License to Reboot: Amazon Takes Aim at Bond, and Here We Go Again
Ah, James Bond—cinema’s most beloved, martini-guzzling, womanizing, and property-destroying spy. For decades, the dapper agent has saved the world in impeccably tailored suits, all while managing to keep his hair perfectly in place. But now, with Amazon MGM Studios snatching up creative control of the franchise, it’s time for Hollywood’s favorite game: Dream-Casting the Next 007—A Sport More Competitive Than Olympic Fencing.
Because nothing screams ‘fresh and innovative’ like yet another round of “Who should be the next James Bond?” discussions, let’s dive headfirst into this eternal debate, armed with the only real requirement—being British (and, let’s be honest, having a jawline that could cut glass).
Idris Elba: The People’s Choice, but Not His Own
For years, fans have chanted Elba’s name as the natural successor to the tuxedo throne. Tall, suave, and capable of delivering a glare that could send villains packing before the opening credits even roll. Unfortunately, Elba himself has politely backed away, citing—oh, nothing major—just the casual racism that came with the suggestion. Because of course, Bond fans are famously open to change.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The “Safe” Bet Who Actually Knows How to Punch People
With his classic good looks and impressive action chops (see: Bullet Train), Taylor-Johnson could easily slip into the role—provided the studio forgets that Kraven the Hunter exists. If he can dodge the curse of actors whose superhero careers nosedive (cough Jared Leto cough), he might just be in with a shot.
Josh O’Connor: Because Brooding is Basically a Job Requirement
You might know him from The Crown or Challengers, where he broods impressively and wears expensive clothes like he was genetically engineered to do so. If Bond needs to stare longingly into the abyss while sipping scotch, O’Connor is your man. Whether or not he can throw a convincing punch remains to be seen, but hey, we’ve had worse.
Jonathan Bailey: The Man Who Could Romantically Smolder His Way Through an Explosion
A Bridgerton heartthrob with the ability to deliver drama with the weight of a Shakespearean tragedy. Bailey is already gearing up to battle dinosaurs in the next Jurassic World installment, so why not add MI6 to his resume? Plus, imagine Bond dropping his signature “Bond. James Bond.” line with that Bridgerton-level charisma. Scandalous.
Regé-Jean Page: From Regency Rake to International Spy?
Another Bridgerton alum, Page has already proven he can make audiences swoon with a well-timed smirk. He’s been floating in the Bond rumor mill for a while, and honestly? We wouldn’t be mad. If anyone can make espionage look sexy (again), it’s him.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw: A Shake-Up We’re 100% Here For
After No Time to Die saw Lashana Lynch briefly don the 007 moniker, the doors have officially been kicked open for a female Bond. Mbatha-Raw, with her mesmerizing screen presence and action-hero potential (see: Loki), could easily bring a fresh take to the franchise. But given the uproar over the mere idea of a female Bond, this casting decision would probably set the internet on fire faster than a villain’s lair in the third act.
Henry Golding: The Bond We Deserve
Handsome, charming, and already an international man of mystery (Crazy Rich Asians was just Bond minus the MI6 training). Golding has all the elements of a perfect 007—now it’s just up to the powers that be to realize it.
So, Who’s It Gonna Be?
One thing’s for certain: Bond will return. And no matter who steps into the tux, the internet will absolutely have a meltdown over it. But until then, we’ll all keep playing this ridiculous game, because apparently, the only thing more certain than a Bond film featuring an over-the-top villain’s monologue is the sheer insanity of the casting discourse.
Your move, Amazon MGM. Try not to mess this one up—again.
