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‘No Time to Die’ says goodbye to James Bond, for now. Here’s what worked, and what didn’t

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So they really did it. They brought a definitive close to the Daniel Craig era in “No Time to Die.” How, exactly, will be discussed in the oh-so spoiler-filled conversation below. Two of The Times’ film writers, Justin Chang and Michael Ordoña, got together to mull over the end (was it a master stroke or a bludgeoning with a “blunt instrument”?) and possible beginnings, and ponder what it all means ... in the world of 007.

Final warning: Many spoilers for “No Time to Die” follow.

Justin Chang: So, who saw that coming? A lot of us, I’m guessing. Going into the long-delayed, amusingly titled “No Time to Die,” the death of Daniel Craig’s James Bond always seemed like a real possibility. Even before he signed up for this fifth and final installment, Craig had been signaling his readiness to move on from Bond for years, and indeed might well have done so sooner if his version of the character hadn’t been so justly acclaimed and popular. He likely wanted the assurance of finality, as well as an ending that would complete the character’s arc in stirring fashion, fulfilling the notes of heightened seriousness and emotional depth that he brought to “ Casino Royale ,” “ Quantum of Solace ,” “ Skyfall ” and “ Spectre .” Mission accomplished.

Is it churlish of me, then, to confess that I wish I’d liked “ No Time to Die ” better? That I wanted to be as moved by Bond’s last moments on that lonely island, dragging his doomed, nanobot-ravaged body to the edge of a soon-to-be-blown-to-smithereens cliff, as I was by the wholly understandable creative impulse behind it? I’ll give the filmmakers credit for boldness: In a time when the broadest entertainments seem to be borrowing narrative cues from daytime television, what with Jon Snow and Sherlock Holmes and Michael Myers and half the Avengers all coming back to life, exercising your license to kill (and I mean really kill) your brand-defining leading man counts as a legitimately radical gesture.

And of course, Craig played that dying gasp as superbly as he’s played Bond all along, with magnetic stoicism and world-weary resignation. He is not, to put it mildly, the problem here. The problem is that all this doom-laden gravitas feels generic — and has felt generic, I would argue, since the end of “Casino Royale,” the first and still the best of the Craig Bonds. The impulse to shift Bond away from suave lady-killer mode and recast him as some kind of tortured romantic hero, while certainly interesting in theory, has not produced any particularly interesting movies. I’m well aware of my sacrilege, just as I’m aware that a lot of people consider that beautifully hollow shell “Skyfall” some kind of masterpiece. And as a general admirer of blockbuster seriousness (and its close twin, self-seriousness), I’m a bit surprised to find myself proposing franchise entertainment should “lighten up.”

But, seriously (or not so seriously): Lighten up, 007, and for the sake of variety, may your inevitable next incarnation be a breezier one. Michael, tell me how wrong I am. Did “No Time to Die” thrill and move you as much as you wanted it to?

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Michael Ordoña: Well, I’ll not kneel at the churly temple to scarify you for not loving “No Time” (though I did, so you’re obviously wrong). No, really, I agree with what you said about “Casino” being best in show — I consider it the best spy movie I’ve ever seen — though I think I liked “Skyfall” more than you did. Just not as much as its reputation would demand. It’s the most visually beautiful of the series, that I’ll say, and Javier Bardem the most enjoyable villain.

As to “No Time,” I admired its action, thought Ana de Armas made quite a splash and hope she returns, and fervently hope Lashana Lynch ‘s casting kicks down certain doors in the franchise. I didn’t love the villain Safin ( Rami Malek ); his motivations were less convincing than I’d like. One supposes the filmmakers felt they’d spent enough of the longest-ever Bond movie on the people and had better get to some shootouts. At least he wasn’t one of those “I want it all!” guys from earlier phases of the franchise.

That said, I found the very unusual amount of time spent on character and relationships in “No Time” rewarding. That seems as radical a choice for the premier spy mega-franchise as the choice to bomb Bond. It felt sincere, as if director and co-writer Cary Joji Fukunaga and company wanted to make a personal drama about (as our colleague Mark Olsen might put it) a man out of time. It’s something we haven’t seen in this series before, and I don’t know we’ll ever see again. Craig had to earn that from the Eon-Fleming production machine constructed to efficiently spit out human-relationship-free widgets whose grosses would still dependably triple their budgets, even during the bloat of the Pierce Brosnan years. Those were safe moneymakers; a hell of a lot safer than the heavily de-gadgeted and largely de-womanizered Craig years, which had the temerity to make a man — an actual, human, feeling man — out of Bond. And still somehow kept pace with the Marvel era of blockbuster-itis.

