Hollywood offers Daniel Craig $150m to (slash wrists) play James Bond

Actor Daniel Craig has reportedly been offered a cool $150m to play James Bond for another two films, such is the uncertainty surrounding the suitability of his potential replacements. Craig famously said he’d rather "slash his wrists" than again portray the suavest agent on acetate, but the financial lure and a promise to …

[Anonymous Coward]

Surely The Sun are sticking their oar in? Previously, if memory serves, they've pushed for David Beckham and Robbie Williams

[werdsmith]

Danny Dyer, nailed on.

[Bob Vistakin]

Keith Vaz is about to have ample time on his hands.

[I ain't Spartacus]

You've all got it wrong. The answer is obvious. It's staring us in the face! What a shame there's no html markup for accents.

So please engage your internal soft Yorkshire accent mode now.

The name's Bennett. Alan Bennett. Licensed to offer macaroons...

[Chris Miller]

I'll do it $120 (not million) ...

[Steve K]

Chris, is that all you can afford....?

[allthecoolshortnamesweretaken]

Why can't we just clone Sean Connery and be done with it now and for ever?

[macjules]

What a scary thought: clones of the Marbella misogynist endlessly playing James Bond ad infinitum.

[Korev]

Julian Clary?

As there's no vodka-martini icon ->

[scarletherring]

Warwick Davis?

What? Ah yes, I'll get my coat.

[Mutton Jeff]

Re: Warwick Davis?

Agent 3.5?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Warwick Davis?

Windsor Davies?

[Steve Todd]

MiG fighter?

Try an Areo L39 (Czechoslovakian jet trainer that can be bought comparatively cheaply once the old eastern block fell apart).

[Afernie]

Re: MiG fighter?

"Try an Aero L39 (Czechoslovakian jet trainer that can be bought comparatively cheaply once the old eastern block fell apart)."

Which is precisely what Bond did in "Tomorrow Never Dies", absconding with said L39 Albatros from a black market arms fair in the opening sequence, without (as usual) even having read the manual.

[Pat O'Ban]

Re: MiG fighter?

Sounds like El Reg is getting behind and going full-thrust for Larry Ellison

[Afernie]

Re: MiG fighter?

"Sounds like El Reg is getting behind and going full-thrust for Larry Ellison"

I think Larry's more in line for the next Bond villain role. I see the US Government still won't let him import that Mig-29 he bought. They know an attempt to build a private military (complete with air force) in a secret underground lair when they see one...

[Steve Crook]

All right then.

I'll do it. Anything to stop Craig ruining another couple of films with that constipated monkey face he does when he's trying to look concerned. Or cool. Or worried. Not a penny under £100k per film and I want a big caravan on set. One of those shiny aerostream jobbies.

I don't have any experience of acting, but then that's never exactly been important has it.

When do I start?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: All right then.

" Anything to stop Craig ruining another couple of films with that constipated monkey face he does when he's trying to look concerned. Or cool. Or worried."

I think Craig has been one of the better bonds behind Dalton (very underrated) and Connery. He was certainly a huge step up from Brosnan who was just the milk tray man with better gear.

[Matt 21]

Re: All right then.

You say that as if there was something wrong with the Milk Tray man :-)

[tfewster]

Or someone closer to home?

I expect jake could meet those criteria.

[AndyS]

Re: Or someone closer to home?

I heard he already acted Bond once, but the post-production studio wasn't up to the standard he demanded, so he wouldn't allow it to be released.

[Anonymous Coward]

Sigh ...

once again, the "secret" to playing Bond as a character, rather than a cipher, is to capture the suave debonair playboy, but also never let people forget this man is a ruthless killer who *would* (not could) snap your neck without breaking stride - a air of menace.

As history shows, very few actors have been up to the task. In a way, it's a shame that the first Bond* was such a perfect example in Sean Connery. The Scots burr made him seem refined, and the actor himself was a bit of a bruiser.

To be honest, Craig is one of the best Bond - he also mixes the rough with the smooth.

I know Idris Elba has been mentioned. I see no reason for Bond to remain white, so it would be an intriguing possibility.

Tom Hiddleston (also mentioned a lot) lacks that air of menace.

This is why the best bet is a (relatively) unknown actor (as Connery was). They must come to the screen with no preconceptions.

*pedant trap

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Sigh ...

