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Too Beautiful to Be James Bond’: One Actor Pierce Brosnan Wants to Be the Next Agent 007 & More Candidates

  • Former 007 agent Pierce Brosnan has a favorite for the next “James Bond.”
  • The internet debated whether the suggested candidate fits the role as some deem the individual “too beautiful.”
  • A look at male actors once considered to take on the iconic 007 role.

As the curtain closed on Daniel Craig’s era as the legendary secret agent James Bond in 2019, the quest for his successor ignited speculation and anticipation.

Craig, reflecting on his final bow in “Spectre,” encapsulated the solitary, bittersweet moment of farewell, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.

Daniel Craig attends the Royal Film Performance of "Spectre" at The Royal Albert Hall on October 26, 2015 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Daniel Craig attends the Royal Film Performance of “Spectre” at The Royal Albert Hall on October 26, 2015 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

“I need to just be on my own, kind of experiencing it. The first few minutes are always unbearable: “Why am I standing like that? What am I doing?” he said in a 2019 interview after watching his final portrayal of James Bond.

Daniel Craig attends the world premiere of "No Time to Die," 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Daniel Craig attends the world premiere of “No Time to Die,” 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Recently, Brosnan, a predecessor to Craig, having graced the screen as Bond in films like “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Die Another Day,” alongside Halle Berry, has voiced his preference for the next Bond.

Pierce Brosnan in the set of "The World Is Not Enough," 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Pierce Brosnan in the set of “The World Is Not Enough,” 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Brosnan spoke about his preferred star for the franchise at the annual Oscar Wilde Awards on March 7, 2024, which recognizes talented Irish creatives in Los Angeles.

Pierce Brosnan Sophie Marceau "The World Is Not Enough," 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Pierce Brosnan Sophie Marceau “The World Is Not Enough,” 1999 | Source: Getty Images

The veteran star’s preferred actor whom he wants to become the next 007 agent recently bagged an Oscar Award at the 96th Academy Awards.

Pierce Brosnan attends US-Ireland Alliance's 2024 Oscar Wilde Awards at Bad Robot on March 07, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Pierce Brosnan attends US-Ireland Alliance’s 2024 Oscar Wilde Awards at Bad Robot on March 07, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy is the actor Brosnan deemed a perfect fit for the role. “Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service,” said Brosnan.

Pierce Brosnan at Build Series at Build Studio on April 6, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Pierce Brosnan at Build Series at Build Studio on April 6, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

However, not everyone agrees. Some fans think Murphy is “too beautiful” to play Bond. They shared their thoughts on social media, with mixed reactions.

One online user wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Allow me to expand on my comment. I am a Cillian Murphy fan since 28 Days later when zombies were chasing him. I even pronounce his name with a hard “C”. He’s beautiful, but he isn’t Bond.”

Cillian Murphy during the London premiere "Intermission," 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy during the London premiere “Intermission,” 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Another social media user remarked on the platform, “Cillian Murphy is too pretty to be James Bond.” Like most on here, I think Bond villain when I see Cillian. He’s too beautiful to be Bond,” penned one online user. Someone else said“No, no….NO! I like him and he’s a great actor, but he is not Bond by any stretch of the imagination.”

Meanwhile, some people believe Murphy is a good fit to play Bond. “I think he would be great as Bond, but I don’t want him to do it because he’ll be stuck as Bond for a decade. And I want to see him in different roles every movie he does,” said one person.

Cillian Murphy attends the "Free Fire" Closing Night Gala screening during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on October 16, 2016 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy attends the “Free Fire” Closing Night Gala screening during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on October 16, 2016 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy accepts the Lead Actor award during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy accepts the Lead Actor award during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Another commented“I think he’d be perfect. Bond is a cold, calculating spy, actually. If Cillian decided to take on the role, he would give an exceptional performance, as always.” One individual wrote, “I think he’s such a wonderful actor that he can nail any character. Certainly didn’t ‘look’ the part of Tommy Shelby, and he was absolutely brilliant.”

Cillian Murphy attends the UK premiere "Oppenheimer," 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy attends the UK premiere “Oppenheimer,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy during an An Evening with Steven Knight and Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders at Esquire Townhouse with Dior at Carlton House Terrace on October 12, 2017 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy during an An Evening with Steven Knight and Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders at Esquire Townhouse with Dior at Carlton House Terrace on October 12, 2017 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Yet, Murphy himself has expressed reservations, citing age concerns about taking on the iconic role. “I think I’m a bit old for that,” he said. Apart from Brosnan, Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead stated Murphy is a leading candidate suggested to continue the Bond legacy.

As speculation continues, several other actors have been rumored to step into Craig’s shoes, each bringing unique traits to the potential portrayal of James Bond.

Cillian Murphy poses in the press room during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy poses in the press room during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a popular choice among fans for the next Bond. Speculation surrounding the possibility of the actor and producer being hired as the first Black man for James Bond in part, stems from a 2018 survey in The Hollywood Reporter.

According to the findings, 63 percent of Americans voted for Elba to play the role. Despite widespread support and rumors, the British native has clarified that he has not been seriously considered for the part.

