Is Jessie Buckley really the next 'James Bond'? How a fake 007 story fooled fans
Oscar-winning Jessie Buckley, as the next James Bond, took the world by storm. News broke on Wednesday that the 'Hamnet' star was chosen as the next 007, succeeding Daniel Craig. However, the latest is that the report was a prank, and there is still no decision on who will play the greatest spy who has ever lived. The false news about the casting was published by Euronews on April 1. The report said Buckley, fresh off her Academy Award win, had bagged the role. The news went viral on social media, with multiple news sites reporting the same.
The outlet later took to social media to say the article was a well-timed prank on its readers. 'After our April Fools' exclusive reveal" of the new 007, people got talking... Who could hypothetically join the casting roster of Bond Boys if Britain's most famous spy was played by a woman?" the post read, much to fans' amusement. In hindsight, the news made sense considering the last film, 'No Time to Die' starred Lashana Lynch's Nomi as 007, while Craig's Bond was in retirement. With the franchise making the bold move, Buckley's 'casting' made it all the more believable. This brings things back to a square one about who plays the new Bond in the next film. Last heard, 'Kingsman' star Taron Egerton was among the string of high-profile names alongside Callum Turner, Richard Madden, James Norton, Theo James, and Aaron-Taylor Johnson to play the role.
Earlier, reports emerged about 'Wuthering Heights' star Jacob Elordi meeting director Denis Villeneuve and Amazon/MGM Studios about the possibility of playing the famed character. From a personality perspective, Elordi's frame, the charm he oozes, and his demeanor, which suggests natural detachment, make him a perfect fit for the role. That said, there has been no official word on landing the role. Whether it's Egerton, Elordi, or Turner picking up the mantle of Bond, they will have a formidable challenge filling Craig's shoes. The actor made the character his own, playing the role with absolute charisma in five films: 'Casino Royale,' 'Quantum of Solace,' 'Skyfall,' 'Spectre,' and 'No Time to Die.' At the time of writing, there is no official word on the plotline, cast, or potential release timeline for the franchise's soft reboot, as work continues behind the scenes. For now, what is clear is that Buckley isn't James Bond.