Relatively unknown to follow on, what you mean someone like George Lazenby after Connery?

[allthecoolshortnamesweretaken]

Re: Sigh ...

Lazenby wasn't that bad; as an actor he had about the same range as Moore.

OHMSS sort of failed because it deviated from the formula in two vital points.

1. Bond getting married.

2. "Solving" that by letting the bad guy kill Bond's wife on their honeymoon. Which means the movie ends without Bond being the winner that takes all.

Also, killing Emma Peel Diana Rigg - what were they thinking?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Sigh ...

To deviate slightly from the future - Tracy Draco - I never understood the omission of that fact when Bond was being taunted about losing all of the Women he had ever cared for. 'M", Vesper were both mentioned but not the "big" hit on his private life. If a villain had been responsible for every loss, wouldn't the one woman Bond married have figured in the taunt?

As for the black Bond Question - Bond is the son of a Scottish Crofter - Read the books! You can lose the Supercharged Bentley, Universal Exports Etc, but lets keep something of the original back story huh?

[LewisRage]

Re: Sigh ...

For a poor tenant crofter his parents certainly had a very nice big old house that we saw at the end of Skyfall...

At this point everything has deviated so much from the books objecting to a black man playing the role is pretty pointless.

[IsJustabloke]

Re: Sigh ...

"being taunted about losing all of the Women he had ever cared for. 'M", Vesper were both mentioned but not the "big" hit on his private life."

Cos in the Bond timeline... "Casino Royal" happens before he meets and marries "Tracy"

[Martin an gof]

Re: Sigh ...

'M", Vesper were both mentioned but not the "big" hit on his private life

I understood that the Daniel Craig films were essentially a "reboot". They are re-telling stories that have been told before and in some ways they seem to me to be closer to the books. I'm close to saying that DC is my favourite Bond(*).

Being a reboot, everything is wiped, though of course they put some references in to try to keep the fans on side and the carry-over of M is a bit incongruous, though Dame Judy was an excellent M.

In Daniel Craig's continuity therefore, Mrs. Bond hasn't happened.

At least, that's the way I work it out ;-)

M.

(*)Of course the "ultimate" Bond is the one in my head, but I also have three versions of him; first from the Fleming books (some of which were better than others) but also from the Charlie Higson "young Bond" books (not at all bad) and the Anthony Horowitz Alex Rider books. The Fleming books have dated badly, and even re-watching the old films - particularly the Roger Moore ones - with my children is a slightly cringe-worthy experience to modern sensibilities.

[nijam]

Re: Sigh ...

> Lazenby wasn't that bad

I believe the low opinion of Lazenby stemmed initially from the fact that Diana Rigg really disliked him - or was that a scurrilous rumour?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Sigh ...

" know Idris Elba has been mentioned. I see no reason for Bond to remain white, so it would be an intriguing possibility."

He's certainly a good enough actor, but the painful truth is a black bond just wouldn't sell in some markets so MGM has to play it safe. For now.

"Tom Hiddleston (also mentioned a lot) lacks that air of menace."

Agreed. He comes across more as one of the Oxbridge type civil servants that bond despises.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Sigh ...

It -would- be nice if they could find somebody who has half a clue about where to keep his trigger finger and point the gun while getting ready. It is not very nice to endanger the bystanders.

[John Brown (no body)]

Re: Sigh ...

"This is why the best bet is a (relatively) unknown actor (as Connery was). They must come to the screen with no preconceptions."

Yes, this. The "franchise" is the real star. Hollywood really need to step back from the "star vehicle" and get back to making films, not promos for already rich "stars".

[Natalie Gritpants]

Gina Carano

Frightened me in Haywire

[Dave 126]

Re: Gina Carano

No problem with being a female (indeed, if you search the Reg forums for her name, you'll see the OP but yours that mentioned her was from me), but an American?

But hey, voice coaches do wonders these days, and any lingering trace of her native accent could be ascribed to her character having spent time studying in the US, or on secondment with the CIA or whatever.

[Hollerithevo]

Re: Gina Carano

Ms Gritpants your taste is impeccable.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Gina Carano

To paraphrase Machiavelli, a person's tastes are individual to them but their fears are universal. Ms Gritpants expressed no sign of her taste, only of her fears.

[Roger Kynaston]

Re: Gina Carano

I would definitely like a Jane Bond and Gina would be first class. Any british actresses?

