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The producers of James Bond have listed conditions for the next actor to step into the role of 007, which rules out three fan favourites.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson discussed their criteria for the next Bond at an ‘In Conversation’ event at the British Film Institute.
Wilson stressed that casting had not started for the new 007 – no matter what anyone else says.
But he did say that younger actors are out of the running, Deadline reports.
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Wilson explained: “Remember, Bond’s already a veteran, he’s had some experience.
“He’s a person who has been through the wars.
“He’s probably been in the SAS or something, he isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off – that’s why it works for a 30-something.”
That would rule out Tom Holland, 26, who has spoken publicly about his ambition to be James Bond.
Holland said: “I mean, ultimately, as a young British lad who loves cinema, I’d love to be James Bond.
“So, you know, I’m just putting that out there. I look pretty good in a suit.
“I’d be like a really short James Bond.”
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Wilson also admitted they are looking for a ‘30-something’, which rules out Tom Hardy, 45, and Idris Elba, 50, who have both been long-term fan-favourites for the role.
However, The Luther star has already said he’s not interested in the role as it is not one of his ‘personal goals’.
Appearing on The Shop podcast, Elba explained: “I don’t think that, you know, playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals.
“It will definitely satisfy the will of a nation. I’m not gonna lie, every corner of the world I go, and I’m talking about different cultures, they always go ‘Bond’, and I feel it is beyond me at this junction.
“I’m not that guy, but in everyone’s world I might be.”
There are still several actors who have been linked with the role previously and fit the criteria Wilson and Broccoli are looking for.
Henry Cavill is 39 and had previously auditioned for James Bond at the same time as Daniel Craig, while Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page is 34.
The Bodyguard’s Richard Madden is 36 and he also fits the criteria.
Cavill previously admitted he would be interested in the role when he told GQ magazine: “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.
“If Barbara [Broccoli] and [producer Michael G. Wilson] were interested in that, I would absolutely jump at the opportunity.”
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The role of James Bond is one of the most sought-after roles in Hollywood and has been vacant ever since Craig handed in the keys to the Aston Martin and hung up his Tuxedo.
Craig, who signed on to play 007 in the 2006 film Casino Royale when he was 38, appeared in five Bond films in total.
His last appearance as 007 came in No Time to Die, which was the first film in the franchise to kill off the iconic spy.
The producers had previously stated that they are looking for an actor who would commit to the role for at least ‘10-12 years’, which would still be shy of Craig’s 15 years as James Bond.
Speaking to Variety, Broccoli said: “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.
“But it’s a big commitment. It’s not just showing up for a couple of months of filming.”
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