The next James Bond actor has to be in it for the long haul, producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson told Variety in an interview.
“And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment,” Broccoli said. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh yeah, it’d be fun to do one,’ Well. That ain’t gonna work.”
Wilson told Variety: “It’s a big investment for us, too, to bring out a new Bond.”
Eon’s most recent Bond actor, Daniel Craig, was cast as Bond in 2005 when he was 37. His five-film run as Bond ended with 2021’s No Time to Die. That film ended with Bond being blown to smithereens in a sacrifice play for his wife, Madeline Swann, and daughter.
Variety conducted the interview in late August. At one point, the producers said it’s early days for the search. Broccoli again said Bond 26 won’t go into production soon. “(I)t’s going to be a couple of years off.”
There was also this exchange:
Even in this interview, when asked whether (MGM owner) Amazon might ask for a narrative Bond TV show, Wilson notes, “We’re trying to keep it theatrical,” and Broccoli swiftly retorts: “Well, we’re gonna keep it theatrical. We’re not going to try; we’ve got to do it. It’s just a theatrical franchise.”
Filed under: James Bond Films | Tagged: Amazon, Barbara Broccoli, Daniel Craig, Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Michael G. Wilson, Variety |
The Spy Command 
Bond should be a relatively unknown actor with Commonwealth origins. Just like Daniel Craig was relatively unknown. He should be in his 30s, in good physical condition and be able to project ruthlessness If necessary. The days of Roger Moore’s charming, nice guy Bond are long gone. The world has gone to blazes, and we need a stout kickass hero to match it.