[Khaptain]

Not easy to follow on from.

Daniel Craig brought James Bond into the contemporary world, would love to see him continue BUT only if the scripts are worthwhile and not some Rinse and Repeat money maker as per the latest Jason Bourne "episode".

The writers really made a worthwhile continuation by bringing Bond back to a cold , heartless, character, I hope it continues... Daniel Craig personified the role perfectly

[Ol' Grumpy]

I thought based on the Jag adverts, Tom Hiddleston would do a good job.

[Anonymous Coward]

Also, based on his appearance in the TV adaptation of le Carre's "The Night Manager".

[nichomach]

He was great in The Night Manager (still hoping for a second series), and he's fun as Loki (the Hulk throwing him around like a dishrag followed by the *Uuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnhhh...." in Assemble is still one of my favourite bits), but he's not Bond.

[Steve Davies 3]

My vote is for

Idris Elba but that would go down like a lead balloon in many parts of the USA.

[Christoph]

Unfortunately John Cleese is probably too old

[israel_hands]

I always though Timothy Dalton did the ruthless part quite well, came across as a cold-hearted prick which was right for Bond. Unfortunately he wasn't working with the greatest scripts.

Personally I'd vote Chiwetal Ejiofor. Anyone who doubts he'd be any good should watch him as the Agent in Serenity. He also did the cold-hearted bastard part very well in Children of Men. Speaking of which, I've always thought Clive Owen would make a fucking awesome Bond but I think he's probably getting on a bit for it now. Shame really.

[Baldy50]

Beat me to it bud, Chiwetal Ejiofor was brilliant in Serenity and yes I've always thought Clive Owen would have made a good bond too.

Enjoyed the flamboyant character and his acting in 'Shoot Em Up' with Monic Bellucci and Paul Giamatti

[Highroads]

Best Bond we never had.

Yes, I think Clive Owen would have been excellent. I would pick Chiwetel too but he is already, according to the rumours, possibly the best Dr. Who we never had.

[israel_hands]

Re: Best Bond we never had.

Personally I always had Patterson Joseph (The Johnson from Peepshow) down as a great choice for Doctor Who. Obviously can't happen because of the whiners but I think he'd have been spot-on for the role.

[Faceless Man]

I'd upvote you twice if I could. Agree with both points. Dalton nailed the "shoot you in the back without blinking" aspect of Bond, but the scripts were terrible.

Also, I think Ejiofor would be a better choice than Elba. I like Elba, but I always see him as too bombastic for Bond. Bond isn't a booming voice, he's a quiet menace. Ejiofor can really do quiet menace (as mentioned above, Serenity shows that), and the trailer for Doctor Strange shows him capable of the casual one-liner, as well.

[Doctor Syntax]

Upvote for Timothy Dalton. They really should have had him take over directly from Connery.

[getHandle]

For some strange reason...

Richard Ayoade springs to mind. Left field enough?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: For some strange reason...

"Richard Ayoade springs to mind"

OK, you've sold it to me, but only if you can get Gordon Ramsey to sign up as the villain.

[frank ly]

Re: For some strange reason...

With Chris O'Dowd as the chief villain, Katherine Parkinson as Moneypenny and Matt Berry as 'M'. I'd watch it.

[Dave 126]

Re: For some strange reason...

with Rich Fulcher as Felix Leiter.

[Triggerfish]

Re: For some strange reason...

You definitely sold me on Matt Berry as 'M'.

[getHandle]

Re: For some strange reason...

Chris O'Dowd as Q, shirley?

[Dave 126]

Re: For some strange reason...

As Q: "Bond, have you tried turning her off and on again?"

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: For some strange reason...

"Chris O'Dowd as Q, shirley?"

Nah, that'd be a wet squid. Chris O'Dowd should be the bad guy. Imagine - a Bond villian who's actually funny.

Although, now that I think about it, I never bought that Jesse kid playing Lex Luthor in the last Batman/Supeman movie. So, OK, Chris O'Dowd as Q.

['s water music]

Re: For some strange reason...

With Chris O'Dowd as the chief villain, Katherine Parkinson as Moneypenny and Matt Berry as 'M'. I'd watch it.

Add Noel Fielding as Q and you've got a deal (technically you had me at Matt Berry)

[Francis Boyle]

Yes, Matt Berry as 007

but he has to say "Damn these electric sex pants" at least once. Shouldn't be too hard working that into a Bond flick.

