His character’s name is Bond, James Bond, but fans have been left wondering for how much longer Daniel Craig (46) will be the man with the license to kill, with other actors already circling the role that he has stepped into for a fourth time.
New Bond movie ‘Spectre’ has a lot to live up to after the last one ‘Skyfall’ broke records to become one of the most successful Bond movies of all time. There are high hopes for the new one as director of ‘Skyfall’ Sam Mendes is back in the chair. It is the 24th Bond film to be made and is due out later this year.
Bond is one of those unique characters in cinema history, which has been played by numerous actors. Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan have all played the part. Even the late David Niven had a go in spoof ‘Casino Royale’ back in 1967.
In Spectre a cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind the organisation.
Ralph Fiennes is back as M, as is Naomie Harris as Moneypenny while Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) have taken on bad guy duties. Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux join the cast as Bond girls, with the trailer showing Lea sharing a kiss with the suave Mr Bond. The thrilling trailer promises exciting locations and plenty of action. Fans are hopeful that it lives up to Craig’s previous Bond films ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Skyfall’ rather than ‘Quantum of Solace’ which left them underwhelmed.
Almost since the day Daniel Craig slipped on the tuxedo there has been speculation over who will be the next to have a dry martini. Daniel does not seem shaken or stirred by this as he has arguable cemented himself as the most popular actor to play the role since the very first to do so, Sean Connery.
Idris Elba (42) has been the one most linked to the role. If cast, the star of ‘The Wire’ would make history by becoming the first black actor to play the part. He has however stated that he feels the amount of attention and speculation over this may have ruined his chances of ever being cast.
Other actors like George Clooney and Michael Fassbender have also been tipped as favourites to become the new agent for her Majesty’s Secret Service. There have also been hopeful whispers on fan forums that Mr Bond could even swap genders and become Jane Bond instead. This was given more ammunition recently when Marvel comics changed the sex of Thor.
What is clear is that Ian Fleming’s creation will grace our screens for many more years to come. Like such characters as Sherlock Holmes he will continue to be portrayed by new actors. Will Craig take on a fifth Bond movie or will he hand over the licence. Never say Never!