As speculation mounts about who will be named the next James Bond, producer Michael G. Wilson has shot down rumors that a younger actor like 26-year-old “Dune” star Timothée Chalamet will take over the role left vacant by Daniel Craig.
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize it doesn’t work,” Wilson said at a British Film Institute celebrating the 60th anniversary of the franchise on Friday, Deadline reported.
He added, “Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. 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 thirty-something.”
In 2021, Internet rumors swarmed that the role would go to the Oscar-nominated Chalamet, with fans creating a Facebook page dedicated to the campaign, several Reddit threads and multiple YouTube videos predicting that the 26-year-old “Call Me By Your Name” star was soon to be tapped to play the iconic spy.
Since producers are looking at actors in their 30s, that also rules out frequently mentioned actors Tom Hardy, who is 45, and Idris Elba, who turned 50 this year, as well as 41-year-old Tom Hiddleston.
It just might leave room for Superman star Henry Cavill, who is 39, or 37-year-old “Grantchester” star James Norton. But since casting has not yet started, Wilson insisted, Cavill would almost certainly age out before cameras start rolling on the next Bond film.