[Dave 126]

Re: For some strange reason...

Damn you, I've just spent ten minutes trying to find Richard Ayoade as Dean Learner as Thornton Reed - with shotgun - on YouTube!

I would also love to watch classic Bond scenarios featuring Matt Berry as 007...

'Man to Man with Dean Learner' shows that Ayoade already has his own tuxedo... and damn you Channel 4 for blocking YouTube videos. Also damn you for requesting Comedy Central geoblock the UK even though you stopped showing the Daily Show. And damn you for replacing the excellent comedy you did in the nineties with Big Brother.

['s water music]

Eddie Izzard FTW

letters

[Anonymous Coward]

Craig Daniels reportedly negotiated a larger than normal share of the profits from the last 3 he did; there's was a script writers strike on during Quantum of Solace and he chipped in to fill the gap. So he's done exceptionally well out of the franchise, especially with the last 2 earning multi-billion $$$.

To retain his services as Bond the studio is effectively bidding against the money he's already (deservedly, in my humble opinion) earned, and as that's a lot any new deal is also going to have to be large to overwhelm any oh-no-not-again feelings.

[Alan Brown]

"negotiated a larger than normal share of the profits"

Hollywood accounting means there's _never_ a profit. Most actors only fall for that scam once.

[Alister]

Craig Daniels

Who?

[Anonymous Coward]

Who indeed?! Would you accept that it's merely short for:

Craig, Daniel Craig

And on that line of thought,

Craig, Charles Craig

Lister plays Bond?

[Come to the Dark Side]

Alexis Denisof perhaps

[chivo243]

James should retire

Has to be said... Now, with all of the women he's bedded, there has to be a suitable story line to get one of his bastard love children on the screen.

C'mon people, let's think out of the box for once?

[TRT]

Re: James should retire

James Bond thinking is very much in the box. As often as possible.

[tony72]

Re: James should retire

I agree. If they must keep on milking the franchise, how about some spin-offs based on some of the better bond girls? Jinx Johnson or Xenia Onatopp for example, must have some pretty decent back-sorry potential.

[Raumkraut]

You're a spy, Harry

Upon first reading the headline, my brain got Daniel Craig mixed up with Daniel Radcliffe.

[TRT]

Re: You're a spy, Harry

Think yourself lucky. I always get him mixed up with Craig David.

[allthecoolshortnamesweretaken]

Re: You're a spy, Harry

See icon. But yes, there is some potential in this...

While we're at it: why not David Tennant, since Bond is obviously a timelord himself?

[Alien8n]

Re: You're a spy, Harry

David Tennant does scary bastard remarkably well tbh. Should see him in Jessica Jones, the term psychotic springs to mind

[Fruit and Nutcase]

Re: You're a spy, Harry

@Raumkraut

Prince Harry/HRH Prince Henry of Wales

[0laf]

I've nothing against a black Bond as long as the actor is up to the role. Idris Elba could do it but as said whether the rest of the world would pay to see a black Bond I don't know. I thought he was maybe getting on a bit as well but then he's bulked up for his boxing film.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a good actor but not sure if he looks hard enough. Same for most of the other actors mentioned. Most lack menace.

[Dave 126]

Chiwetel Ejiofor looks pretty hard in Triple 9, albeit with a big dose of vulnerability.

[Connor]

Other colours are available.

It is interesting to see the pre-programmed responses - all black, because that is what the lefties love and is in vogue at the moment. Ignoring the fact that twice as many people in the UK are Asian, and three times more Asians go to Oxbridge than blacks, yet no-one ever mentions an Indian, Chinese or Middle Eastern bond? I wonder why? Bond is huge in Asia and Africa (Bigger than in the US and UK) but whether that would be the case with an Asian protagonist would be interesting.

It is also worth noting that once a character changes sex or race, they never change back.

[Connor]

Re: Other colours are available.

Forgot to mention my choice, none of the above. It is ridiculous that in 50 years we haven't had a single working class Bond, considering they make up 30% of the population. Sean Bean would have been excellent, too old now though.

[Dave 126]

Re: Other colours are available.