Idris Elba poses in the Winners room at the House Of Fraser British Academy Television Awards 2016 at the Royal Festival Hall on May 8, 2016 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Idris Elba poses in the Winners room at the House Of Fraser British Academy Television Awards 2016 at the Royal Festival Hall on May 8, 2016 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Elba confirmed in an interview, saying he would not partake in the film franchise, and admitted he does not like talking about this conversation. “Of course, if someone said to me ‘Do you want to play James Bond?,’ I’d be like, Yeah! That’s fascinating to me. But it’s not something I’ve expressed, like, Yeah, I wanna be the black James Bond,” said Elba.

Idris Elba arrives at The 64th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on November 18, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Idris Elba arrives at The 64th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on November 18, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The movie star further explained he does not want to put himself in a position where the color of his skin would become a topic of discussion if his stint in the franchise succeeds or fails. Elba acknowledged the iconic status of Bond but prefers to focus on roles that allow more character creation.

Most importantly, he does not want the character to “define” moving forward. “Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world, and for that reason, whoever ends up playing it, lives it. […] I’m creating characters now that can still live alongside Idris. Not ones that take over me and solely define me,” Elba expressed.

Idris Elba attends the photocall for "Three Thousand Years Of Longing" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2022 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Idris Elba attends the photocall for “Three Thousand Years Of Longing” during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 21, 2022 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hardy

A blend of intrigue and reticence has marked Tom Hardy’s connection to the Bond role. Hardy, known for his transformative performances, avoids directly discussing the possibility of starring in the Bond films.

Tom Hardy attends the UK premiere of "The Revenant," 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hardy attends the UK premiere of “The Revenant,” 2016 | Source: Getty Images

The Hollywood star hinted that speaking about the much-loved role could take him out of contention. “I can’t possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it’s gone,” Hardy said in an interview.

Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy at a special screening of Magnet Releasing's "Bronson" at Silent Movie Theatre on September 18, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy at a special screening of Magnet Releasing’s “Bronson” at Silent Movie Theatre on September 18, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The actor and writer also expressed his admiration for the franchise and the idea of Christopher Nolan (who recently won an Academy Award for “Oppenheimer,”) directing a Bond movie.

He previously worked with Nolan in “Inception.” Hardy’s admiration for the franchise and its recent directors hints at the intriguing possibilities of his potential tenure as Bond.

Tom Hardy arrives at the premiere of "Venom," 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hardy arrives at the premiere of “Venom,” 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page emerged as a contender in the Bond discourse following his breakout role in “Bridgerton,” capturing the imagination of fans and the media alike.

Regé-Jean Page attends the premiere of "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever," 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Regé-Jean Page attends the premiere of “Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever,” 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Addressing the speculation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Page offered a measured response, appreciating the fan support while contextualizing the rumors within the broader tradition of British actors being linked to the role after achieving certain milestones in their careers.

Regé-Jean Page speaks at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards Virtual Press Conference on March 27, 2021 in Various Cities. | Source: Getty Images

Regé-Jean Page speaks at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards Virtual Press Conference on March 27, 2021 in Various Cities. | Source: Getty Images

After television host, Jimmy Fallon mentioned that the internet had made him the front-runner to become the next Bond. The actor and producer responded, “I think the internet thinks a lot of things, and that’s one of the more pleasant ones, so I can be pleased, as far as that goes. I think there might be an element of like a cultural translation to be done here.”

Regé-Jean Page attends the UK premiere of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves," 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Regé-Jean Page attends the UK premiere of “Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images

“Like, if you’re a Brit, and you do something, of any kind of renown, that people regard very well, then people start saying the B-word. You know, it’s like a merit badge. You get the B-word merit badge. But I don’t think it’s much more than that. I’m very, very glad to have the badge,” the movie star further lamented.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston, another British actor frequently associated with the role, has experienced his share of Bond-related speculation, particularly following his acclaimed performance in “The Night Manager.”

Tom Hiddleston attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hiddleston attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the enthusiastic fan support, Hiddleston has consistently downplayed the rumors, emphasizing the speculative nature of such discussions and the reality of the role’s casting process.

In 2016, the actor and producer said he did not believe he would be considered for the Bond role. “I don’t think that announcement is coming,” Hiddleston stated at the Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia. “I am very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest.”

Tom Hiddleston attends the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Hiddleston attends the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill, with his striking presence and proven action credentials, remains a strong contender for the role of James Bond. Cavill’s interest in the role is no secret, having previously auditioned for it before Craig’s tenure at age 22.

Henry Cavill attends the world premiere of "Enola Holmes 2," 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Henry Cavill attends the world premiere of “Enola Holmes 2,” 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The actor and producer, best known for starring in “Superman,” was asked in a 2017 interview whether he would be keen to appear in the film franchise. Cavill said if the franchise’s producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson would consider him, then he would take up the opportunity.

Henry Cavill attends the "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" China Press Junket at The Peninsula Hotel on August 29, 2018 in Beijing, China. | Source: Getty Images

Henry Cavill attends the “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” China Press Junket at The Peninsula Hotel on August 29, 2018 in Beijing, China. | Source: Getty Images

Craig was set to step down as the 007 agent at the time. Cavill expressed, “At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”

The search for the next James Bond continues to captivate the public’s imagination, with each potential candidate bringing their own unique qualities and challenges to the role. While Brosnan has made his preference clear, the ultimate decision remains in the hands of the franchise’s custodians.