The Next James Bond Should Be an Unknown

Everyone has “their” James Bond, whether that’s the swaggering Sean Connery, the sleek Pierce Brosnan, or the suave Daniel Craig. Agent 007 defines epochs and separates generations, but a new era is quickly approaching, and with the casting for Craig’s successor underway, the big question is: Who will be the next James Bond?

The rumor mill about who will take the mantle (or gun, cool car, and nifty gadgets) is currently swirling with leading names, including Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi. All are fine actors as potential Bonds; however, a much more interesting casting choice would be an entirely unknown actor.

Following Craig’s farewell with “No Time to Die,” 007 is entering a fresh chapter with Bond guardians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson transferring all creative control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. The seismic alteration will be orchestrated by “Dune” filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and penned by “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight. With such a shake-up, it seems the perfect time to hand the “license to kill” to an actor we haven’t seen before.

Bond has always been an intriguing vessel; by design, the spy is detached and isolated, a character who can disappear into the shadows and emerge totally fixated on a new mission with his past loves and losses brushed off with ease. The dichotomy of 007, suited and booted in one moment and throwing himself into danger the next, requires shape-shifting abilities, something that is naturally applicable to the clever casting of an unknown actor.

Looking beyond a household name offers a chance for a blank slate, an opportunity to truly reinvent Bond. An unknown actor arrives with no prior “baggage” from recognizable roles; they are a canvas for viewers to project their visions onto and, in turn, immerse themselves in the character’s reality. For all intents and purposes, an unknown actor can wade unburdened into the depths of Bond, able to transform without a viewer’s prior expectation tainting the image of 007.

‘No Time to Die’©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

In a recent interview, ex-James Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams, who has worked across 13 Bond films and cast three 007s (Timothy Dalton, Brosnan and Craig), told The Independent she believed it was “absolutely essential” that Bond remains “a total enigma.”

McWilliams’ sentiment speaks to the exciting potential of casting an unknown actor as Bond, applicable to both the process and the outcome of crafting 007. The rawness of a newcomer gives the creative team a performance to shape and mould, brushing off any habits they’ve picked up from other directors. The result, then, could usher in a new era for the timeless character, whether that’s an update to his suits or a reevaluation of his relationship with women. Regardless, the audience can organically embark on a journey of discovery, learning not only about the character, but also the actor.

Another conversation topic surrounding the modern casting call is an actor’s talent weighed alongside their social media following. When it comes to Bond, the franchise’s historical legacy seems at odds with participation in TikTok promotional trends. In fact, the lack of online presence only adds another layer of mystique. In an industry still figuring out its relationship to social media, it would be a particularly thrilling decision to cast an unknown actor with no preexisting fan base. Also, seeing the same faces across every aspect ratio, from a phone screen to IMAX, has become boring. It would be revitalizing for a major franchise to be helmed by a fresh face.

Patrick Ball in ‘The Pitt’Warrick Page/HBO Max

There have been countless instances where casting unknown actors has paid off, including an array of recent examples. “The Pitt” is one such: the medical drama’s Emmy-winning casting directors brought on 300 actors for the adrenaline-fueled show. They discovered the talent of Shabana Azeez and Patrick Ball, but there is also a rotating cast of patients that, no matter how brief their appearances, fulfill a quiet but essential role in the show’s emotional arcs.

The need for a talented ensemble was also present in “Jury Duty” and its follow-up “Company Retreat.” Both seasons saw the casting of unknowns to a sizable degree; actors, comedians, and improvisers who have not previously been in the spotlight united in a remarkably convincing and cohesive ensemble performance. The show relies on unrecognizable actors, but they nevertheless are the production’s beating heart.

The case for casting complete unknowns is no better illustrated than in “Heated Rivalry.” Fronting the beloved ice hockey romance are Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, two unfamiliar actors who became absolute sensations overnight. It’s proof that if the talent is there, the audience won’t be dissuaded.

It is somewhat inevitable that the announcement of a Bond casting will put the selected actor in the spotlight, but what an opportunity that could be for a newcomer. As we wait with bated breath for the official Bond casting announcement, the franchise has an opportunity to give 007 a new look and to be shaken up, not simply stirred.