Sean Bean was a 00 agent though, albeit one gone wrong. [Goldeneye]

The 'working class Bond' concept was played with in 'Kingsman'. Really though, the whole point of Bond was escapism - fantasies of fine food and travel for readers in ration-book Britain, and the idea that 007 could hob-nob with rich evil elites without arousing suspicion. But hey, if you want an accent other than Received Pronunciation, may I suggest Timothy Spall?

[Hollerithevo]

Re: Other colours are available.

Nice little slur, Connor. Can you name a British Asian star as big as Elba etc. I could well see John Abraham (don't be fooled by name) as an Asian James Bond -- he's got the looks, the muscles, and the acting quality.

You say 'once a character changes sex or race, they never change back'. Examples? Rule set in stone?

I would love a female Bond, but I doubt i will see one in my lifetime.

[a_yank_lurker]

Re: Other colours are available.

If one goes with a women, I suggest Michelle Gomez or Alex Kingston.

[DavCrav]

Re: Other colours are available.

"yet no-one ever mentions an Indian, Chinese or Middle Eastern bond?"

I'm not sure about Indian, but how many Chinese and Middle-Eastern people would get through the security clearance procedures, do you think?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Other colours are available.

After the furore from some people when Craig was cast, because "Bond isn't a blonde!", I can imagine some people would melt with rage if a black actor was cast as bond.

[SW10]

Here are some outliers...

...just to get you started

Vinny Jones—for the harder edge

Boris Johnson—for the Brexit zeitgeist

James Nesbitt—for the Celtic touch

Renée Zellweger—for the American with a more than passable 'British' accent

[Sir Runcible Spoon]

Re: Here are some outliers...

"Boris Johnson" You beat me to it! Mind you, it's definitely more right-field than left :)

[Anonymous Coward]

Daniel should walk away now....

if he doesn't, he could end up being stereotyped and lose other lucrative movie roles.

Yours faithfully,

Steven Toast.

[Michael Thibault]

Re: Daniel should walk away now....

>he could end up being stereotyped and lose other lucrative movie roles.

Or take the mega-bucks that he's made, and that he'll have made, and just make his own goddamned movies, thank-you-very-much-and-do-fuck-off!

[Tromos]

Some Formula 1 people may soon be available

Jenson Button has the looks and fitness for the 007 role. Bernie Ecclestone wouldn't even need to rehearse for the megarich supervillain part.

[Baldy50]

Re: Some Formula 1 people may soon be available

Could have a little sidekick alongside him like in Austin Powers!

[Small Furry Animal]

Re: Some Formula 1 people may soon be available

I thought Bernie E was his own little sidekick

[Shades]

Re: Some Formula 1 people may soon be available

"Jenson Button has the looks and fitness for the 007 role"

Looks and fitness? Absolutely. Acting ability? Not so much.

[gypsythief]

Surely it must be El Reg's finest...

...00Dabbs:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/15/i_am_sending_pouting_selfies_to_a_robot_its_ai_is_well_buff

The likeness is uncanny!

[allthecoolshortnamesweretaken]

Re: Surely it must be El Reg's finest...

YES!

... and if not 007, than at the very least as Q.

[Lee D]

Mark Strong.

JUST STOP FAFFING ABOUT

Mark Strong:

http://gb.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/?ref_=tt_cl_t8

If in any doubt, watch his performance in The Imitation Game.

Game over. Problem solved. Sorted.

[Dave 126]

Re: Mark Strong.

Ridley Scott on Mark Strong's performance in Body of Lies: "a marvel of exotic suavity and cool insinuation"

Roger Ebert on the same: " I particularly admired the work of Mark Strong as the suave Jordanian intelligence chief, who likes little cigars, shady nightclubs and pretty women, but is absolutely in command of his job."

[Dave 126]

Re: Mark Strong.

Mark Strong playing a Bond-esque British agent as a straight role opposite Sacha Baron Cohen:

Grimsby (trailer):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pjwDOVQQjo

[Lee D]

Re: Mark Strong.

He also played a spy in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (the new one).

And was just as excellent.

Seriously, why are we still messing about, why is he not Bond already. He honestly CANNOT be worse than Criag, Lazenby, Dalton, and could probably equal Connery et al even in the modern era.

I mean, hell, just watch him. He is Bond, just playing different characters as part of his espionage (how else did he get into MI6 and Bletchley in The Imitation Game?).

[Alister]

Re: Mark Strong.

He is older than Daniel Craig though, could he carry it off?

