Daniel Craig has now retired from the role ofJames Bond, and a potentially surprising actor has thrown their name out there as a potential contender to take over the role. Megastar Dwayne Johnson says that he wants to be the next one up to play James Bond.
After five films, Craig concluded his run asJames Bondwith the recently releasedNo Time to Die. Now, like many times before, the search forthe next James Bondhas led to much speculation and fan casting, but Johnson believes he would be suited for the role.
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In a new interview with Esquire, Johnson revealed his interest in filling the role as the iconic 007 now that Craig has stepped away from the role withNo Time to Die. Johnson’s grandfather Peter Maivia had starred in the franchise as a villain in the 1967’sYou Only Live Twice.“Yes, my grandfather was a Bond villain inYou Only Live Twicewith Sean Connery. Very, very cool,” shared Johnson. “I would like to follow in his footsteps and be the next Bond. I don’t want to be a villain. Gotta be Bond.” While he may not be many fans' first choice to play the character, Johnson’s experience wrestling in the WWE and working on many hit action/adventure films likeNetflix’s recently releasedRed Notice, Disney’sJungle Cruise,and now the DC’s upcomingBlack Adamproject may just be enough reason for him to hop on board the ongoing successful franchise.
After 6 long years filled with countless script rewrites and production delays,No Time to Diefinally arrived in theatres, and director Cary Joji Fukunaga’s (Beasts of No Nation, True Detective) Bond debuted to rave reviews, with critics praising the emotional send-off for Craig’s Bond era. But the question that remains on everyone’s mind iswho will be the next James Bond? While longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed that they won’t start thinking about the future until next year, allowing Craig plenty of time to celebrate and soak in his accomplishments, speculation will continue to escalate as to who will be cast, especially with Johnson’s name now joining the conversation.
If Johnson is up for the task, his Bond portrayal will definitely be tough to live up to the last one. Craig’s Bond films have been some of the most successful in the entire franchise, with other additions likeCasino Royale(2006),Quantum of Solace(2008),Sam Mendes’Skyfall(2012),Spectre(2015), and now this year’sNo Time to Dieoffering a grittier, more grounded take on Ian Fleming’s iconic character. For now, though, fans will have to either continue speculating and catch up on the previous Bond entries to get a good feel for who could be the next 007.
No Time to Dieis currently playing in theatres and is available to rent in the U.S. through digital platforms.
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