Franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson want the next James Bond actor to make a long-term commitment to the role. Released last October, the pandemic-delayed No Time to Die served as Daniel Craig's emotional swan song in the role of the suave MI6 super-spy, as his version of Bond was unprecedentedly killed off during the film's final moments. As it has numerous times in the past, however, the long-running franchise will now reboot its continuity with a different actor and continue on.
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Well before No Time to Die's release, the fervent speculation regarding Craig's replacement began to heat up, though there haven't been many concrete updates on the progress of the casting process. Earlier this year, Broccoli said they are taking their time with this momentous decision and considering their options carefully. The Bond producer later revealed that James Bond 26 will be reinvention of the iconic franchise. Still, as the casting process continues, Broccoli and Wilson still have yet to name any potential suitors or provide any substantial teases.
Now, another update on the James Bond casting process, which is still in its "early days," is here. During an interview with Variety for the 60th anniversary of James Bond coming up next month, Broccoli and Wilson reveal they are expecting the next 007 actor to make a long-term commitment to the role. Read what Broccoli said below:
The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. […] Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].
While 10-12 years is a longer commitment than other franchises, like Marvel, demand of their lead stars, it is not that surprising considering the history of James Bond. Most recently, Craig inhabited the role for five films over the course of 15 years, starting with Casino Royale in 2006 and ending with last year's No Time to Die. The Bond franchise began in 1962 with Sean Connery playing the role for six films until 1971, followed by Roger Moore making seven movies over the course of 12 years.
Of course, there are other Bond actors like Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan, who occupied the role for less time, though the franchise's producers have made it clear they want a 10-12 year commitment from Craig's replacement. James Bond casting betting odds have Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba as a few of the favorites to be the next Bond, but Broccoli's recent comments likely eliminate these actors from contention, given their age and likely their desire not to be tied down to one franchise for the next decade. As the James Bond casting process continues, it will be interesting to see which suitors emerge who are willing to make this massive commitment to the role.