have ranged from 31 to 45 years old, with Sir Sean Connery and George Lazenby being the youngest when they started. Wilson explains that this is because Bond is not a fresh-faced recruit, but someone who has been through wars and has experience, possibly even in the SAS.
Ultimately, the decision over the next James Bond lies with Broccoli and Wilson, who are also looking for a long-term commitment from the actor they choose. This may rule out some of the previous contenders, but as they say, never say never. The entertainment team at The Agency would love to hear from you if you have any celebrity stories, videos, or pictures to share. Get in touch with us by emailing, calling, or visiting our Submit Stuff page.
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