"They're All Too Old": James Bond Director Addresses Whether Any Past Candidate Should Be Considered As The Next 007 Agent

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Bond 26

James Bond Director Whether Past Candidate Should Be Considered

A former James Bond movie director speaks about whether any past candidates for the role should be considered for the next 007. The most recent James Bond movie was No Time to Die in 2021, which saw Daniel Craig make his final stint as the secret agent. For years, the search has been underway for an actor to play James Bond in the upcoming Bond 26. Several names, including Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal, and Idris Elba, have been floated over the years, but no one has been officially chosen yet.

In an interview with ScreenRant for his new movie Cleaner, director Martin Campbell discusses whether past Bond auditionees will be considered for the part. Campbell was asked if there were "any actors that [he] auditioned for Bond in the past that [he] think[s] would be good for this time around." Campbell responded that he does not think so because they are "all too old." He pointed out that Bond contracts will usually span five movies, making it best for an actor in their 30s to play Bond. Check out the full quote from Campbell below:

Liam Crowley (ScreenRant): Are there any actors that you auditioned for Bond in the past that you think would be good for this time around?

Martin Campbell: No, they're all too old. They're all too old. You've got to realize that whoever plays Bond will be contracted for five movies, right? So I think you have to have somebody in their thirties, 35, 36, if they're going to see five films. I mean, look at Roger Moore, I think he was 56 or something by the time he finished his run. I didn't know how old Pierce was, but they're going to go on until their fifties, basically. So they always want to get somebody who will be able to do that many movies, and in order to do so, they have to get someone, I think, in their mid-thirties too.

What This Means For Bond 26

Campbell Echoes Past Sentiments

Henry Cavill in James Bond audition tape

Campbell is experienced in the Bond franchise, so he knows what it takes to make a 007 film. He directed the debuts of Pierce Brosnan and Craig in GoldenEye and Casino Royale, respectively. Campbell's statement also aligns with previous comments that franchise producer Barbara Broccoli has made about the search for the new Bond, wherein she has mentioned the necessity of casting a younger actor who will be available for multiple movies. Combined with Campbell's statement, this all but confirms that the next Bond will be a person in their 30s.

These parameters would rule out one of the most popular fan castings of James Bond: Henry Cavill. Not only is Cavill turning 42 this year, but it has been rumored that Cavill has previously auditioned to play the character. While Campbell has hinted at some inaccuracies about Cavill actually auditioning for Casino Royale, if he did audition, this would rule him out as Campbell does not see any of the past auditioners as appropriate choices to play the new 007.

Our Take On This James Bond News

Signs Are Stronger For One More Recent Candidate

While Campbell's statement rules out past potential candidates like Cavill and Elba, the strict age restriction points to some newer contenders for the part. Paul Mescal, who was recently in Gladiator II, has seen his name floated around online for a potential Bond 26 option. Mescal is 29 years old, so he is a bit younger than Campbell is suggesting, but that might be even better for a series trying to get several films out of a Bond actor. The actor is also rising in his career, so Bond could be a good move, making his candidacy more likely.

James Bond

Summary

The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.

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