Which begs the question of what the future holds. More than any other mega-franchise but “ Doctor Who ,” Bond has become synonymous with rebirth. But apart from Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, there probably has never been such a blatant “end of saga; wait for the next incarnation” handoff as Bond’s end in “No Time to Die.” And in the Bat-trilogy, the hero cheated death. Here, the hero definitely, unquestionably takes a dirt nap, with a literal proclamation by the filmmakers that he’ll wake up as someone else: “James Bond will return.” So that’s different. Justin, do you see “No Time” as the outlier I do? Or not different enough, and you’re on to the next one?

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Sept. 29, 2021

Chang: I thought of both Marvel and “The Dark Knight” trilogy, too, Michael — not because the Craig Bonds have been particularly imitative of either series, but because in their narrative continuity, they seem to have sprung from the same 21st-century blockbuster ethos. “No Time to Die” marks the culmination of the most sustained, serialized emotional arc that Bond has ever been given. The movies may have been self-enclosed capers as usual, but they were also more interconnected — by recurring villains (like Jesper Christensen ’s Mr. White, an important figure in “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace” and “Spectre”), and by the long shadow cast by the death of Eva Green ’s Vesper Lynd, whose absence kickstarts the prologue of “No Time to Die.” Most of all, these movies have been held together by Bond’s inner life, his tortured memories and lingering regrets.

All of which sounds entirely laudable, even logical, on paper. And the fact that Craig has had no small part in directing Bond’s evolution — that he himself wanted to play a less cartoonish, more three-dimensional Bond — speaks to his ambition and an intrinsic understanding of his own strengths as an actor. I’m still trying to figure out why I find the project both admirable and faintly dubious. Could it be the usual revolving door of movie directors — the baton pass from Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale”) to Marc Forster (“Quantum of Solace”) to Sam Mendes (“Skyfall,” “Spectre”) and now to Fukunaga — which has lent a faintly mechanical, impersonal quality to the whole exercise? (That impersonal quality haunts most of the past Bonds, of course, but then, they weren’t trying to be personal.)

But to get back to “No Time to Die” specifically: I think some of my favorite moments this time involved Bond’s old colleagues Moneypenny ( Naomie Harris ), Q ( Ben Whishaw ) and M ( Ralph Fiennes ), which is a testament to the warmth these side characters have engendered over multiple movies. I’m with you and just about everyone else on how good De Armas is in her single sequence, which plays so well in part because it feels like a grand throwback to the witty, insouciant, less self-regarding Bond movies of old. I’m curious to see what the future holds for Lynch’s Nomi, who should at least be liberated from the annoyingly forced 007-vs.-007 rivalry they saddled her and Craig with.

And what about Bond, Mathilde Bond, the little (ahem) bond-le of joy who turns up late in the film and scampers her way through the movie’s explosive climax? Will we see her again, or is it just enough to know that while this Bond may be dead, his spirit still lives on? Did you, like me, roll your eyes a little when they decided to play that card — not to actually explore the admittedly fascinating question of what kind of father Bond would be, of course, but rather to shamelessly maximize the poignancy of his death?

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Cary Fukunaga steps into directing the James Bond franchise with ‘No Time to Die,’ bringing his sophisticated sensibility to the emotional conclusion of Daniel Craig’s five-film run in the role.

Oct. 7, 2021

Ordoña: I admit, I suspected we’d get a “Dark Knight Rises”-esque epilogue with the Bond brood living peacefully on some Mediterranean island, some hint of killer instinct in Mathilde waltzing in. I might have enjoyed that, pat though it might have been; I’m still not fully psychologically healed from a screen hero who helped define my childhood getting spread all over the ocean between Japan and Russia. As to eye-rolling, I was fine with the introduction of Baby Bond. It seemed in keeping with the theme of time moving forward with or without us. And it seemed meta, as Madeleine’s story time narration to her felt like the filmmakers telling us, “This is a story, and this is the end of this version of the story. There will be others.”

My psychic wounds aside, though I definitely enjoyed “No Time” more than you did and see it as more proof Fukunaga is the real deal (I would love to see him take a bubbly rom-com and turn it very, very dark — even “ True Detective ” Season 1 dark), I’m with you in that Bond’s detonation didn’t blow me away. To reference the MCU again, the death of Tony Stark — that’s how you do it. As the countless weeping audience reaction videos show, blockbuster cinema can, in fact, convey a powerful emotional and psychological experience to other people . I doubt there will be the same buckets of tears shed for this hero’s demise (perhaps fans will need no more than a quantum of solace?). Still, it serves its dramatic purpose and I appreciate it on those grounds.

