Casting the next James Bond is a major decision for Amazon MGM Studios, but Glen Powell has the right idea about who the next actor should be. Powell is becoming one of America’s top stars. The actor’s breakthrough role came in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, and he has since starred in other hits like Hit Man, Twisters, and Anyone But You.

Powell certainly has the looks and charisma needed to play Bond, but it’s not something on his radar. In fact, he doesn’t think he or any American should be allowed to play Bond. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his upcoming Hulu series, Chad Powers, Powell said the only thing that matters for Bond is that the actor is British:

I’m Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond. My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.

While the Running Man star isn’t necessarily a candidate for the role, his voluntary removal shows an understanding of the character that the studio needs to follow. An American wouldn’t fit the role, and the casting needs to be narrowed down to actors who come from the U.K.

The Next James Bond Needs To Be A British Actor

James Bond’s casting is a topic that’s caused a lot of debate. Every previous actor has been a white British male, and popular choices like Idris Elba or Regé-Jean Page have sparked backlash over casting an actor of a different race. The truth is that Bond’s race doesn’t matter, especially when set in a more progressive era. However, the actor’s nationality is a primary factor.

Powell’s instincts are correct that Bond needs to be played by a British actor. The famous spy is a mᴀssive part of British culture, and his history is directly tied to the country. The character was created in 1953 by Ian Fleming, a British writer who led Operation Goldeneye during World War II. He wrote 12 novels, and the series continued following his death in 1964.

Bond’s nationality is also an essential part of the character. He was a member of the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, and was a Royal Naval Reserve Commander. He’s a charismatic character, and his accent plays a role in adding to his suave nature. Saying “Bond, James Bond,” in a non-British accent just doesn’t sound the same.

The film series launched with 1962’s Dr. No, where Scottish actor Sean Connery brought Mr. Bond to life. Since Connery, the character has been played by five other actors, including Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, and George Lazenby. Brosnan is Irish and Lazenby is Australian, but both have strong connections to British culture through their lived experiences.

Fortunately, Amazon is primarily focusing on British actors, based on reports. Leading candidates reportedly include Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson. Elordi is Australian, but Australia is still a part of the Commonwealth, making it British-adjacent. It’s important that the next James Bond actor has some connection to his British nationality, which is why an American actor wouldn’t work.