TheNorm's Top 5 Potential New Bonds

 

    Ian Fleming's James Bond, aka 007, has lived a fascinating life on the silver screen for nearly sixty years. While technically his first appearance was on an episode of the TV show Climax, played by Barry Nelson, the one (and only) Bond will always be Sir Sean Connery. He portrayed 007 in the first adaptation of Ian Fleming's Dr. No in 1962. 

    Since then, Bond has been portrayed by seven talented and incredible actors, including David Niven from Casino Royale (the funny one, not the other one). Now that the latest Bond, Daniel Craig, has retired from the role, it's natural to wonder who might take it over now. The current rumor is Nomi (Lashana Lynch) is set to take over the franchise as a recently instated Double "0" agent. This sounds like a neat idea, in theory; however, it feels less like passing the torch and more like "we're handing the franchise leftovers to a woman." Keep in mind, I love the idea of casting a woman to play Bond, as it's an idea long overdue. Plus, Lashana Lynch has shown herself capable of carrying the franchise, both as an actress and an action star. 

    Even so, I have a few people in mind to potentially take over the role of Bond. So I thought I would share them with you all. 

    This is TheNorm's Top 5 Potential New Bonds. 

#5 

Ewan McGregor 

    After surviving the Star Wars prequels as arguably the best aspect, Ewan McGregor has enjoyed a career as a solid leading man with character actor-level talent. Though he hasn't had much of an opportunity to play a character as suave as Bond, he has shown that he can handle the role. His experience with action-oriented roles and conviction as an actor make him an ideal candidate for the role of 007, at least in my book. 

    Probably the only thing that might turn him away from considering the role is his age. Having turned fifty this year, he would be the oldest to potentially take on the role. Depending on the direction the franchise goes from here, perhaps that could be just what is needed. An older Bond with experience to share and maybe a few points about old age to make towards the younger recruits. Just a thought. 

    In any case, if he was offered the role right now, I'd hope he would consider it. But maybe not as much as the next person on my list. 

#4 

Tom Hiddleston 

 

    Best known as Thor's mischievous brother Loki, Tom Hiddleston has the charisma, talent, and charm needed to portray 007. His experience with Marvel shows he can handle action scenes, his work in Shakespeare productions conveys his acting chops, and his rather stunning looks make him a perfect candidate. 

    Probably the only thing that might make him difficult to cast is his schedule. His commitment to occasionally reprising his role as Loki for Marvel, not to mention the second season of Loki's show in the works, might make his availability a bit more crowded than ideal for playing Bond. Maybe once he finished filming all of his Loki requirements for the year, his schedule would open up. That is, of course, if he's interested in taking on the role. 

#3 

Clare Dunne 

    Like I said, I like the idea of casting a woman as Bond. It would make for a fascinating and exciting dynamic that has not yet been explored with the character. While some of you might be thinking, "Why not Emily Blunt or Carey Mulligan?" and you would be right to ask. My answer: because Clare Dunne is an extraordinary talent and deserves a big break. 

    Some of my beautiful readers may recall a film I reviewed back in April called Herself. A heartwarming story of a single mother building a house for herself and her two kids. Clare Dunne was the star and screenwriter. It's a film that shows her talent and ability as a genuine artist, and while casting her as Bond would likely require a fair deal of training for the role, I have no doubt that she could deliver a fantastic performance. 

    Plus, she's Irish, and so far, Bond has only been played by one other actor of Irish descent (Pierce Brosnan). Maybe it's time for another opportunity for Irish representation. I'm just saying. 

#2 

James McAvoy 

    Aside from having one-half of the name already, James McAvoy is a remarkable actor with unbelievable range and screen presence. He can be calm, calculating, suave, assertive, and emotionally vulnerable. All qualities required to play 007. Not to mention his stunning good looks, and I say that as a heterosexual man. 

    Probably the only thing that might interfere with his potential casting is his role in the television series, His Dark Materials. Last I checked, no official plans for another season have been announced, despite the latest season leaving a rather large cliffhanger. Plus, the implication that his character will have a more significant presence in the third season if they ever get around to making it. Which I really hope they do. 

    Maybe he will have some free time to play 007, if only once, while HBO finds the money for season 3. Only time will tell. 

#1 

Idris Elba 

    Not only does he have the acting chops and action movie experience for the role, not only does he have the charm and charisma for the role, and not only does he have the best sounding voice that just oozes suaveness, but fans have been begging for him to consider the role. Obviously, Mr. Elba is not obligated to play Bond, but there is an incredible demand for him to at least consider it. 

    After the third movie with Daniel Craig, Skyfall, he wanted out of the franchise and wasn't interested in making more bond films. Sony was so desperate to keep him on and was too afraid to consider anyone else. They offered Craig a ridiculous amount of money (one hundred and fifty million dollars) for two more movies. That is more than what Robert Downey, Jr made for playing Iron Man in nine films. 

    Meanwhile, fans were suggesting Idris Elba, people within the Hollywood system were recommending Idris Elba, and, to my knowledge, Idris Elba himself was expressing interest in the role. 

    In my humble opinion, Idris Elba has been passed over for the role of James Bond far too often. It is time to finally allow him the chance to don the tux and let him do his thing. If he's no longer interested in it, then that's okay. But at least give him a chance. That's all we're asking for. 

    And before you say anything, yes, I know he's fifty, but he's Idris *fricking* Elba! Does it really matter? 

Ladies & gentlemen, the name's Norm...TheNorm; thank you all for reading.