Tom Ellis, who I actually think would make a very good Bond is 42. Again, not to rain on anyone's parade, but by the time Bond 26 rolls around in 3 or 4 years (maybe) he will be 45 or 46 and they are not going to cast an actor, as good as he might be at that age. I know they did it with Roger, but that was then and this is now. Regé-Jean Page, for those concerned with Bond actor height, is listed at 5'10".....not an issue for me. I'm fine with a non-white Bond as long as they make some credible changes to the backstory. For Regé-Jean Page, they could almost stick to his actual background although I wouldn't mind having one of the parents with Jamaican roots which would fit nicely with Bond's traditional connection to the island. Unfortunately, Regé-Jean Page is the flavor of the month (which is kind of unfair as I think he has a bright future) and his name seems to be connected everywhere, which may ultimately be good for his career but usually is the kiss of death when it comes to EON casting a new Bond.
It would not happen I'm sure, but I often think this man would make a good Bond. Why? For no other reason than he reminds me of Sean Connery in his features!
I hope that the next Bond is still a white man. For me it is messing with Ian Fleming's legacy too much to change the race of Bond. This is only my opinion of course.
I'm not sure of the spelling of his name but he is called Ashley Banjo (I think that's the correct spelling) I think it would be interesting to see him as a Bond. Even though I am against any one other than a white man, I think I would make an exception because I think he cold be a sort of 'new' Sean Connery. Not a imitation, doing his own style you see.
I think there is a concern that hiring a black actor could chip away at the Bond brand and franchise imagery. It could distill its potency. For example, what would distinguish Bond from The Protagonist from Tenet? Etc....
Nevertheless, I actually think someone like Rege-Jean Page (who is basically very similar to someone like Henry Cavill if you ask me) is actually physically more of a traditional fit for Bond than Daniel Craig. Back in 2005, Craig's more rough, bruised and mean look was the opposite of what people expected. He has now come to define the role for a new generation. If Rege-Jean was to get the role, he would likely offer a less radical new take on Bond. He'd likely bring back Brosnan's 'tall, dark and handsome' flavour but keep Craig's more vulnerable side. In this sense, the franchise's brand remains intact and Bond remains 'Bond' - encompassing both the traditional and modern aspects of the character.
Therefore, I could see Rege-Jean play Bond. His career is blowing up and it's only going places in 2021.....There are even rumours that he's going to be Superman. Basically he's rumoured for everything. So I wouldn't take him too seriously currently, but I wouldn't discount at all.
I still think Barbara won't pick someone 'obvious' such as Rege-Jean Page or Henry Cavill. It'll be someone odd and unexpected.
There has been an under 6' Bond, there could be a Black Bond, there could be a Black Superman, but there will never be a 5'10" Superman😋 Sorry Rege-Jean.
I think there is a concern that hiring a black actor could chip away at the Bond brand and franchise imagery. It could distill its potency. For example, what would distinguish Bond from The Protagonist from Tenet? Etc....
I think there's quite a lot really: Bond has loads of iconography attached to him. I'd definitely be able to tell one from the other.
Heh! I must be honest, I've never really thought Superman has to be over six foot! On a massive movie screen two inches wouldn't make any difference to me.
The only thing that puts me off Page a bit physically is that he seems quite slight and slender- even more so than Brosnan was. Maybe he could toughen up a bit I suppose if he got it.
This 45 seconds is basically Page's audition for Bond. He's a little cheesy, but if Bridgerton demonstrated he can do suave, then perhaps his next move is to prove he can act.
It's just moving images of him, really! :) Yes, I'll have to have a look at him in it to see if he's got any star quality.
I think they're more likely to go with someone with more screen experience though- they have done for the last 50 years, and I think it's only becoming more necessary as things move on.
Gosh I think it's quite the opposite: case in point- Lazenby vs Craig. Lazenby is physically perfect for Bond, but on the movie screen he's barely there. Craig was a massive hit around the world and the longest running official Bond so far.
Maybe technically being the most amazing actor isn't top priority, but you need to be able to be a star- as Moore and Brosnan showed.
I think Gadot has presence and charm- in many ways she's the closest thing we have in a superhero movie right now to Christopher Reeve.
Further to my last post, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who see's the potential for Banjo. Of course it will not happen but I think with the correct training he could make a good Bond replacement. He has the height and physique and the looks. I post this interview. It is a fluffy nonsense interview, but it allows us pretend Bond casting agents to take a look at him. If he got rid of the beard and was put into the correct clothes I think we'd think James Bond.
