Earlier this year the world and its mother was going on about how Idris Elba would make an awesome James Bond – agreed! And it turns out that we are getting our first black Bond – well, for the audio books, at least. Luke and I spent a great deal of time debating who should be filling Daniel Craig’s Speedo and I thought I’d see what the blogosphere makes of my shortlist.
It took a lot of consideration and I made sure to research a list of British actors to avoid over-looking anyone. Luke thinks Idris Elba is too old, at the age of 43, and I took a look at the ages of past Bonds. You’ve gotta do your research! Here’s a look at the biggies…
Sean Connery played Bond from 1962-1983. He started aged 32 and made his final film (12 years after its predecessor) at the ripe old age of 53. Roger Moore followed, from the ages of 46-58, so how is Idris too old? He’s certainly youthful enough to pull it off. The more recent Bonds have been in their 40s, with Timothy Dalton starring aged 41-43 and Pierce Brosnan pushing 50 by the time he handed over the gauntlet (aged 42-49). Daniel Craig popped up in his first film at the age of 38 but is 47 now – Spectre should be his final film. So let’s take a look at the possible replacements.
I do think, keeping with tradition, that Bond should be played by a British actor. Don’t go all Bridget Jones on me. Bond is a British institution and should be kept as such! First, let’s rule out those who are clearly too young (Sam Claflin), too old (Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie), too pretty (Kit Harrington, Aidan Turner, Jim Sturgess, Dominic Cooper, Hugh Dancy) and too weird/quirky (Orlando Bloom, Christian Bale, anyone from Harry Potter, Andrew Garfield, Simon Pegg, Eddie Redmayne, Rafe Spall)… So who are we left with? A rather appealing final shortlist of 11 worthy leading men (I couldn’t whittle it down to ten!), aged from a quite childish 29 to an almost ancient 44 (beating Elba out by a year).
Y’all know I agonise for hours over ranking my lists so I’m gonna leave these guys in alphabetical order. Let me know what you think.
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Richard Armitage, aged 44. Best known for his roles in the Hobbit trilogy, the Robin Hood BBC drama and playing Mr Dawn French in The Vicar of Dibley. He can kick ass and woo the ladies!
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Jamie Bell, aged 29. Yep, that’s right, little Billy Elliott. But my god has he come a long way in the last 15 years, tackling indies (Hallam Foe, The Chumscrubber) and blockbusters (King Kong, Fantastic Four). He’s my wild card.
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Henry Cavill, aged 31. Hold your horses, I know he’s currently donning the blue tights as Superman but an actor can totally handle more than one franchise at a time. He’s one of Luke’s faves too.
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Jack Davenport, aged 42. Yep, he of ‘that guy in that film’ fame. He’s best known for supporting roles in the likes of the Pirates of the Caribbean, Kingsman and the American musical TV show Smash and it’s time for him to step out of the shadows.
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Chiwetel Ejiofor, aged 38. I have to admit, I thought he was a bit older and I reckon he has the staying power for a few films. Like Richard Armitage, he’s played goodies (12 Years A Slave) and baddies (Serenity), as well as love interests (Love Actually), so I reckon he ticks the boxes for all sides of Bond.
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Idris Elba, aged 43. I think it’s safe to say he’s everyone’s favourite. Except Luke’s. Could he really be too old?
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Michael Fassbender, aged 38 (I thought he was in his 40s too!). The Fass ranks near the top of everyone’s list of current British actors so I think he’s a pretty safe back-up choice. He’s been kicking all kinds of ass with the critics lately, again with blockbusters (X-Men), indies (Shame) and Oscar-bait (12 Years A Slave).
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Matthew Goode, aged 37. I’ve fallen in love with him again after his recurring role in The Good Wife so I think he’s totally smooth and suave enough for the role. Anyone else agree?
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Tom Hardy, aged 38. There is very little Tom Hardy can’t do (I wasn’t a fan of his Welsh accent in Locke. Or that awful Bane voice) and he was pretty incredible as Heathcliffe in the recent Wuthering Heights TV adaptation and kicked bootay in Inception. He might have this in the bag.
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Tom Hiddleston, aged 34. Ya know what? I think he might actually be my favourite for the role! I don’t think he’s put a foot wrong at all and just oozes charisma. He could probably manage a handful of films too at his incredibly young age.
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Jonny Lee Miller, aged 43. I bleddy love him in Elementary and it’s more his Sherlock character that I see as Bond. I’d pay a good deal of money to see this.
So what do you think? Do you like any of my choices? Have I completely missed someone perfect for the role? Vote for your fave here and feel free to leave me a lovely comment.
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