Film producer and James Bond franchise caretaker Michael G. Wilson has revealed that the legendary role of cinema’s most iconic spy won’t be going to any younger actors in the foreseeable future. He revealed this and other details surrounding the selection process for the next 007 at a celebratory event for the franchise.
Based on the character from books by Ian Fleming, the James Bond franchise relays events surrounding the iconic titular master spy of Her Majesty's secret service, codenamed 007. Spanning 27 films and several leading stars over the course of 6 decades, the character has consistently set the bar for tales of intrigue, espionage, and high action at every turn. Daniel Craig, the latest iteration of the popular character, recently stepped away from the role in grand fashion, leaving the role of James Bond temporarily unfilled.
Deadline covered the ‘In Conversation’ event at London's British Film Institute held to celebrate 60 years of the James Bond franchise, where Wilson discussed recasting the role after Craig bid farewell to his time as James Bond in No Time to Die. ”We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work," Wilson said. "Remember, Bond's already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
Wilson also revealed part of the process for choosing a new Bond, finally letting fans in on the scene used to determine if an actor had the necessary charm and aura to be James Bond. “We always use the same scene … and that’s the one in From Russia With Love, where Bond comes back to his room after the assassination, and he starts taking off his shirt, goes into the room to bathe. Then he hears something, takes his gun, goes in and the girl’s in the bed.” The scene is a standout one from 1963's From Russia with Love, a fan favorite film that also features what is arguably the James Bond franchise's most brutal fight scene and is a real test of the actor’s ability.
Many fans are excited about the next James Bond project, with Craig having successfully drawn in a new generation of fans eager to imprint upon their own version of the iconic character. In addition to the fan anticipation, the veteran team behind the franchise can also explore new and possibly more inclusive ideas in addition to the already tested and trusted formula, and prior reports that the team wasn’t considering any changes that would alter James Bond too drastically assures older viewers that the status quo won’t be too harshly upended.
However, Bond enthusiasts might have to wait quite a while before a new James Bond is found and the next 007 project gets underway, as the producers have revealed that they won’t be looking for a new Bond until they settle on the next entry in his much-acclaimed line of iconic villains. Not rushing the choice is key, as when the creative team does find a new 007, they expect him to be committed to the James Bond role for at least the next decade.
Source: Deadline