For the past few months there’s been talk of various actors in their 30’s being ‘serious contenders’ to play the next James Bond and take over the mantle of 007 from Daniel Craig.
The British tabloids have often originated these reports, talking about the ‘successful meetings’ that the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lucien Laviscount have had with the producers – some even suggesting it reached the screen test stage.
Then at the BAFTA’s, the franchise’s long-time producer Barbara Broccoli shut down the speculation, saying they hadn’t started casting yet and there was no script. Indeed until they’ve settled on what take on James Bond they’re going with for the next few films, no one’s being considered.
One potential candidate who appears to have ruled himself out is former “Kingsman” and “Black Bird” star Taron Egerton. Though his name has been floated as a potential candidate for many years, the actor has revealed to Total Film this week he has never spoken with Barbara Broccoli or anyone official about the role:
“I think they’ve already got someone, and it’s not me. I’ve never been a part of the conversations. I’ve never met the Broccolis. They’ve never enquired about me. I’ve just never been one of the guys that they’re looking at. I just don’t think I’m the right person for that. I think there’s much, much, much better candidates for that role than me. But, you know, I’d be a very willing audience member. They’re brilliant films.”
Egerton has previously publicly stated he wasn’t right for the role, though has recommended his “Rocketman” co-star Richard Madden as a good possibility for the role – however he thinks the producers will go in a different direction.
It has been indicated the earliest a new Bond film could go into production would be mid-2024, with a more likely scenario being a shoot in 2025.
Egerton will be seen later this month in the political meets intellectual property period action thriller “Tetris” opening on March 31st.
