The casting for James Bond

is one of the most H๏τly contested discussions in Hollywood, but I think they are hugely missing out with their ridiculous rules around the age of the successful actor. James Bond originally began life in a series of novels by the late and great Ian Fleming from 1953 until a short time after his death. It was not long before these gripping spy novels were adapted to the big screen, and since 1962, several actors have tackled the role and made the character their own.

For the most part, these actors have made appearances in several films, and held on to the role for well over a decade. However, in recent years, it appears to be much more common to insтιтute strict rules about who can and can’t play James Bond. Despite some popular candidates having their names constantly ᴀssociated with the role, and huge portions of the fanbase calling out for specific actors to tackle the role, the executives appear to be staunchly opposed to casting actors that they deem as “too old.”

A Lot Of My Favorite Next James Bond Actor Candidates Are Over 40

James Bond Castings Shouldn’t Be Restricted By Age

This sentiment was made crystal clear by former Bond director, Martin Campbell, after he spoke to our team at ScreenRant about the possibility of casting someone who previously auditioned for the part to play Bond in upcoming films. His response appeared to vigorously reject the idea of casting anyone above the age of 36, because they need to be fit and able to tackle roughly five movies over the next 15 years. However, that completely wipes out several top picks from myself and many others according to fancasts.

No, they’re all too old. They’re all too old. You’ve got to realize that whoever plays Bond will be contracted for five movies, right? So I think you have to have somebody in their thirties, 35, 36, if they’re going to see five films. I mean, look at Roger Moore, I think he was 56 or something by the time he finished his run. I didn’t know how old Pierce was, but they’re going to go on until their fifties, basically. So they always want to get somebody who will be able to do that many movies, and in order to do so, they have to get someone, I think, in their mid-thirties too.

Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, and Tom Hiddleston, are some of the most elegant, suave, sophisticated, and talented actors currently in Hollywood. All of them have expressed interest in playing the role, and all of them would certainly be able to bring their own charm and style to the part. But simply because they are a little bit above the hard bracket, they have been written off? It just makes no sense to disregard so much raw talent and potential because of an arbitrary rule.

James Bond Actors Don’t Need To Do 5 Movies (But Older Actors Could Still Do It Anyway)

Actors Have The Best Network To Maintain Peak Physical Health

I think it’s essential to remember that 50 today does not look like it did 50 years ago. Today, Hollywood has proven time and time again that actors are still able to deliver outstanding, action-packed performances even well into their advanced ages. Think about people like Keanu Reeves who had a successful action career in the 1990s, and then dominated another action franchise as John Wick, a character he started playing at 50, and continues to play now at 60 years old.

Tom Cruise has been an action star for decades, and his stunts have only gotten bigger and more ambitious in recent years with movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Cruise is currently 62. Likewise, Cavill, and Elba have tackled heavy action roles in recent years, and neither appears to have any need to slow down due to their advancing age. These actors have incredible support networks, the best nutrition experts, and personal trainers, all of which help them get into top physical shape, and sustain their health well beyond the age of 50.

I Actually Think An Old Man James Bond Movie Could Be Great

It Could Be A Way To Reinvigorate The James Bond Movies

And all of that aside, what is wrong with having an old James Bond movie? There has been growing excitement for previous James Bond stars like Pierce Brosnan to return to the role and film a one-off entry, or a couple of films, depicting Bond as a more experienced, refined spy in his golden years. When Fox decided to bring Hugh Jackman back to the role of Wolverine to play an older, grizzled version in Logan, it was a rousing success. The same is likely true for Bond, a hero who has constantly been stunted in their development by resetting the clock and recruiting an agent in the middle of his career.

If the Bond movies opted to bring back someone like Brosnan, or to cast an actor who is currently in their 40s, or even more daring, someone in their 50s, it would be the perfect opportunity to take the franchise in a fresh and exciting new direction. Bond is supposed to be the world’s best spy, but are we supposed to believe that as soon as he hits 50 Bond suddenly becomes entirely incompetent. The franchise should take a risk and cast an actor who is beloved by fans, constantly being put forward to play the part, and could actually reinvigorate James Bond, but somehow, I doubt they’ll find the courage to shake things up, opting instead to simply stir in the next 30-something year old and hit reset.