007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson discussed the prospects of casting a newJames Bondand how much of a commitment the role requires. Actor Daniel Craig was the most recent actor to star as the British super-spy, with 2021’s significantly delayedNo Time To Diebeing his final outing.
Broccoli and Wilson have served as the caretakers for theJames Bondfranchise ever since the 1995 filmGoldeneyestarring actor Pierce Brosnan as 007, which is widely regarded by fans as one of the best Bond films of all time. They would go on to work with Brosnan again forTomorrow Never Dies,The World is Not Enough,andDie Another Daybefore hiring Craig in the role for 2006’sCasino Royale.The duo played a significant role in the development of Craig’s Bond as a more emotionally complex character and collaborated with the actor on all five of his 007 movies, includingQuantum of Solace,Skyfall,Spectre, and Craig’s final film in the franchise,No Time to Die.
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Varietyspoke with Broccoli and Wilson as they prepare for the 60th anniversary of James Bond in October. In the interview, the longtime producers talked about casting a new 007, and thecommitment required for the James Bond role. “The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” Broccoli said. “And 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 was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].” Wilson interjected, saying, “And he was in his early 30s at the time!” The duo also added that most young actors think they want to be Bond, but don’t fully grasp the commitment. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh yeah, it’d be fun to do one,” Broccoli said “Well. That ain’t gonna work.”
Casting rumors surrounding Bond have been circulating online well before Craig’s final film.Beaststar Idris Elbahas long been a fan casting choice, but the actor has recently insinuated that he’s unlikely to do it. Broccoli and Wilson addressed this rumor in the interview, saying that they understand if he’s not interested in the role anymore, but that they “love Idris” and think he’s great. Broccoli and Wilson also discussed how difficult the casting process can be for a new Bond. “That’s why, when people go, ‘Oh, who are you going to get?’ it’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention, and ‘Where are we taking it? What do we want to do with the character?’” said Broccoli. “And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention?"
So while it may be some time until fans can see a new James Bond grace the big screen, Broccoli and Wilson will likely have their hands full as they take the property to television for the first time. Amazon Prime Video recently greenlit its first TV series based on the British spy with theJames Bond adventure reality show007’s Road to a Million,which has been described as “a Bond-style spin on a race around the world.” Broccoli and Wilson are producing the eight-part series alongside 72 Films and MGM Studios. The show is now in production and “it’s looking really great,” enthuses Broccoli.
No Time To Dieis available on Amazon Prime Video in the US.
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