James Bond Producers Are Looking For The Next 007 And Need Someone Who Can Make A Ten-Year Commitment

As 2021’s No Time To Die marks Daniel Craig’s exit as the latest iteration of lethal Lothario James Bond (“allegedly“) we can all prepare for another sexy brooding Englishman disarming bombs and unhooking bras in the name of THE QUEEN (though that may all change since she has gone to glory). But before any of that happens, the producers behind the exciting espionage life of Agent 007, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, want to make sure they take meticulous care in choosing the next actor for the role, since whoever steps into it will be on the hook for at least the next decade.

Variety reports there is no shortage of actors who want to drink Martinis and chase bad guys all over the world as 007, but both Barbara and Michael need those people to understand when they sign on to don the Bond drag they’re not just coming in for a few months and then reveling in fame and fortune for the rest of their days. All of the actors who played Bond, with the exception of George Lazenby, have had successful runs as Bond. So whoever grabs the torch next needs to realize Bond is not a hit-it-and-quit-it kind of character. Which is ironic because that’s exactly who he is.

Most young actors, say Broccoli and Wilson, think they want to do Bond, but don’t fully fathom the commitment of carrying a franchise across many years. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh yeah, it’d be fun to do one,” Broccoli laughs out loud. “Well. That ain’t gonna work.”

It’s also a matter of resources for Eon Productions, explains Wilson. “It’s a big investment for us, too, to bring out a new Bond.”

Ultimately, the casting process isn’t simply about choosing someone for a role in a movie, they underline.

“That’s why, when people go, ‘Oh, who are you going to get?’ it’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention, and ‘Where are we taking it? What do we want to do with the character?’” says Broccoli. “And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention?

Now I know what you’re all thinking: IDRIS ELBA, BITCH!!!! And for a time I would have agreed with you because he’s smoother than silk on a baby’s bum, and has always been a huge fan favorite. But unfortunately, that time has come and gone, although Barbara and Michael have other reasons why they need to start from scratch with someone new.

“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” she notes. “And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].” Wilson interjects: “And he was in his early 30s at the time!”

I just hope when they finally cast the new Bond he’s hot, mysterious, and capable of doing the part justice. And Idris is probably relieved he’s no longer considering the role because everyone sees what’s going on with Halle Bailey after she was cast to play a damn fish.

Pic: Sony Pictures Releasing