James Bond is one of the longest-running film franchises in history. The movies have thrilled audiences for over 60 years, and now it's time to start 'the hunt for Bond' again. Daniel Craig was the last actor to play the English super spy, and now that he has stepped down, the search for the new Bond has ramped up.
According to Variety, some new contenders have risen over the last week, and three of them are at the top of Amazon MGM Studios’ list when it comes to casting Bond: Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson.
As a lifelong fan of the MI6 agents' adventures, I cannot wait to see a fresh take on the role. For me, one of the names in the list seems much more likely to be cast than the others as the next James Bond.
My money is on Tom Holland, and here's why.
The landscape of James Bond has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, mainly due to Amazon's acquisition of MGM in 2022. This $8.5 billion deal saw Amazon gain not only the vast MGM film library but, crucially, creative control over the venerable 007 franchise.
For decades, the Bond films were overseen by Eon Productions, specifically Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. While they remain co-owners of the intellectual property, Amazon MGM Studios now holds the reins for creative decisions, signalling a potential new direction for the iconic spy. This corporate shift has undoubtedly opened doors to possibilities that were previously off-limits under the traditional Broccoli family stewardship.
Tom Holland is James Bond
Bond's new landscape brings an intriguing dynamic to the casting conversation, and it directly benefits Tom Holland. Fans of the actor might recall that around the time he was filming Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019, Holland pitched an idea for a "young Bond" origin story to Sony. While the pitch didn't gain traction back then (Barbara Broccoli and the Bond estate weren't interested in an origin story at the time, leading Holland to star in the Uncharted movie instead).
This shows Tom has a long-standing ambition for the role and a willingness to explore a fresh take on the character. With Amazon MGM now in creative control and reportedly seeking a younger actor (under 30, according to Variety), Holland's past interest and unique vision may be viewed in a new light. While Henry Cavill would have been another great pick, the reported age bracket Amazon MGM are looking within is a decade too late for the Superman actor.
Tom Holland's youthful good looks and previous action-based roles in movies like Uncharted and Cherry showcase his natural ability to slot into the role. I would love to see Bond 26 be based on the book SilverFin by Charlie Higson. The younger take on Bond while being at school is a perfect fit for Holland, while the plot involving super soldiers is right in his wheelhouse, thanks to Marvel!
But there's another piece of the puzzle that points to Holland: the newly announced director for the next Bond film, Denis Villeneuve. Just days ago, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Villeneuve, the critically acclaimed filmmaker behind cinematic masterpieces such as Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, will helm Bond 26.
This is a monumental choice, and it's particularly significant when considering Holland. Villeneuve famously directed Zendaya in his Dune films, where she played the pivotal role of Chani. Given Holland's widely known real-life relationship with Zendaya, it's not a stretch to imagine a natural rapport and existing professional trust between Holland and Villeneuve. Plus, a good word in the ear of Villeneuve from his wife-to-be won't hurt his chances of earning his License to Kill.
While some purists might balk at the idea of a younger, potentially less grizzled Bond, Amazon MGM seems keen on ushering in a new era. Holland, with his global recognition from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a proven track record of leading major franchises, is a marketable and fresh face. Tom Holland would also handle the pressures of being Bond with ease, thanks to his meteoric rise to Hollywood A-list status through his work with Marvel and the Spider-Man franchise. Daniel Craig spoke with GQ magazine in 2020 about the overwhelming, sudden pressure he felt when cast in the role.
Tom Holland's previous 007 pitch, combined with the fact that the director of Bond 26 has a strong professional connection to Zendaya, suggests that the young star may be considered for the role.
The stars seem to be aligning for Tom Holland to trade his web-slingers for a Walther PPK and become the next James Bond.
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