But now that the franchise must move on, maybe it’s time to birth a Bondverse. Should the next Bond be Black, Asian, female, gay? I say no. Why not diversify the ranks of 00 agents instead? Let the next James Bond fit the general contours of the Fleming creation, and let his contrast with a mix of colleagues making the most of their own licenses to kill be commentary enough. Then we can get fresh characters without personalities chained to what we expect of Bond, James Bond. Heck, the first is already in place: Nomi, 00...8? And as Marvel has astutely realized, each of these sub-franchises could have a different cinematic signature — building to an Avengers-style mega-spy team-up movie. You’re welcome, Eon Productions.

Justin, are you willing to speculate about the franchise’s future? Perhaps throw out an actor-director combination you’d like to see?

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Sept. 28, 2021

Chang: Well, as one of the stone-hearted jerks who felt nothing in response to Tony Stark’s death — unless it was a feeling of gratitude that this phase of the interminable Avengers enterprise, at least, had finally run its course — I don’t think anything good would come of emulating the Marvel way of doing things. In that spirit, I must say I find the idea of a Bondverse horrific. Turning this already overworked spy franchise into its own gargantuan, endlessly self-perpetuating cinematic universe is truly the last thing it (or anyone) needs.

If we must have future iterations of 007, and I’m not convinced we must, I’d probably jump on the Bondwagon with those who for years have been floating names like Idris Elba and Clive Owen , both of whom would do (or would have done) a sterling job. I know the Regé-Jean Page contingent is quite vocal, and I can’t say I disagree with them. As for directors: I don’t know that I have any I’d recommend in particular, since most of the directors I might suggest should probably tackle more interesting projects than the next Bond movie.

Sorry to play the killjoy. But I actually am taken, Michael, with your meta-analysis of Baby Bond and specifically Madeleine’s story time narration. I’m also reminded of the movie’s lovely final shot of her and Mathilde driving along the coast — a quintessential Bond-movie closing image, only here it’s two loved ones he’s left behind who are carrying on in his absence. (It’s a nice bookend for the Madeleine-centric prologue, too.) All of which is to say that after five movies and 15 years of tortured trans-global exertions, this Bond has certainly earned his rest. There absolutely will be other versions of this story; the search for the seventh Bond is apparently set to begin next year. I hope they don’t rush it. They have, contrary to this movie’s title, all the time in the world.

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Ordoña: While the MCU may not be everyone’s cuppa, as someone who believes Marvel has proven blockbuster cinema can actually be good — and risk-taking, by choosing indie directors and letting them put their idiosyncratic stamps on their films — I think other mega-franchises would do well to follow at least some of the trail the MCU has blazed. If anything was proved by this Craig run, it’s that even a franchise as “overworked” as Bond was in the Brosnan years can be rejuvenated by freshness and conviction.

That’s freshness of approach, not simply freshness of face — rematerializing as Page, Owen or Elba but returning to the same sort of empty pantomimes of past entries may continue to hit the right numbers on the actuarial tables, but I’d expect those returns to diminish. The Tom Cruise- Christopher McQuarrie “Mission: Impossible” films have been rock solid in both quality and box-office performance; resulting in the all-time high of “ Fallout .”

Which leads back to the notion of an actor-director team for the future of Bond, rather than spinning the roulette wheel each time and crossing fingers. Several directors have had multiple shots, some with great success (Terrence Young helmed “Dr. No,” “From Russia With Love” and “Thunderball,” for instance), but the series hasn’t tried sticking with an actor-director team with a unified vision for, say, a trilogy at least (one couldn’t credibly assign a “unified vision” to the final three Roger Moore films, for which John Glen was around). That continuity would likely reduce that “mechanical, impersonal quality” you rightly decry.

What could a combination like Christopher Nolan and Tom Hardy do to revitalize the series? Nolan has said he’d like to try, and “Tenet” was something of a preview of a sci-fi spin on 007. Or Matthew Vaughn and Michael Fassbender? Check out their work on “X-Men: First Class” as proof of concept..

The news that Denis Villeneuve is a big fan makes him an intriguing candidate. If he could bring the tension and dread of “Sicario,” and the style of “Blade Runner 2049” and “Arrival” while provoking actual emotions from the audience, he’d be ideal to elevate Bond. James Mangold is a highly intelligent filmmaker who has made two great franchise sequels (“The Wolverine,” “Logan”) while doing it his way. I’d be curious to see another shot from Fukunaga, this time with a blank canvas, though I doubt he’d commit. And my moonshot pick? Lynne Ramsay , if she’d deign to do such a thing. What would the perspective of a filmmaker behind something like “ You Were Never Really Here ” bring?

