Fans have been eagerly awaiting news on the next James Bond ever since Daniel Craig quit after 2021’s No Time To Die.
New Update for James Bond
It’s been five years since moviegoers had a 007 adventure to look forward to, but there is finally a fresh update on Amazon MGM Studios’ ongoing hunt for the next actor to play the iconic spy.
In a statement, the studio has confirmed that auditions are starting to find the right star for the coveted role.
They said, “The search for the next James Bond is underway.”
“While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
According to Variety, Amazon MGM bosses enlisted casting agent Nina Gold to help find the next Bond after her success with The Martian, Les Misérables, and the Star Wars franchise.
That does mean even more speculation about who will get the part, with everyone from Damson Idris and Jacob Elordi to Callum Turner linked in recent months.
Changes Behind the Scenes
There’s been a lot of change behind the scenes for the Bond movies, too, especially after longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson eventually followed Craig out the door.
Amazon MGM is the custodian of the franchise, based on Ian Fleming’s classic spy novels, with Dune’s Denis Villeneuve directing from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s script.
For his part, filmmaker Villeneuve has promised to respect the “sacred territory” of the movies and the iconic character.
After it was announced he’d be at the helm, the director said, “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.”
“To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”
Taking Their Time
Fans will be encouraged by the latest update from Amazon MGM, which comes a few weeks after the studio’s head of film, Courtenay Valenti, warned people not to get “too excited.”
Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month, she said, “Now, I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited.”
“Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect.”
“It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
Although Valenti didn’t give any firm update, the movie chief promised they were “setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy.”
She added, “That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”