[VinceH]

Re: Mark Strong.

Indeed - further upthread Clive Own has been dismissed as being too old - and Mark Strong is (I think) more or less the same age.

How about Jack Davenport?

[King Jack]

Let him go

I wish I lived in a world where I could refuse $150 million. Actors get paid way too much.

[Martin Summers]

Re: Let him go

No they don't, they get paid their fair share of what a film makes. This argument does my head in just as much as footballers shouldn't be paid more than nurses etc etc. It's private money from fans and sponsors pockets that pay for actors and footballers and they can pay them what the hell they like. Suggest paying more in tax to pay for nurses and most people will probably shy away.

[Ralph76]

My suggestion is Tom Hardy. He mixes the smooth get-your-knickers-off look with the hard I-could-kill-you-in-2-seconds look..

[Sir Runcible Spoon]

Of the current generation of actors, Tom Hardy is right up there alongside Ben Kingsley for versatility, he gets my vote. He was brilliant in Chopper :)

[allthecoolshortnamesweretaken]

Daniel Brühl.

[Dave 126]

Dani Behr

[Dave Lawton]

Now that someone's mentioned Tennant

How about Christopher Eccleston

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001172/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

[GitMeMyShootinIrons]

Russell Brand

For massive miscasting that might be to the same proportions as Keanu Reeves as some physics whizz in Chain Reaction.

In fact, why not Keanu. "Whoa, it's a secret pen-rocket launcher, dude..."

[Lostintranslation]

Peter Dinklage.

[Dave 126]

Not after Destiny. Stephen Merchant in Portal 2 was much better.

(Or maybe Dinklage correctly saw that Destiny wasn't all it was cracked up to be?)

[Anonymous Coward]

Robert Florence from Burnistoun

Is there a finder's fee?

[Efros]

Kit Harington

He's been doing the Infiniti car ads in USA, lose the locks and there you go.

[The Nazz]

If Bond becomes a woman . . .

Do we get to keep Bondgirls and is Bond herself a lezza?

Or do the girls become Men?

A hybrid franchise of sorts, Carry On Bonding?

[Anonymous Coward]

I'M SUPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MENTIONED THE CUMBERBATCH!

They've exhausted the 'Hard Man' routine with Craig, now what they need is a smooth, debonair, soft-as-shit-twatoid that everyone has fallen in love with. I think The Cumberbatch would definitely bring the 'film series' (not franchise.....i hate that term...it cheapens the art) a much needed injection of charm over thuggery, i just thank the lord that they've finally seen sense and binned the 'Woman Driver' (The Dench) and got a true craftsman (The Fiennes) to replace her.

Yours faithfully,

Steven Toast

PS: If the producers ever need someone to play the role of Q's dad, i'm available.

[Faceless Man]

Re: I'M SUPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MENTIONED THE CUMBERBATCH!

Thank goodness for that.

I like Cumberbatch. He's my favourite Holmes, and he's a fine actor.

But, really, we need a break from him. He's turning up everywhere. I'm looking forward to him as Doctor Strange, but I still can't help but feel maybe they should let someone else do the acting.

[Peter X]

Re: I'M SUPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS MENTIONED THE CUMBERBATCH!

Who?

(continuing the Toast theme!)

[Anonymous Coward]

Alright, alright...you've found enough to convince me to play James Bond, but be warned Hollywood my patience has grown thin for this character.

If you haven't guessed I am NOT Daniel Craig but would play him playing James Bond for One Hundred and Fifty MEELION DOLARS.

[Anonymous Coward]

Too late for Snape

Someone please clone the man and let him come back as the good guy...

[ChrisDe]

Isn't it obvious?

Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott or possibly Martin Freeman.

Job Done.

[Rich 11]

I know who!

Why not an individual who knows a thing or two about ruthless despots, maybe has martial arts skills, a nasty competitive streak and would know what to do if he chanced upon a MiG fighter aircraft.

You must mean Steven Seagal. You barely see him outside the Central Asian 'republics' these days.

[Dave 126]

Re: I know who!

. Product Description. A gourmet energy drink with natural ingredients from ... Steven Seagal's Cherry Charge Lightning Bolt Energy Drink is the first energy drink to be made of 100-percent juice, and the first to contain ...

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8aru1ard41qc30fq.jpg

[Wiltshire]

Hugh Jackman?

