We’re a little perplexed about the recent push from interviewers who want to see an American actor playing the next James Bond in Denis Villeneuve‘s “Bond 26,” as Glen Powell is the latest person to point out the silliness of the casting idea.
The other day, it was Austin Butler (“Caught Stealing”) turning down the idea of playing 007 (but was open to playing a villain for Villeneuve, again), and now Powell. While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in a profile to help the Texan actor promote upcoming things like his football comedic series “Chad Powers” and the Edgar Wright-directed remake of the Stephen King sci-fi action thriller “The Running Man,” the topic switched to “Bond 26.”
READ MORE: Taron Egerton Doesn’t Want To Be The Next James Bond: “I Think I’m Too Messy For That”
When the in-demand actor was directly asked about a desire to play James Bond for Amazon MGM Studios, Powell responded with, “I’m Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond. My family and I joke around. I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.”
Maybe this oddball push for Americans to be cast as James Bond is simply because “Bond 26” is being overseen and produced by Americans via Amazon MGM Studios. Although, main co-producer, David Heyman, is indeed British and is known for his work on the “Harry Potter” franchise.
Again, as we mentioned with Butler, there are a handful of American roles to fill in the world of James Bond, including Bond’s CIA Agent pal Felix Leiter, who was previously played by Oscar-winner Jeffrey Wright (“Highest 2 Lowest,” “American Fiction”) during the Daniel Craig tenure, starting with “Casino Royale.”
Others who have pulled themselves out of the 007 running in the past include Taron Egerton, Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya, and, after being a fan-favorite for the part, Idris Elba has had some second thoughts on tackling the iconic MI6 spy. Meanwhile, Tom Holland, another internet favorite contender, has dismissed reports of being in the mix (named alongside on-the-rise British actors Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi) as “speculative” but hasn’t closed the door completely.
Currently, Villeneuve is shooting “Dune: Part Three,” and there isn’t a set release date, so we’re not entirely sure if “Bond 26,” being written by Steven Knight (“Peaky Blinders”), is going to be ready to shoot next year or further in 2027, since the development/prep and scripting process hasn’t been completed.
“The Running Man” hits theaters on November 7, going toe-to-toe with the equally fun-looking “Predators: Badlands,” and his Hulu show “Chad Powers” debuts on September 30.
- Christopher Marc
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