James Bond movies don't come along all that often, but when they do, all eyes are on the iconic Ian Fleming creation. Last year's No Time to Die left jaws on the floor when Daniel Craig ended his tenure as 007 by killing the character off, an unprecedented move for a franchise that has typically recast the role minus any real need for explanation.
Craig bid farewell to Bond when he was in his early 50s, but was 38 when he starred in Casino Royale. While the likes of Idris Elba and Henry Cavill remain fan-favourite choices to take over as the character, it now appears they might be too old! According to a report shared by Express (via ActioNewz.com), franchise producers are looking for a much younger actor to play the next Bond.
Outlander's Sam Heughan has reportedly been ruled out as he's 42, while a UK entertainment journalist, Ross King, recently appeared on a morning television show, Lorraine, and confirmed that age is a major factor in the hunt for the next actor to play 007.
Apparently, MGM is looking for someone in their early 30s, ruling out a lot of the fan favourite choices who are either in their late 30s or early 40s (such as Venom star Tom Hardy).
As you might expect, producers are looking for an actor to carry this franchise for many years to come, and not someone who will be aged out of the role within two or three movies. It makes sense to cast a younger star, and this suggests the plan is to tell another long-running story with this character.
Craig appeared in five Bond movies, though it could have been six had No Time to Die not gone through so many filmmakers (before being delayed by the pandemic, of course).
Who do you guys think should be the next James Bond? Let us know in the usual place!
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