The opening plot? : Oz guy (Hugh Jackman) comes home to find his ancestors lived next door to Skyfall. Got recruited same way.

[Fruit and Nutcase]

The name is Dabbs

Alistair Dabbs

https://regmedia.co.uk/2013/06/28/bonds.jpg

[JonP]

Re: The name is Dabbs

With Will.i.am as the villain?

[Drew 11]

Surely, there's only one man for the job?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPPj6viIBmU

[ACx]

No way to Idris Elba. Saw him in Bastille Day, in which he could have looked like a future Bond, and he was so wooden and awful. Don't care about the skin colour, he was just awful. Completely the opposite to Craig in Layer Cake, in which Craig looked like a potential Bond.

[x 7]

Richard Armitage

[Anonymous Coward]

John Barrowman as James Gay-Bond

[NonSSL-Login]

Mr Bean does Russia, Cuba and China

Mr Bean

Rowan Atkinson in Bean mode is probably closer to reality of the secret service operatives.

[IsJustabloke]

Re: Mr Bean does Russia, Cuba and China

Bean was in the "Not Bond" Bond "Never say Never again"

[Vic]

Re: Mr Bean does Russia, Cuba and China

Rowan Atkinson in Bean mode is probably closer to reality of the secret service operatives.

He's already done that - the Johnny English series...

Vic.

[GrumpyKiwi]

Never mind the Bond, execute the script writers

While I didn't think that Craig was a bad Bond, the scripts he had to work with were gash.

The villains were tedious and dull.

Ohhh, look at me I'm stealing a database (as opposed to waiting for someone to leave it on a train in a USB stick).

Ohhh, I'm so badass, I'm stealing water - water FFS

etc. etc. etc.

Next Bond Villian: Wah ha ha ha ha hah, I'm going to take control of the Cumberland Organic Farming Board and no-one can stop me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dr. G. Freeman]

Ok, my shortlist (in no particular order)

- Alexander Siddig ("DS9", "Game of Thrones")

- Sam Heughan ("Outlander")

- Diego Klattenhoff ("The Blacklist")

- Nicholas Hoult ("X-men")

[Mephistro]

For 150 millions...

...I would consider slashing my wrists too!*

Fuck! I'd probably do it for a third of that amount!**

*: With an emergency medical team by mi side, of course.

**: Yeah, I'm shit at bargaining.

[Fruit and Nutcase]

Never Say Never Again

Craig famously said he’d rather "slash his wrists" than again portray the suavest agent on acetate,

(yes, not one of the EON Productions...)

[David McCoy]

Woody Allen, he's done the role before

[Duffy Moon]

It's going to be Rupert Friend. He was almost Bond before Craig, but was too young at the time. He's still a bit young, but has shown that he can do the deadly agent business on Homeland.

You heard it here first.

[NanoMeter]

Stephen Fry?

That would be something.

[John H Woods]

Re: Stephen Fry?

Hugh Laurie?

[Sigmund Fraud]

Make James Bond great again

I vote for The Trump...

[AndrewV]

Samuel Anderson.

He was amazing as Danny Pink in Doctor Who.

[Baudwalk]

Miles Jupp...

...and his posh voice.

[DainB]

Statham

Character from The Spy.

[Draco]

Fish fingers and custard`

Of the names mentioned, I agree that Chiwetal Ejiofor has probably exhibited the Bond like performance in the Firefly movie (or Bond villain, for that matter).

Although, I can see Matt Smith being Bond - though, more in a parody sort of way. I think he would definitely trump Rowan Atkinson's Johnny English.

[Michael Thibault]

The implication of the offer

is that James Bond must truly, irrevocably die.

[0laf]

Some good calls there, Mark Strong definitely. He's maybe done too many other spy-ish things but he's got the menace and the acting chops.

Not sure about Jack Davenport.

The speculation is entertaining. I suspect whomever is the new Bond most people will be unhappy.

Kit Harrington...not yet.

[Wolfclaw]

Boris with Putin as the baddie !

[BongoJoe]

They're looking for the wrong man

A decent scriptwriter would be preferable.

[dv]

Jude Law

See title. Elegant, menacing, good actor, although not a Scot.

[Mr Humbug]

Mark Sheppard

If he's not too busy trying to control Hell

[Kane]

Chris Barrie

[Richie 1]

Chris O'Dowd, with Richard Ayoade as Q, and Katherine Parkinson as M.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0487831/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

[Robert E A Harvey]

what is going on?

