Brosnan: Bond Must Stay British, Not American

The James Bond rumor mill is churning after Amazon's surprising takeover of 007's creative reins. The question on everyone's lips: who will be the next 007? While the answer remains elusive, a new report sheds some light. According to The Mail on Sunday, Amazon's internal memo confirms James Bond will remain a British or Commonwealth male, effectively ruling out actors like Ryan Gosling.

This news is likely music to the ears of Pierce Brosnan, who famously portrayed Bond across four films. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Brosnan stated that a British Bond is a given.

Potential Next James Bonds (Who Haven't Played 007 Yet)

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However, the Commonwealth clause opens the door to a wider pool of talent. Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has previously expressed interest, telling Balance magazine in 2019 that he'd "love to do it," acknowledging the significant decision rests with the Bond community, Barbara Broccoli, and the production team. Following The Mail on Sunday's report, The Today Show Australia even went so far as to declare Hemsworth's casting a "sure thing."

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Uncertainty surrounds the future of the franchise following Amazon's acquisition and the reduced involvement of long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. While Variety reports a new Bond film remains the top priority, speculation persists about a potential Bond TV series. Amazon's next step, according to reports, is securing a new producer—a role for which David Heyman (renowned for his work on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films) is reportedly considered.

Christopher Nolan's reported interest in directing a Bond film after Tenet was reportedly rejected by Broccoli, who reportedly insisted on retaining final cut authority. Nolan subsequently directed Oppenheimer, a massive box office success.

Amazon's control has drawn criticism. One director, in a Reddit AMA, bluntly stated his refusal to direct a Bond film due to his dislike of Jeff Bezos.

Fan speculation runs wild, with names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (previously rumored as a frontrunner) being discussed. However, Henry Cavill remains a clear fan favorite.

According to Variety, Amazon's hiring is on hold pending the conclusion of its deal with Broccoli and Wilson, expected later this year. This follows reports of a tense standoff between the Broccoli family and Amazon, leaving the future of the franchise uncertain. Amazon and Eon have yet to comment publicly. The Wall Street Journal previously reported the situation as an "ugly" stalemate, leaving Bond "trapped." Amazon's acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2021 for $8.45 billion paved the way for this current situation.