Or maybe it’s most telling that it’s more intriguing to ponder who could helm these movies than who should be the star? But whomever Eon Productions picks for the job, I just hope they don’t sink back into the safety of a pretty face and lots of explosions. Craig has shown the series can achieve greater depth, do it with style, and make lots of money in the process. Lynch and De Armas have kicked open other doors of possibility, hinting at where the franchise could go. I’ll miss Craig in the role, but the future of Bond could be bright.

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Justin Chang was a film critic for the Los Angeles Times from 2016 to 2024. He is the author of the book “FilmCraft: Editing” and serves as chair of the National Society of Film Critics and secretary of the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn.

Michael Ordoña covers film and television for the Los Angeles Times.

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No Time to Die

2021, Action/Adventure, 2h 43m

What to know

Critics Consensus

It isn't the sleekest or most daring 007 adventure, but No Time to Die concludes Daniel Craig's franchise tenure in satisfying style. Read critic reviews

Audience Says

It's very long and packed with plot, but No Time to Die says goodbye to Daniel Craig's Bond with all the action and excitement franchise fans expect. Read audience reviews

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No time to die videos, no time to die   photos.

In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

Rating: PG-13 (Sequences of Violence & Action|Brief Strong Language|Some Disturbing Images|Some Suggestive Material)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery & thriller

Original Language: English

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga

Producer: Michael G. Wilson , Barbara Broccoli

Writer: Neal Purvis , Robert Wade , Cary Joji Fukunaga , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Scott Z. Burns

Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2021  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Nov 9, 2021

Box Office (Gross USA): $160.8M

Runtime: 2h 43m

Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Eon Productions Ltd.

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos

Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

View the collection: James Bond 007

Cast & Crew

Daniel Craig

Lyutsifer Safin

Léa Seydoux

Madeleine Swann

Lashana Lynch

Ben Whishaw

Naomie Harris

Eve Moneypenny

Jeffrey Wright

Felix Leiter

Christoph Waltz

Ernst Stavro Blofeld

Ralph Fiennes

Rory Kinnear

David Dencik

Valdo Obruchev

Ana de Armas

Billy Magnussen

Dali Benssalah

Cary Joji Fukunaga

Neal Purvis

Screenwriter

Robert Wade

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Michael G. Wilson

Barbara Broccoli

Chris Brigham

Executive Producer

Linus Sandgren

Cinematographer

Elliot Graham

Film Editor

Hans Zimmer

Original Music

Mark Tildesley

Production Design

Neal Callow

Art Director

Véronique Melery

Set Decoration

Suttirat Anne Larlarb

Costume Designer

Debbie McWilliams

Scott Z. Burns

News & Interviews for No Time to Die

Awards Leaderboard: Top Movies of 2021

Where to Watch the 2022 Oscar Nominees

Oscar Nominations 2022: Full List of Nominated Films, Actors, Directors, and Filmmakers

Critic Reviews for No Time to Die

Audience reviews for no time to die.

A bold and beautiful and ending to the Daniel Craig era and one of the best Bond entries I've seen. While the villain is good, he's not exactly the strongest, but where the films strengths lie are in its heroes. Bond and crew are better than ever here. The new 007 is good, Q is great, M is good, everyone is at their best to make this a great ending to the Craig era of films and a full circle film that wraps up everything that this era has done. That said, you may be at your best if you've watched all this films in rapid succession, as there are a lot of callbacks. If you have though, it's a lot of fun, and great for people who have been through the Craig era all the way. It makes a lot of bold choices, and for me anyway they all pay off in an emotional way in a great action spy thriller.