There are at any one time around 400 people graduating from arts and theatre degrees, and a backlog of established actors.

Why does Bond have to be someone we have already seen in 24 other roles?

[Trollslayer]

Rab C Nesbitt

Stich this Blofeld!

[Børge Nøst]

Henry Cavill

Cavill has the looks and has the age for easily doing 5-6 (if not more) films.

[gregthecanuck]

Who?

Captain Jack Harkness

Daniel Tenant

[Roger Kynaston]

Off the wall (or not)

Hows about Helen Mirren?

[Anonymous Coward]

Lets move away from the mainstream a little, what about Adrian Lester, or Noel Clarke.

[disgruntled yank]

I know

He's tall, reasonably athletic, has a good voice and great name recognition, and will be indefinitely available starting in about four months: Barak Obama. Now, I know that he isn't English, nor even Scottish, but his attempts at an English accent can hardly be worse than many American actors have achieved.

[swelsh]

Bondage

Taron Egerton? New generation. Like a James Bond - First Class! Did alright in The Kingsman.

Tom Hardy is bang on! Acting ability and physique.

[Stevie]

Bah!

Peter Serafinowicz. The bloke wot played Aldo the Italian (or was he) from "Spy". He learned his accent from Downton Abbey.

[jonjenkins]

Maybe...

Damian Lewis

[jonjenkins]

Maybe..

Damian Lewis

[earl grey]

Jason Statham

born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire in 1967... not too old yet...can probably still handle the action shots

[Carl Pearson]

The Obvious Choice

Stephen Fry. Seriously, can't he do just about everything, and as a bonus simultaneously explain all about it in typical brilliant fashion?

[Anonymous Coward]

Left Field

way out in sleepy left field - how about we ask Vladimir Putin if he wants to play Bond? Yeah, my head just exploded, too. But think about it:

1. He has a foreign accent, so this could be a bizarro-world take on Bond,

2. He's definitely got the menacing "I don't care how many people I have to kill" look down pat.

3. Name the film "The Shirtless Horseman" and he'd probably do it gratis.

[x 7]

Re: Left Field

"3. Name the film "The Shirtlifting Horseman" and he'd probably do it gratis."

Get it right please................

[Anonymous Coward]

Henry Cavill

I'm pretty sure that Henry Cavill has said that he'd be interested in playing Bond... and he's already registered a convincing performance as a British spy in The Man From U.N.C.L.E!

[tskears]

Bradley Cooper? If a speech therapist can train him to do a Brit accent...?

Hit me with the down votes, I can take it.

[kyndair]

carl urban

Carl would be a great choice to take bond on and develop it further. He's shown good range from dark menacing Dredd to lighter wisecracking McCoy

[Aladdin Sane]

Christian Bale

He can play the suave, debonair playboy, and can also carry an air of menace.

Would be particularly entertaining if he channelled Patrick Bateman.

[Wiltshire]

Re: Christian Bale

How about his brother, Gareth?

[DarrenJ]

Angelina Jolie

She nails the secret organisation femme fatale in Wanted, and can curve bullets.

[Peter X]

Jim Broadbent

Because, I think I'm correct in saying, that's the *only* thing he's not been in.

Seriously - he's in everything! He must have more money than Spectre by now.

[Peter X]

Toby Jones

My second choice just because he's so completely un-bond-like, it *might* just work!

[Peter X]

Mark Heap

^ Just thought of this one and had to add him! So maybe re-cast Toby Jones as Q? Pretty sure Broadbent can play any role... so we'll have to hang on to him to.

I'm thinking Mark Heap should play his bond very much as he played "Jim" (as in, Jim. Jim from next door) in Fright Night Dinner. Maybe if Wilson the dog can be in it, all the better.

[Baz_22]

It;s got to be PETMAN for the rest of the series.

[Barely registers]

The blond^H^H^H^H^H ginger bond

For an operative who works in the shadows.... because he'd burn in direct sunlight.

I hereby nominate Rupert Grint.

[Børge Nøst]

So nobody will read this anyway, but I found a very likeable option in David Oakes when I saw him in an Endeavour episode!

[UNCL3LARRY]

Can we not just cast Tommy Wiseau as 007 and call it a day?