The reinvention of James Bond has occurred twice, that I could define. I exclude Barry Nelson. Connery>Lazenby>Moore, as different as they were, represented one lineage. This was followed by Dalton, and a reinvention of Bond, the closest to the Fleming books, in my opinion. I wouldn't even call Brosnan's rendition a redefinition but more of a marionette of Bond portrayed by someone who always wanted to inject Remington Steele into the Bond role. In my opinion he was the least true to Fleming's books.
Then the second reinvention with Daniel Craig, whom although he didn't exactly match a Hoagy Carmichael look, his tough demeanor places him second, in my mind, closest to the Fleming created persona.
Now the dilemma of Bond 7. Is there even going to be another James Bond, or just a 007, which in today's world, could be anything or anybody, twice. At the risk of being accused of racism, chauvinism, or not being woke, the comments and accusations bother me not. I am a man of my time, and have rarely been influenced by passing fads or the opinions of fanatics or sheep of any ilk. I am a follower of the literary Bond, and the man who created him. I admire the views and opinion of both author and character.
With all of this said, if the evolution of the franchise is leading to a non-Anglo-European, female, or transgendered 007, in any combination, I will have seen my last James Bond motion picture, regardless of what critics say, with the final moment of No Time To Die. I could probably leave the franchise now, since Bond has been retiring in one manner or another since On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
If the franchise decides to reinvent Bond for a third time, then they will need to pull another Daniel Craig out of the hat. A relatively unknown actor who closely projects the Fleming character in appearance, mannerism and beliefs. Anything else to me, is rubbish. I was seven years old when I saw Dr. No in the theater. It will be nearly 60 years later when, I believe, I will probably view my last Bond film. Either way, I'm good with it.
I agree that Page is a little on the skinny side. However, before Daniel Craig played the role, 007 wasn't really a beefcake.
I'm curious to see how people react to the new Captain America and the proposed Superman reboot, it may mean a 'black James Bond' is the next trend for the franchise to jump on. I suppose time will tell....I keep meaning to watch Bridgerton. Just can't find the time (and energy)
Thunderbird 2East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,812MI6 Agent
Funny, I thought Mr Craig was too skinny to be Bond when he was announced. Criespt, was I wrong! - On so many levels. Casino Royale 06 broken the mold in spectacular style.
Rege Jean Page looks the part, and if he is interested in action roles he could prob be brilliant. But I still believe that James Bond actor no 7 is someone we don't know. The costs of making a Bond film keeps climbing and in the world today with Covid much more problamatic. As a result I suspect the House Of Eon are wanting to cast someone who will see Bond as a boost for their career long term, rather than a financial guarantee. As a format evolution a black Bond IS the way to go. - Jeffrey Wright has in a way proved this by following Bernie Casey as an excellent Felix Leighter.
One day, The House Of Eon is going to have to make a choice - preserve Bond as a Male character, taken from a particular point in time and preserve his as such, or accept there is only so far they can stretch the concept before they risk damaging the brand or accept it is a vintage piece of its time, as 007's "attitudes" become archaic, even depicted as culturally offensive. The early Connery films an a couple of the Moore ones graze that territory already now, reflecting the era in which they were made.
But Thankfully we are NOT there yet. The right actor playing Bond - as long as the chracter is still British, it still works. Mr Page could be that actor.
This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
I recently rewatched Kong: Skull Island, I was really struck by Tom Hiddleston. He's never been an actor I've been particularly fond of - he's too posh and smug - but he strikes a particularly strong image in that film. He has literally no character to play in Kong, but he gives the role some colour mainly as he cuts such a 'cool' figure (perhaps he's a little too self-consciously 'cool'). I love his costume and, in particular, Hiddleston really owes Larry Fong (Kong's DP) a drink as he photographs him in the most beautiful light. It felt very much like a Bond audition....Though Hiddleston isn't high on my list, I could be convinced (though I will never forget how dreadful Crimson Peak was)
I think he plays it like a Bond audition but I thought he’s hugely unbelievable as a tough guy: didn’t convince me at. To be honest it was a part crying out for Daniel Craig to play: imagine how much actually tough he would have seemed in it.
Comments
IMDB tells us Page is cast in the movie "The grey man", an action movie to be directed by the Russo brothers (several Marvel movies).
It's about a spy-assassin trying to save his daughter. Chris Evans is probably the lead, and among the stars is Ana des Armas!
Sounds like it could be quite a fun movie regardless! 😀
After that he's doing Dungeons & Dragons!
Well I guess that's one thing you can do with your time off, I prefer a jigsaw myself... 😉
....but his contract allows the producers to call him back at the very last minute, just as his casting for Bond is to be announced?
Back to Miranda? 😁
Think 1986 and you'll get it.
I’m not sure what the last appearance of Haley’s comet has to do with anything 😁
Ah, that would only have to do with early plans for AVTAK.... which wasn't 1986. Never mind.
