The wait to discover who will be the next James Bond is now nearing its end!
Since Daniel Craig stepped away from the iconic role, speculation has continued over which star will take over as the legendary secret agent.
Idris Elba was among the names frequently linked to the franchise, but he has since addressed and dismissed those reports. Now, Gary Oldman has added fresh fuel to the mystery, revealing that the official announcement could be coming soon.
The “Slow Horses” actor confirmed that Craig’s replacement has already been chosen and all that is left is for the big public reveal. As for the chosen actor, Oldman said he hopes his co-star, Jack Lowden, bagged the role.
“It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist,’ Oldman said while appearing on Canada’s The Morning Show. “We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him.”
While the Oscar winner is rooting for Lowden, Richard Osman recently suggested on “The Rest Is Entertainment” podcast that he has heard the Scottish star is among the leading contenders.
“It is definitely not a ‘he’s definitely got it’ thing,” Osman clarified, according to the Daily Mail. “He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he’d be amazing!”
Osman’s co-host, Marina Hyde, agreed, noting that Lowden’s age makes him an ideal fit, since the franchise typically seeks someone who can carry multiple films over an extended period.
George Clooney Is Backing A Different Contender
While Oldman and Osman continue to fuel speculation around Lowden, George Clooney believes Callum Turner would be the perfect choice to step into Bond’s shoes.
According to The Blast, Clooney, who worked alongside Turner on “The Boys in the Boat,” publicly championed the British star, saying he has everything needed to carry the franchise forward.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker argued that Turner has stood out in Hollywood without relying on excessive hype.
“Somehow Callum has weaved his way through all of the noise and found a place where people look at him and go, ‘There’s something with this young man,’” the “Ocean’s Eleven” star said.
Emile Hirsch Teased He Was Offered The Role
With Amazon MGM yet to reveal its choice for the next 007, Emile Hirsch found a way to have some fun with the ongoing mystery.
As The Blast reported, the actor recently shared a fake official letter that appeared to offer him the coveted part.
The statement was supposedly from Eon Productions, the company behind the franchise, and it praised Hirsch for possessing the qualities needed for the assignment.
One passage claimed Hirsch’s height made him the perfect candidate for a fictional crossover where James Bond would travel to the Shire and go undercover to track down “terrorist hobbits.”
Hirsch leaned into the joke, expressing his surprise at the supposed offer in the caption.
Idris Elba Clarified He Was Not In The Option For The Film
Hirsch may have joked about landing the iconic part, but Idris Elba has already made it clear he is not in contention, despite years of speculation linking him to the franchise.
In June, the “Hijack” star dismissed the claims, saying they were simply rumors. Elba explained that he had always viewed the expectation as unrealistic because of cultural differences across global audiences.
“I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that,” Elba explained, according to The Blast. “Bond is big all over the world. And [audiences] won’t [all go for a Black male, and African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
Elba’s statement echoed his earlier remarks that he was never seriously considered for the part, noting that producers wanted someone younger. However, he wished the team the best as they move forward with the next chapter.
Production Wants A Younger Actor To Lead The Next Installment
Although the official announcement has yet to be made, producers have already offered insight into the qualities they want in the next Bond.
As The Blast reported, casting director Nina Gold said the team is looking for someone young enough to carry the franchise for years to come,
In addition, Gold revealed that the character must “ooze s-x appeal” while also possessing the acting talent needed to bring the iconic spy to life.