One cannot talk about No Time to Die without talking about finality. I'll try and dance around significant spoilers but the movie by design is meant to serve as the capper to the Daniel Craig era filling out the world's favorite martini-drinking British secret agent. I thought that 2015's Spectre was the swan song for Craig as it brought back a famous franchise villain Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) made the man Bond's secret half-brother, and it tried to explain how every bad thing that seemed to befall Bond was the machinations of an evil conspiracy, and then it literally ends with Bond driving into the sunset in his classic car with his girl (Lea Seydoux) by his side. It felt like the end, and it felt very much like everyone was just done and tired. And then the Bond producers wanted one more shot, or more likely one more lucrative franchise entry, to send an even older, battle-tested Craig on his way. I was wary of another Spectre-like entry, one that was tying back to the elements of decades-old for empty homage. Does anyone really care that the villain is meant to be Blofeld who means next to nothing to audiences in this era? After watching all 160 minutes of the longest Bond on record, for an actor who has portrayed 007 for 15 years, I have to say that No Time to Die is a terrific action movie and a welcomed second chance at a sendoff for the modern era of Bond that has gone through great artistic rebirth. Bond's cozy retirement is short-lived. Spectre agents have found him and Madeleine (Seydoux) and now Bond is forced to ship off his love for her safety. Years later, Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek) is determined to take down the last vestiges of the Spectre organization, the same group responsible for murdering his family. Bond is recruited by the newest 007 agent, Nomi (Lashana Lynch), to help MI-6 locate a kidnapped scientist with a powerful nanobot poison that can be genetically targeted to a specific person. Bond agrees especially once he realizes that Safn and his dangerous organization are targeting Madeleine, who has a big surprise of her own. As an action movie, I will argue that No Time to Die is better than 2012's Skyfall, the Bond film that is widely seen as the high point of Craig's tenure but one I find overrated. Director and co-screenwriter Cary Fukunaga, the second director ever given a writing credit for a Bond film, has crafted a beautiful movie with a real sense on how to showcase the majesty and suspense. Nothing will likely rival the superb cinematography by the legendary Roger Deakins on Skyfall, but this movie gets as close as you can get. It's a remarkably beautiful looking movie. I mean that not just in the exotic locales and scenic vistas but simply in its depiction of action. The visual arrangements are noticeably several levels higher in quality, elegantly composed and lit to make each scene so pleasing to the eyes even before the information of the scene translates. Fukunaga (True Detective) frames the action in clear shots and clean edits so the audience is oriented with every shot and each patient edit point. For an era that began by trying to adopt the Paul Greengrass-style of docu-drama edits popularized with the Bourne sequels, it's quite a welcomed change. I appreciate that action directors have creatively gone more in a direction of longer takes, wider shots, and a conscious effort to showcase the ingenuity and skills of its action choreography. Let us enjoy watching the masters of action operate at their highest level. Fukunaga understands this, and while the action might not be the best in the series, it is lovingly orchestrated and displayed. There is a delightful mid-movie set piece that deserves its own attention mainly because of how actress Ana de Armas (Knives Out, Blade Runner 2049) steals the show. She plays Paloma, a CIA agent working in coordination with Bond, and the two of them wreak havoc across a Cuban neighborhood while wearing their finest evening wear. She immediately leaves a favorable impression and struts her stuff while operating heavy machinery with confidence. This part feels the most aided by co-screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge's contributions. Craig personally requested that Waller-Bridge, best known for award-winning TV like Fleabag and the first season of Killing Eve, come aboard and help polish the script, including characterization and dialogue. This sequence feels the most in keeping with her past spy thriller work and penchant for strong female characters who are meant to take the lead. de Armas is so memorable, and her segment so self-contained, that it feels like a backdoor spinoff to set up her own character's franchise, and one that I wouldn't hesitate to watch. If you thought Spectre was getting convoluted with how it tried to bend over backwards to explain how one man and one villainous conspiracy were manipulating all of Bond's many miseries and setbacks, well then things are going to get even worse for you to keep up with. I'll credit returning screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have been with the storied franchise even before Craig's 2006 debut, with attempting to make the continuity matter for a franchise that often throws up its hands at continued emotional stakes. By stretching backwards with ret-cons and added flashbacks, every new Bond movie tries to better evaluate the previous ones including the poorer movies, like Spectre and 2008's Quantum of Solace. It's like saying, "Hey, you didn't like those bad guys in that movie? Well, these are the real bad guys," or, "Well, maybe you didn't like them, but their heinous actions gave rise to these new bad guys." However, a consequence of continuing to add further and further clandestine machinations, and spiraling consequence from those machinations, is that Bond has now become a tangled web that is more convoluted without offering much in the way of payoff. I don't think much more is gained introducing a new villain saying, "It was me all along," when we don't have an established relationship or interest with these new villains. Imagine introducing the Emperor back in Episode 9 of Star Wars and saying he was secretly behind everything… oh wait. There are also benefits to this approach and No Time to Die crafts a sendoff unlike any other final entry for a Bond actor. This is a franchise going back sixty years, but the 007 brand has endured because no one actor is bigger than the brand. The franchise is regularly resetting with each new addition. The hyperbolic bombast and tongue-in-cheek frivolity of the Pierce Brosnan years (1995-2002) was replaced with a more grounded, gritty, and psychologically wounded Bond, made even more so by giving him personal attachments and then taking them away. I would argue this decade-plus with Craig (2006-2021) has involved the most mature and personal movies of the franchise;s history. It's fitting then for the final film to pay service to that elevated take on the character. If you're treating the secret spy as more of a person than a suit and a gun and a wisecrack, then that character deserves an ending that stays true to prioritizing more human elements of the character. To that end, No Time to Die works as a final sendoff, and I feel pretty confidant saying Craig is officially done now. After a year and a half of delays from COVID, as well as its parent company, MGM, being bought for billions by Amazon, we finally have the final Bond movie in Daniel Craig's successful run, and it's a worthy finale for an era of the franchise becoming relevant again. I don't know if that many people are emotionally attached to the character, likely more so just the nostalgia and the franchise, but if ever you were going to tear up from a James Bond thriller, this would be the one. It's an exceptionally strong visual caper, with smooth and steady direction from Fukunaga, and while overly long and convoluted and a dull villain, it comes together for a worthy and celebratory conclusion that stands with the best of Bond. I'll still cite 2006's Casino Royale as the best Craig Bond, and one of the best ever, but No Time to Die is a solid second-place entry, and it does what few other Bonds ever could: fitting finality. Until, naturally, the popular series inevitably reboots with the next handsome leading man sipping a signature vodka martini (shaken, not stirred). Nate's Grade: B+

