Bond Producer Explains Why 007 Will Never Be Played by a Younger Actor
James Bond producer Michael G. Wilson reveals that they will not be hiring a younger actor as the next Bond because the character has seen too much, as reported by Screenrant.
Wilson, along with his sister Barbara Broccoli, is head of Eon Productions, the late producer Albert R. Broccoli’s company that co-owns the rights to the entire Bond franchise.
Albert R. Broccoli famously produced the first Bond films in the 1960s and was instrumental in bringing the talented British Secret Service agent to the screen.
James Bond was created by English author Ian Fleming in the 1950s. The literary character has since been portrayed by a string of actors, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and most recently Daniel Craig.
The latest Bond installment, last year’s No Time to Die, was Craig’s final performance in the role, as the actor officially stepped down in a much-hyped and emotional send-off.
With an upcoming installment in the works, currently referred to as Bond 26, there’s a lot of buzz around who will be next to take on the classic role. As of right now, however, the search for the next James Bond hasn’t even begun.
According to Deadline, while discussing the Bond casting process at an “In Conversation” event celebrating 60 years of James Bond at London’s British Film Institute, Wilson shared that it’s unlikely a young actor will ever play the famous role. This is largely due to how the character has always been depicted, with the producer explaining:
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
