The speculation around James Bond's future continues after Amazon's surprising takeover of creative control over the 007 franchise, leaving fans guessing who will next portray the legendary spy.
However, recent reports confirm James Bond will maintain his identity as a British or Commonwealth man, ruling out actors like Ryan Gosling.
The Mail on Sunday revealed an internal Amazon memo specifying that Bond's gender and nationality will remain unchanged under its stewardship.
This aligns with Pierce Brosnan's sentiments—the Irish actor who played Bond from 1995 to 2002 in films like GoldenEye and Die Another Day. Speaking to The Telegraph, Brosnan stated that keeping Bond British is simply "a given."
Actors Who Almost Became James Bond
26 Images
If actors from Commonwealth nations remain eligible, Australian Chris Hemsworth emerges as a strong contender. The Thor star previously expressed enthusiasm for the role in a 2019 interview with Balance magazine, noting his portrayal of British F1 driver James Hunt in Rush could serve as an "audition tape."
"You'd struggle to find an actor who wouldn't jump at playing Bond," Hemsworth remarked. "Of course I'd love the opportunity, but casting involves countless factors beyond any single actor's control. It requires approval from Barbara Broccoli, longtime producers, and ultimately the fans."
Hemsworth's comments regained attention following reports that Commonwealth actors remain viable candidates. Australia's Today Show even boldly claimed: "He's definitely in the running."
Concerns linger about Bond's future direction post-Amazon acquisition, especially with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back.
Despite rumors of a Bond TV series, Variety reports a new film remains Amazon's "top priority"—with finding a franchise producer being the first step. David Heyman (Harry Potter's producer) reportedly fits Amazon's ideal candidate profile.
Christopher Nolan allegedly pursued directing Bond post-Tenet, but Broccoli reportedly rejected his pitch over creative control disagreements. Nolan later directed Oppenheimer, which won Best Picture at the Oscars.
Amazon's Bond involvement hasn't been universally welcomed. When asked about directing a Bond film during a Reddit AMA, The Monkey director responded bluntly: "No—because screw Jeff Bezos."
Fan debates rage over potential Bonds—from Tom Hardy and Idris Elba to James McAvoy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (previously rumored as front-runner). Currently, Henry Cavill (The Witcher, Superman) leads fan polls.
Variety notes Amazon can't finalize Bond hires until closing its Broccoli-Wilson deal later this year. Earlier reports described the franchise as "on pause" amid tense negotiations between Amazon and Bond's longtime producers.
The Wall Street Journal detailed how Barbara Broccoli's retained creative control clashed with Amazon's post-MGM acquisition rights ($8.45 billion in 2021), leaving Bond's future uncertain.
Neither Amazon nor Eon Productions has commented publicly.
