Auditioning for the role of James Bond sounds more challenging than any of 007’s daring missions.
Just weeks after Idris Elba was ruled out for being too old, Bond producers now say that the actor to take over the 007 mantle – following Daniel Craig’s swansong in No Time to Die – can’t be too young. Cue the sound of Hollywood agents crying in despair.
Producer Michael G Wilson made the comments at a recent event to celebrate 60 years of James Bond.
‘We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past,’ he told Deadline. ‘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 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 thirtysomething.’
We already know that Bond producers are looking for an actor that is willing to commit to the franchise for at least a decade.
That means it’s a no-go for actors such as Elba, who despite only turning 50 last month, is now deemed too old to play James Bond.
Craig was 38 when he took on the role of James Bond for 2006’s Casino Royale and was a more mature 53 when No Time to Die was finally released in 2021 after lengthy Covid-19 delays.
The search for a new 007 continues…