A neatly packaged and entertaining exit for Daniel Craig's Bond that ties closely with 2015's Spectre. The movie has the usual hallmarks of espionage, gadgets and fancy cars but they all feel like uninspired ingredients that are expected of the franchise at this point. Thematically there's a lot of concise narrative choices that reinforce ideas of "legacy" and how one wants to be remembered for their "time". Often it feels all the effort almost excessive but at least it drives the point home. A lot of focus is made crafting Bond's personal and romantic narrative for emotional resonance but this makes the "big bad" antagonist feel somewhat like an afterthought, with much of his backstory and development coming from exposition. All intentions to make him come off as a parallel or antithesis to Bond feels forced, if not for Rami Malek's intense on screen presence he would've been rather forgettable. The supporting cast is quite fun with their own entertaining quirks. The greenhorn CIA agent, (Ana de Armas who feels oddly wasted to only have one act in the film) the new contentious 007's (Lashana Lynch) rivalry with Bond, Q being Q etc. No Time to Die finishes Craig's run beautifully, despite a relatively dull espionage plot Bond's personal narratives are fittingly what matters most as the end credits roll and they do wrap up quite nicely.

The James Bond franchise wasn't something I got into until Casino Royale hit theatres back in 2006. It was after that film that I decided to go back and give the entire franchise a watch. For me, there is an equal number of good and bad Bond films. I've never loved this franchise for that exact reason, but have always appreciated its legacy. Daniel Craig and Sean Connery are definitely my two favourite portrayals of the character, but I do believe that with Casino Royale, Skyfall, and now No Time to Die, Craig was a part of more good Bond films than any other actor. Here's why I believe No Time to Die is a very fitting final film for Daniel Craig. Unlike the rest of the franchise, the Daniel Craig films are all connected to each other, and therefore No Time to Die picks up after the events of Spectre, which have large ramifications here. More than any others, I would say Casino Royale and Spectre are the most referenced throughout the course of this movie. Now retired and wishing to retire, isolated, James Bond is brought back into the field one last time when the organization known as Spectre is brought back into the forefront. Now headed by mastermind Safin (Rami Malek), his mission is to hunt him down to end this organization. With the addition of other subplots and dealing with the fact that the 007 moniker is now in use by someone else, it makes it difficult for Bond to have an easy way out.  The character of Safin is only in the film for a handful of scenes, but Rami Malek made them quite memorable for me. I was actually okay with the fact that the main villain had so little screen time because I didn't see that as the main point of the film. Léa Seydoux as Madeleine makes her return here as well and her storyline with Bond is really what made this film work for me as much as it did. This is the most different James Bond film in a very long time, in that it doesn't focus heavily on the villain storyline, but more of an aged Bond who just wants out of the game. Even though the notion of retirement has been in other Bond films, this one actually ran with it and I enjoyed that quite a lot.  My only complaint with this film is that there is quite a lot of fan service and there are times where it may be too much for certain viewers. I loved almost every moment of it though, even if there are one or two moments that really had me rolling my eyes. Other than a few moments that feel slightly forced in comparison with the rest of the movie, they ended up being very minor issues to me. All in all, this Bond film tries to cover all the bases that a classic James Bond film would have and I believe that it immensely worked well.  In the end, No Time to Die isn't going to be remembered for being the greatest James Bond film of all time or anything like that, but certain things that happen throughout the course of this film will absolutely be talked about for years to come. Daniel Craig is giving it his all here once again and returning characters also have more than a moment or two to shine. With some stellar Cinematography by Linus Sandgren and some very solid direction by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the look and feel of this film feels grand, even for this franchise. I have nothing but praise considering how much I enjoyed myself with this one, but I will say that a much more satisfying experience will come if you have seen the previous four Bond films. Now pleaying in theatres, absolutely check this one out.

