‘Kingsman’ star pours cold water on James Bond casting rumors: 'I don't think...'
The rumor mill about the next actor to suit up as James Bond is doing the rounds again. This time, it's 'Kingsman' star Taron Egerton in focus to play the iconic spy after the likes of Callum Turner, Richard Madden, James Norton, Theo James, and Aaron-Taylor Johnson were all linked to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond.
Egerton's casting as the titular character began doing the rounds after his new red carpet interview with Variety. He appeared as Tropfest returned to Sydney’s Centennial Park last Sunday. However, the actor minced no words when he addressed the rumors, saying, "I don’t think I’m right for James Bond. I’ve never felt that that was me." He further added, "I think there are great candidates for it, and I think it’s obviously a huge cinematic institution. I don’t want to be dismissive about it as a thing. I just feel that my path is less… kind of grand and idealised."
His comments come on the back of his interview with Collider last year, where he dismissed the idea of saving the world in expensive Tom Fords and fancy gadgets. "No. And I don’t think I’m a good choice for it. I think I’m too messy for that." Egerton has made a case for himself as one of the versatile stars in the circuit. He starred in several biographical features, playing military officer Edward Brittain in 'Testament of Youth' (2014). He essayed the electric ski-jumper in the sports drama 'Eddie the Eagle' (2016), and singer Elton John in the hit musical 'Rocketman' (2019).
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 demeanour, which suggests natural detachment, make him a perfect fit for the role. That said, there has been no official word on landing the role.
The 'Who's-the-next-James-Bond?' buzz has been gathering steam at regular intervals. The start of the year saw Turner reportedly claim to his close circle that he was indeed the next James Bond. According to The Daily Mail, Turner, who shot to prominence with 'Fantastic Beasts', has been telling friends that the role is his, though the news is yet to be officially confirmed. The outlet also added that his pop star girlfriend, Dua Lipa, could be tapped to create the new song. On the production front, Villeneuve was revealed to direct 'Bond 26'. 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight was tapped as the writer.
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 panache 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 a potential release timeline for the soft reboot of the franchise as work continues behind the scenes.
