MUMBAI: Ian Fleming’s timeless secret agent tale is still an enormous box office success, even though it’s been over 60 years since Connery’s first outing in Dr. No. The betting companies have seen a hive of activity regarding who will be named the next James Bond, and given that Daniel Craig has been in this role for the best part of two decades, it will be the subject of enormous news when the eventual replacement is announced.
But who are some of the frontrunners, and how likely are we to see them playing one of the most iconic and quintessentially British fictional characters ever portrayed in film?
Characteristics Needed For 007
Several names have gathered pace over the last decade. At one point, it felt as though Idris Elba was sure to replace Craig; at several points in the last decade, the gambling companies have had him at the shortest odds, but the latest odds have him as a rank outsider, with a trio of names now touted as the leading pack to land the prestigious role that thousands of actors dream of.
Fleming’s creation is often considered a masculine, athletic, and handsome icon. Known for his sharp wit and iconic delivery of classic lines, actors who have played Bond have brought buckets of charisma to the role. These factors are all brought into play when the decision is finally made, but with a modern twist, given that there are dated character elements in the book, too.
Getting The Right Man For The Job
However, it’s not all about the leading man, though. Bond films have suffered from dips and highs at various stages within the timeline, with many Bond films with Pierce Brosnan in the limelight struggling to wow critics and fans.
Many believe Daniel Craig was such a formidable 007 because of the modern, dynamic fragility he brought to the role while maintaining an air of masculinity and presence. His first outing couldn’t have gone much better - Casino Royale, considered by many to be one of the greatest James Bond films ever made.
The famous casino scene in Casino Royale, when Bond faces off against the film's main antagonist, Le Chiffre, is etched into the franchise's legacy. James Bond's power and aura in cinema and pop culture have made his casino gaming acumen something of folklore.
Bond’s Casino Prowess
Bond’s prowess in the casino has stemmed from many different card games; the original character was partial to a few games of Baccarat - which he can be seen playing in Dr. No, Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, For Your Eyes Only and GoldenEye. In fact, the first-ever Bond scene where he is unveiled involves a winning hand at the Baccarat table.
Since Dr No first hit screens in 1962, casino gaming and Bond have evolved. Live Baccarat games with live dealers are one of the more common ways to play in the modern age. Still, the game mirrors the same rules and playing style it did over 60 years ago when Connery’s unforgettable depiction of the character took the world by storm.
Although the emphasis on Bond’s casino acumen has been downplayed in recent films, you’d have to think that the guy they pick must have Baccarat knowledge, true to the original character as written by Fleming - it’s a significant 007 characteristic. Or, at the very least, you'd think they’ll know how to waltz around a casino floor.
Leading Contenders For The New Bond
Although Idris Elba was among the more likely names, he’s since dropped to around 16/1 with most bookies. However, given that this initial speculation started over ten years ago, and Craig persisting in the role in what some analysts believe to be a protracted period, Elba would have to play Bond until at least his early 60s.
It's not the type of hands-on role he’s looking for, and he has made that clear over the last 18 months. Despite saying that playing the famed secret agent would be the pinnacle of his career, he believes he’s nowtoo ancient.
So, this opens the floor to fresher facer actors, and the two leading names that have led most of the bookies' activity and media speculation are Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Damson Idris and Theo James are two names that have also been banded about. Still, with the latter essentiallyruling himself out in December 2023 and significant money piling on Taylor-Johnson, the High Wycombe man will most likely land the role.
Part of the appeal for movie executives is an actor who wants to immerse themselves in the character - and Daniel Craig’s love for playing Bond made his depiction more fascinating. He will undeniably go down as one of the best to ever play 007.
Final Say
Henry Cavill was close to landing the role ahead of Craig in 2005 - narrowly missing out - so although he is a second favorite - it feels as though it’s a case of when and not if Aaron Taylor-Johnson will be offered the 007 role, picking up the baton from Daniel Craig.
That said, Craig wasn’t a favorite to replace Pierce Brosnan, and for those who can cast their minds even further back, Brosnan wasn’t a unanimous choice at MGM or by Albert Broccoli, either. So, just because an actor is odds-on doesn’t always mean they’ve got it in the bag, but it would be a surprise not to see Aaron, or Henry announced as the next in line for the coveted role.
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