Next James Bond ‘must do justice to Ian Fleming, not diversity quota’ says 007 frontrunner

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Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise. Since its inception, there have been six actors to officially portray Ian Fleming’s 007 on the big screen in Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. But in the run-up to the release of No Time To Die, there’s been an increasing call for diversifying the franchise with a star who isn’t necessarily white or male.

In recent interviews, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has repeatedly said how 007 will always be male.

However, she and Michael G Wilson are open to their next leading man being of any race.

One of the frontrunners at the bookies is Crazy Rich Asians and Snake Eyes star Henry Golding.

The 34-year-old currently has best odds of 14-1 to be the next Bond and is half white British, half Malaysian.

During a recent interview with Radio Times, he argued that the focus of finding the next Bond should really be motivated by the character of 007 rather than what he looks like.

Golding said: “It shouldn’t be a factor at all. I think Bond represents something that we’ve all sort of grown up with and that’s a man of substance, a man who has stoic properties and is a protector, has a sensitive side.

“So really, the talk of having to have them be diverse is – it’s great and all, but I think you have to do justice to the source material.

“He’s such an iconic character, so I wouldn’t say that there should be any pressure.”

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Fleming’s concept of Bond was a man who looked like American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, plus a scar on his face.

But, of course, none of the six official Bonds have really looked that much like him.

Golding added: “But I think they will choose the right person for the role. So be it Black, Asian, Latino, mixed… anything, as long as they have the attributes that they can bring to the screen. I think that is what the fans really want.”

Earlier this week, MGM’s Motion Picture Group President shared that thought on Bond 26 has already begun.

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Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Pamela Abdy was asked: “I might as well get this out of the way. Who is going to be the next 007 now that Daniel Craig is done?”

She replied: “It’s wide open. We’ve had very early preliminary conversations with Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [Wilson], but we wanted Daniel to have his last hurrah.”

With the 60th anniversary of the Bond franchise landing in 2022, Global James Bond, marking the release of Dr No, on October 5 would be the perfect time to announce the next 007.

No Time To Die is out now in cinemas and is available to rent on digital download, while physical copies can be purchased from December 20, 2021.

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