Tom Ellis, who I actually think would make a very good Bond is 42. Again, not to rain on anyone's parade, but by the time Bond 26 rolls around in 3 or 4 years (maybe) he will be 45 or 46 and they are not going to cast an actor, as good as he might be at that age. I know they did it with Roger, but that was then and this is now. Regé-Jean Page, for those concerned with Bond actor height, is listed at 5'10".....not an issue for me. I'm fine with a non-white Bond as long as they make some credible changes to the backstory. For Regé-Jean Page, they could almost stick to his actual background although I wouldn't mind having one of the parents with Jamaican roots which would fit nicely with Bond's traditional connection to the island. Unfortunately, Regé-Jean Page is the flavor of the month (which is kind of unfair as I think he has a bright future) and his name seems to be connected everywhere, which may ultimately be good for his career but usually is the kiss of death when it comes to EON casting a new Bond.
It would not happen I'm sure, but I often think this man would make a good Bond. Why? For no other reason than he reminds me of Sean Connery in his features!
I hope that the next Bond is still a white man. For me it is messing with Ian Fleming's legacy too much to change the race of Bond. This is only my opinion of course.
He really does look like Sean Connery, especially in the last photo. Who is he, Joshua?
I'm not sure of the spelling of his name but he is called Ashley Banjo (I think that's the correct spelling) I think it would be interesting to see him as a Bond. Even though I am against any one other than a white man, I think I would make an exception because I think he cold be a sort of 'new' Sean Connery. Not a imitation, doing his own style you see.
Heh! I never really thought of Banjo looking like Connery, but you're right 😊 He's more a presenter (and dancer!) than actor though I think.
"Banjo IS Bond!" 🤣
I think all his IMDB entries ar as "Himself". Hiring a dancer as 007? What's next...... casting a model/car salesman?
He looks a lot like Sean Connery, that's for sure.
I think there is a concern that hiring a black actor could chip away at the Bond brand and franchise imagery. It could distill its potency. For example, what would distinguish Bond from The Protagonist from Tenet? Etc....
Nevertheless, I actually think someone like Rege-Jean Page (who is basically very similar to someone like Henry Cavill if you ask me) is actually physically more of a traditional fit for Bond than Daniel Craig. Back in 2005, Craig's more rough, bruised and mean look was the opposite of what people expected. He has now come to define the role for a new generation. If Rege-Jean was to get the role, he would likely offer a less radical new take on Bond. He'd likely bring back Brosnan's 'tall, dark and handsome' flavour but keep Craig's more vulnerable side. In this sense, the franchise's brand remains intact and Bond remains 'Bond' - encompassing both the traditional and modern aspects of the character.
Therefore, I could see Rege-Jean play Bond. His career is blowing up and it's only going places in 2021.....There are even rumours that he's going to be Superman. Basically he's rumoured for everything. So I wouldn't take him too seriously currently, but I wouldn't discount at all.
I still think Barbara won't pick someone 'obvious' such as Rege-Jean Page or Henry Cavill. It'll be someone odd and unexpected.
There has been an under 6' Bond, there could be a Black Bond, there could be a Black Superman, but there will never be a 5'10" Superman😋 Sorry Rege-Jean.
Haha, Rege-Jean was channeling 007 at the (virtual) SAG Awards yesterday.....This guy is tempting me to binge Bridgerton. I like what I see.
I think there is a concern that hiring a black actor could chip away at the Bond brand and franchise imagery. It could distill its potency. For example, what would distinguish Bond from The Protagonist from Tenet? Etc....
I think there's quite a lot really: Bond has loads of iconography attached to him. I'd definitely be able to tell one from the other.
Heh! I must be honest, I've never really thought Superman has to be over six foot! On a massive movie screen two inches wouldn't make any difference to me.
The only thing that puts me off Page a bit physically is that he seems quite slight and slender- even more so than Brosnan was. Maybe he could toughen up a bit I suppose if he got it.
This 45 seconds is basically Page's audition for Bond. He's a little cheesy, but if Bridgerton demonstrated he can do suave, then perhaps his next move is to prove he can act.
https://twitter.com/agapethamar/status/1378044178777653248
It's just moving images of him, really! :) Yes, I'll have to have a look at him in it to see if he's got any star quality.
I think they're more likely to go with someone with more screen experience though- they have done for the last 50 years, and I think it's only becoming more necessary as things move on.
Gosh I think it's quite the opposite: case in point- Lazenby vs Craig. Lazenby is physically perfect for Bond, but on the movie screen he's barely there. Craig was a massive hit around the world and the longest running official Bond so far.
Maybe technically being the most amazing actor isn't top priority, but you need to be able to be a star- as Moore and Brosnan showed.
