James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has provided a huge update on the casting of 007, and it seems we may have a while to wait to find out who fills Daniel Craig’s boots.
Rumours have been hotting up over the next Bond, and one of the previous favourites, Idris Elba recently ruled himself out of the running, suggesting he is too invested in his current role as detective John Luther.
Other names such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Tom Holland have been mooted, while Skins star Jack O’Connell has also had his odds slashed recently.
The future of the franchise, however, remains unclear and we could yet be in for a long wait, after Broccoli confirmed the script hasn’t even been written yet.
Speaking to online news outlet LADbible, she confirmed casting hasn’t even started yet.
She said on the BAFTA Film Awards red carpet in response to whether a decision has been made on the next Bond: “No, we haven’t even started casting yet.
“There isn’t even a script.”
Broccoli has previously spoken about the emotional development of the agent, saying Craig has “cracked Bond open emotionally”, something expected of future 007s.
Idris Elba has confirmed he will not be playing 007
PHIL NOBLE
She told Variety last September: “It’s an evolution. Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace.”
Speaking alongside fellow producer Michael G Wilson, Broccoli suggested the key 007 decision remains in the “early stages”.
She suggested Bond is a commitment that is better suited to a younger candidate.
Broccoli said: “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’s not just about casting an actor for a film, it’s about a reinvention.”
Daniel Craig will be a tough one to replace following a successful spell as 007
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Producer Michael G Wilson has also spoken on what he feels is required for the role, while speaking during an event at London’s British Film Institute to celebrate 60 years of James Bond.
He said: “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work.
“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 int he 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.”
