A possible shortlist for the new 007 has surfaces from UK outlet The Sun, which includes five actors that MGM wants badly along with two others that producers are keen on as well. The assumption being if Daniel Craig walks, they’ll look towards these actors to replace him for Bond 25.
The MGM Bond shortlist includes Idris Elba (Prometheus, Luther, Pacific Rim, Thor, Beasts of No Nation), Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave, Steve Jobs, Shame, Inglourious Basterds) , Adian Turner (Almost Human, Hobbit), Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager, Avengers, High-Rise), Luke Evans and Charlie Hunnam.
The impression given in the report is that Elba is standout and possibly MGM’s frontrunner.
FILM bosses have drawn up an official shortlist of actors to be the next James Bond if Daniel Craig goes through with his threat to quit. Luther star Idris Elba, 43, has made the cut, as has Michael Fassbender, 39. Also in the running are Fast and Furious star Luke Evans, 37, Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam, 36, Poldark’s Aidan Turner, 33, and Tom Hiddleston, 35.
Apparently, actors James Norton and Jamie Bell are on EON’s list, not MGM’s.
EON Productions franchise boss Barbara Broccoli is also meeting actors, including Happy Valley star James Norton, 31, and Billy Elliot actor Jamie Bell, 30, who are not on MGM’s list.
The source went on: “While the MGM executives have an idea, Barbara makes the ultimate decision on the role.
Keep in mind, Daniel Craig hasn’t officially dropped-out of the franchise, even if he’s been quite vocal on wanting to leave the role in the press over the last year or so. Another thing to consider is that shortlist is only a rumor at the moment.
Although, we’re keen to see Idris Elba ultimately end-up in the role here, I think I’d be equally fine if Michael Fassbender took Bond as well. While some of the names like Charlie Hunnam and Luke Evans with limited acting range and piss-poor audience draw seem like bizarre executive choices.
However, it would be great if they eventually added Riz Ahmed (The Night Of, Nightcrawler, Rogue One, Closed Circuit, Four Lions, Jason Bourne) in the mix too. Who has strong acting talent and has played spies previously.
MGM previously gave the impression that Bond 25 could be ready for release in 2018-2019.
SOURCE: THE SUN