Alright, I’ll be honest here. That title is a bit misleading. As far as we know, Styles has not officially been contacted about taking over the iconic role once Daniel Craig decides to hang up the Walther PPK for good. He has not publicly expressed interest in taking on the role either. This is based on some quotes from Lee Smith, the editor of the most recent Bond Film, Spectre.
Daily Star UK – Movie insiders believe he would make the perfect hero. But loyal Bond fans will be shaken and stirred by the news as Harry is only 23.
Backing the singer for the role, Spectre film editor Lee Smith said: “Harry could do it. If they wanted a younger Bond then why not? He has got it.”
Lee’s friend Christopher Nolan has been tipped to direct the next Bond film.
And according to Lee that could open the door for Harry to play the role after the pair worked together on Dunkirk.
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Craig has signed up for one last Bond movie with his replacement not expected to hit screens until 2022.
Harry would then be 28, but it would still make him the youngest Bond in history.
The Sign of the Times singer has been inundated with film offers following his acclaimed performance in Dunkirk.
Before I go any further, let me just say that I would be ALL IN for a Christopher Nolan-directed James Bond film. He is a world-class director and would no doubt bring a unique touch to the Bond franchise, possibly with something we’ve never seen the likes of before.
But back to Styles. Right now I’m not sold. Yes, he was great in Dunkirk. But the range of acting required in the film was limited. Could he get a few more roles between now and 2022? Sure. And if he gets more rave reviews, then I might be more sold on the idea. But depending when the casting decision needs to be made, he may not have time for that.
I am a huge, huge, huge Bond fan. I own every movie and have seen them all many times over. I listen to the weekly James Bonding podcast (I’d say it’s a must-listen for any big Bond fan). Simply put, I love James Bond. I just don’t like the idea of someone with such limited acting experience getting tapped for such an iconic part. That’s not to say I wouldn’t still be over-the-moon excited for his Bond movie to come out, because I would be. I would just be very nervous going into it. That being said, this could all be for naught. Styles might have absolutely zero interest in being James Bond. These rumors are based off a few quotes of one man, so it remains to be seen how much merit, if any, there is to this possibility.
And since we’re on the subject, it only seems appropriate to discuss some possibilities for Daniel Craig’s successor.
If you’re betting on who gets cast next, the smart money would still be on the “traditional” cookie cutter good-looking white guy.
- Tom Hiddleston
- Charlie Hunnam
- Michael Fassbender
- Luke Evans
- Jason Statham
I think any of these guys would make a fantastic Bond (with Hunnam being the one possible exception) but my top choice here would be Luke Evans.
There’s been lots of talk about having our first black Bond in the first post-Craig movie. Idris Elba has been at the forefront of that list. But there are a number of other quality actors that could take up the mantle as well.
- Daniel Kaluuya
- Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm on Game of Thrones)
- Chiwetel Ejiofor (though his contract with Marvel could be extended, possibly making him unavailable)
- Alfred Enoch (Might be a bit of a stretch, but he’s been good in everything I’ve seen him in. I’d be okay with him being given a shot.)
From this list, my preference would be Jacob Anderson. Yes, it is probably a bit biased considering Grey Worm is one of my favorite GoT characters, but the fact remains that he’s been brilliant in that role.
Is it time for the first female Bond? Purists might be resistant but why? There are plenty of actresses who could and would crush this role.
- Gal Gadot (not British but she’s my favorite actress these days and is simply the best so I had to include her)
- Kate Beckinsale
- Rhona Mitra
- Daisy Ridley
- Charlize Theron
- The dark horse long-shot: Maise Williams, though she might be too young for the immediate replacement. But she’s such an awesome bad-ass in Game of Thrones, I have no doubt she could kill this role if given a chance.
Gal Gadot would be unbelievable as Jane(?) Bond and Rhona Mitra’s physical presence screams secret agent.
The lure of Harry Styles could possibly be in part due to a desire to cast a younger actor.
- Tom Holland, though like Maise Williams, might be too young now. Plus he is still under contract with Marvel so that could very well affect his availability in the short-term.
- Taron Egerton
- Nicholas Hoult
- Liam Hemsworth: Would be a stretch and definitely a risky choice, but he’s got the look and would give him a chance to finally step out of brother Chris’s shadow.
- Matthew Lewis: Probably the unlikeliest name I’ve mentioned but that doesn’t necessarily mean it would be a bad choice. Plus he could bring over a whole new legion of fans with his continuing popularity within the Harry Potter fandom.
- Rupert Grint…..just kidding.
I would love to see Tom Holland get a shot as Bond but, like Styles, I would need to see him in some more dramatic/serious roles first. He’s been great as Spider-Man but those have been light and fun movies. But there’s no doubting he has the physicality to pull it off. So from this list, give me Egerton. He’s basically already played a goofier version of Bond in the Kingsman series. It would be fun to see what he could do with the real thing.