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Bond, James Bond: 8 Actors Who Played 007, From Past To Present

When Ian Fleming created the character of James Bond in his 1953 novel Casino Royale , he probably never imagined that it would start a media franchise that would not only outlive him, but also span more than 50 years of action. With countless books, 24 films , and other adaptations and depictions having taken place, there's certainly a lot of Bond to go around for anyone who wants it.

But those who have most indelibly ingrained the character on our minds are, of course, those who got to play the character on film, and for one brief instance on television. Those eight actors are the historic watermarks for James Bond's longevity on the screen, and without their contributions, the series just might not be the behemoth that it has evolved into. Who are the people who have played James Bond over the years? Let's catch up on them all.

Barry Nelson

Year(s) Active: 1954

Number Of Films: 1

Believe it or not, James Bond began his journey to the silver screen as a live TV adaptation for the hit show Climax! Adapting the first book in the series, Casino Royale , writers Charles Bennett and Anthony Ellis made a rather interesting change to the source material in order for Barry Nelson to star as 007 himself. Which is why this is the only version you'll see with an American James Bond, and a British Felix Leiter. All other versions after this would revert Bond back to being a renowned super spy for MI6, but in the Climax! version, he works for the Combined Intelligence Agency.

Sean Connery

Year(s) Active: 1962 – 1967, 1971, 1983

Number Of Films: 7

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Probably the most iconic James Bond to ever hit the screen, Sean Connery is the person that everyone thinks of when you say the words, “Bond, James Bond.” While Ian Fleming initially doubted the casting, his successful debut in 1962's Dr. No not only won the author over to his side, it also caused him to write the character closer to the actor's own background in subsequent novels. But while he's one of the most iconic actors to have played the role, he's also one of the most complicated actors to have taken the role.

This is because of the fact that while he had a straight five year run as the character, from 1962 to 1967, he was lured back twice after that golden age to reprise the character. One of those performances, 1983's Never Say Never Again , is counted as an unofficial James Bond film; considering it was made outside of the EON Productions canon, and is a remake of Thunderball , driven by the film's original creator, Kevin McClory. Save for a video game voice-over role in an adaptation of From Russia With Love , that was the last time Connery ever donned the tuxedo – and it's still a source of debate between Bond fans who love it or hate it.

David Niven

Year(s) Active: 1967

Whenever David Niven enters a conversation on film, the James Bond series is something folks wouldn't be likely to cite as part of his resume. And yet, when Columbia bought the rights to turn Casino Royale into a comedy send-up of the still young 007 franchise, he was indeed the man they chose to play the O.G. James Bond. The second of the non-EON Productions films that is argued to either be canon or not, it took an interesting approach to the character that saw Niven being the classiest, most atypical Bond of all.

In the 1967 spoof, MI6 decides to name several agents James Bond, complete with the 007 designation. Their reasoning? Because it'll confuse the enemy. And the one to train all of them is Niven's Sir James Bond, who doesn't do fancy gadgets or womanizing, but instead is a stiff upper lip type who knows his craft. The film remains an oddity for Bond fans to discuss, and while co-stars like Peter Sellers and Woody Allen technically had the Bond name as covers, David Niven was the only one to really be James Bond.

George Lazenby

Year(s) Active: 1969

A first time actor and Australian model, George Lazenby was the man selected to take on the role of James Bond after Sean Connery had first bowed out of the role after 1967's You Only Live Twice . His one, and only, turn in the role was in the 1969 format breaker On Her Majesty's Secret Service . It's a format breaker for two key components: there's only one, big gadget used in the entire film, and Bond ends up having a female partner / love interest.

While he was considering returning for The Man With The Golden Gun , back when it was slated to be the next film in line, Lazenby eventually vacated the role, triggering Connery's first return to the role. Apparently, the production of On Her Majesty's Secret Service was so disheartening for George Lazenby, as he felt the creative forces mistreated him and he had grudges with two of his co-stars. Though after this slight bump in the road, the James Bond franchise would experience its most stable period yet.

