Explained: What a 007 Casting Director Looks for in a New James Bond
With 2021's No Time to Die spelling Daniel Craig's lasting outing as James Bond, the internet has been in uproar about who will become the next 007. Idris Elba, or Tom Hardy? Henry Golding, or Henry Cavill? Riz Ahmed, or Richard Madden? Despite some actors getting the seal of approval from previous Bonds — Pierce Brosnan backed Tom Hardy, lest we forget — there's more to finding the next James Bond than simply handing over the keys to the Aston Martin.
Ahead of the release of the 25th instalment of the James Bond franchise, casting director Debbie McWilliams lifted the veil on what it takes to become her Majesty's deadliest weapon. As McWilliams shared in an Entertainment Weekly interview, the next James Bond should be "somebody who can hold their own, who is attractive, physical, capable of taking on not just the part but all the razzmatazz that goes with it." And, while our aforementioned list of eligble Hollywood men fits this bill, McWilliams reminds us that "it's not so defining now as it used to be," in order. to help the actors, such as Craig, move onto other projects without being typecast as a former Bond.
"It's quite a tall order and it can live on with somebody for long after they've played the part," McWilliams, who has been involved in Bond since For Your Eyes Onlyin 1981, continued. "I think some people got very much stuck with it and others have managed, particularly if they've chosen good projects other than Bond, where they're seen as just a very good actor rather than just being James Bond."
Speaking of the 007 role in a separate interview with The Guardian, Henry Golding said "It is the opportunity for change. Be it female, male, bi, gay, straight, trans, Asian, black, Latina. Now is the time in our history where it doesn't matter. That is the most amazing feeling. So the possibilities are endless."
"It would be the wildest ride. I'm super excited to see Daniel Craig's last venture… but isn't it great that we're having that conversation? 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?"
Lastly, if you want to put yourself through the wringer and try the workout that got Daniel Craig ready for No Time to Die, we've got the mission briefing here. For your eyes only, of course.
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