I think Gadot has presence and charm- in many ways she's the closest thing we have in a superhero movie right now to Christopher Reeve.
Have thought it for a while now. I will be very surprised if Page isn't the next James Bond.
Further to my last post, I'm glad that I'm not the only one who see's the potential for Banjo. Of course it will not happen but I think with the correct training he could make a good Bond replacement. He has the height and physique and the looks. I post this interview. It is a fluffy nonsense interview, but it allows us pretend Bond casting agents to take a look at him. If he got rid of the beard and was put into the correct clothes I think we'd think James Bond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM-p2STL64w
Tom Cullen still my choice for Bond no 7
The reinvention of James Bond has occurred twice, that I could define. I exclude Barry Nelson. Connery>Lazenby>Moore, as different as they were, represented one lineage. This was followed by Dalton, and a reinvention of Bond, the closest to the Fleming books, in my opinion. I wouldn't even call Brosnan's rendition a redefinition but more of a marionette of Bond portrayed by someone who always wanted to inject Remington Steele into the Bond role. In my opinion he was the least true to Fleming's books.
Then the second reinvention with Daniel Craig, whom although he didn't exactly match a Hoagy Carmichael look, his tough demeanor places him second, in my mind, closest to the Fleming created persona.
Now the dilemma of Bond 7. Is there even going to be another James Bond, or just a 007, which in today's world, could be anything or anybody, twice. At the risk of being accused of racism, chauvinism, or not being woke, the comments and accusations bother me not. I am a man of my time, and have rarely been influenced by passing fads or the opinions of fanatics or sheep of any ilk. I am a follower of the literary Bond, and the man who created him. I admire the views and opinion of both author and character.
With all of this said, if the evolution of the franchise is leading to a non-Anglo-European, female, or transgendered 007, in any combination, I will have seen my last James Bond motion picture, regardless of what critics say, with the final moment of No Time To Die. I could probably leave the franchise now, since Bond has been retiring in one manner or another since On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
If the franchise decides to reinvent Bond for a third time, then they will need to pull another Daniel Craig out of the hat. A relatively unknown actor who closely projects the Fleming character in appearance, mannerism and beliefs. Anything else to me, is rubbish. I was seven years old when I saw Dr. No in the theater. It will be nearly 60 years later when, I believe, I will probably view my last Bond film. Either way, I'm good with it.
I agree that Page is a little on the skinny side. However, before Daniel Craig played the role, 007 wasn't really a beefcake.
I'm curious to see how people react to the new Captain America and the proposed Superman reboot, it may mean a 'black James Bond' is the next trend for the franchise to jump on. I suppose time will tell....I keep meaning to watch Bridgerton. Just can't find the time (and energy)
Funny, I thought Mr Craig was too skinny to be Bond when he was announced. Criespt, was I wrong! - On so many levels. Casino Royale 06 broken the mold in spectacular style.
Rege Jean Page looks the part, and if he is interested in action roles he could prob be brilliant. But I still believe that James Bond actor no 7 is someone we don't know. The costs of making a Bond film keeps climbing and in the world today with Covid much more problamatic. As a result I suspect the House Of Eon are wanting to cast someone who will see Bond as a boost for their career long term, rather than a financial guarantee. As a format evolution a black Bond IS the way to go. - Jeffrey Wright has in a way proved this by following Bernie Casey as an excellent Felix Leighter.
One day, The House Of Eon is going to have to make a choice - preserve Bond as a Male character, taken from a particular point in time and preserve his as such, or accept there is only so far they can stretch the concept before they risk damaging the brand or accept it is a vintage piece of its time, as 007's "attitudes" become archaic, even depicted as culturally offensive. The early Connery films an a couple of the Moore ones graze that territory already now, reflecting the era in which they were made.
But Thankfully we are NOT there yet. The right actor playing Bond - as long as the chracter is still British, it still works. Mr Page could be that actor.
I recently rewatched Kong: Skull Island, I was really struck by Tom Hiddleston. He's never been an actor I've been particularly fond of - he's too posh and smug - but he strikes a particularly strong image in that film. He has literally no character to play in Kong, but he gives the role some colour mainly as he cuts such a 'cool' figure (perhaps he's a little too self-consciously 'cool'). I love his costume and, in particular, Hiddleston really owes Larry Fong (Kong's DP) a drink as he photographs him in the most beautiful light. It felt very much like a Bond audition....Though Hiddleston isn't high on my list, I could be convinced (though I will never forget how dreadful Crimson Peak was)
I think he plays it like a Bond audition but I thought he’s hugely unbelievable as a tough guy: didn’t convince me at. To be honest it was a part crying out for Daniel Craig to play: imagine how much actually tough he would have seemed in it.