You could make the case that the most iconic big screen character of the last 50 years is none other than James Bond. The British secret service agent has taken many forms over the years as different actors have come and gone, but the lure of the character has endured it all. Daniel Craig, our most recent Bond, has generally been considered to be one of the best in the franchise despite his film's departures from previous 007 tone. However, Craig's run looks to be coming to a close as he is not expected to return to the series.
Potential replacements have been the source of speculation for some time now, with popular names such as Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and Damian Lewis being thrown around. But today comes a new name that's a bit of a surprise.
According to a recent report, British actor Jamie Bell has met with longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli to discuss the role. The two have worked together in the past ("Film Stars Don't Die") and, ironically, Bell played the brother of Craig in the 2008 World War Ii drama "Defiance."
Bell, 30, is younger than most Bonds from the past, though the next film likely wouldn't hit theaters for two to three years. He has a long resume of film and television roles, including AMC's "Turn: Washington's Spies" (covert operations are in his wheelhouse) and the recent cult favorite "Snowpiercer." He also played the Thing in FOX's poorly-received "Fantastic Four" reboot. But should he land the role of 007, it would be the first time that he headlined a film of this scale.
It's fair to say that Bell is an unexpected choice for the role. The other names listed have far greater pedigrees, star power and acclaim. That's not to say Bell couldn't tackle the challenge, just that it would come as a surprise to most hardcore Bond fans.
But this is just the first of what we assume to be many rumors and reports citing meetings between the Bond producers and potential replacements for Craig. At this point, it hasn't even been officially confirmed that he's leaving the franchise, so it'll be some time until the ball starts rolling again.
We'll keep you updated.