Roger Moore

Year(s) Active: 1973 - 1985

Thanks to his work on a rather Bond-esque television adaptation of Leslie Charteris' The Saint , Roger Moore was eventually cast as the fifth actor to take on the role of 007. Starting in 1973's Live and Let Die , the actor would set a record for official installments played by a single actor, as he racked up seven films by time 1985's A View To A Kill hit theaters. Though if you were to ever discuss his tenure with die-hard Bond fans, you'll hear some of the same criticisms come up over and over again.

Between the more joke-laden tone that the Moore films took, and the fact that Roger Moore might have been wise to retire while he could still do most of his stunt work, you'll get some people labeling him as the worst James Bond of the lot. But it's hard to deny that he did possess the charm that the role requires, and when allowed by the material he was given, was able to lend an air of gravitas in moments that truly counted.

Timothy Dalton

Year(s) Active: 1987 - 1989

Number Of Films: 2

When On Her Majesty's Secret Service was trying to cast the role of James Bond, one particular actor was considered but eventually deemed too young for the role. That man was none other than Timothy Dalton, a classically trained actor who was eventually given another chance when someone with a very similar situation had to back out when casting 1987's The Living Daylights . Naturally, the role went to Dalton, and the rest was rather interesting history.

Known as a super serious Bond, Dalton only made two very experimental appearances as the character, with 1989's License To Kill being his swan song. In both films, 007 ditched the Moore era's tone of winks and smiles, and instead delved more into Ian Fleming's original intent for the character to be a noir-ish hard case. Even the trademark womanizing was toned down, as Bond focused more on his job and less on the ladies surrounding him on both occasions. He would never get to reprise the role, as legal troubles for the series would delay production on his proposed third film so long, his contract had expired and not been brought up for renewal.

Pierce Brosnan

Year(s) Active: 1995 - 2002

Number Of Films: 4

After legal troubles, and the end of the Cold War took place in the gap between License To Kill and 1995's Goldeneye , the storied franchise of 007's exploits was going to need a pretty severe revamp. And who better to lead the way than another actor who was previously approached for the role, but had to pass. We could have had a version of The Living Daylights starring Pierce Brosnan , but you can thank contractual obligations with NBC's hit TV show Remington Steele from letting that happen. But as history has shown us, sometimes losing the role once means it just wasn't your time.

With one foot in the wittier side of the pool that Roger Moore's films occupied, and the other in Sean Connery's era of a killer edge, Brosnan's tenure in the role was a mixed, but exciting bag. Starting off with the very serious Goldeneye , but finishing with the very silly Die Another Day , the Pierce Brosnan era also brought another pleasant surprise – his first female boss. Through four films together, Brosnan and Dame Judi Dench gave the flagging series a more contemporary update, which also saw its lead surprisingly replaced with very little notice. While his last film would celebrate 40 years and 20 films in the James Bond canon, change was once again in the air.

Daniel Craig

Year(s) Active: 2006 - 2020

Number Of Films: 4 (to date)

Enter the most recent cast change, and our current era of Bond history – the age of Daniel Craig . In a casting contest that had the likes of Clive Owen and Henry Cavill competing for the role, Craig won out when it came to the role of England's premiere covert operative. And it was at a moment that the series really needed a strong hand, as 2006's Casino Royale was announced as not only the 21st James Bond film, but also a reboot to the character's first assignment as a 00-agent.

Like a brick through a plate glass window, the film was the smash that revitalized the series that has now been operating into its fifth decade of film history. Craig brought back the edge of Timothy Dalton and the vulnerability of George Lazenby, and the charm of Sean Connery, into a cocktail that would serve Craig, and his audience, very well in the years that followed. While he was originally deemed by fans as unfit for the role, most memorably after being labeled as “James Blonde,” it didn't take long for him to convince the world that he was one of the best Bonds to have come along in some time.

While Quantum of Solace and Spectre have been seen as slight dips in quality, Skyfall delivered a 50th birthday present that only guaranteed that James Bond would be returning for some time to come. And as Bond 25 serves as Daniel Craig 's rumored final entry as 007 , the page will now turn for a new era of Bond history. Who will occupy the role next is left to be discovered. If we've learned anything from this re-examination of history, it's that whoever fills the tuxedo next will probably be an unexpected surprise, but one worth sticking around for.

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

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How to Watch All the James Bond 007 Movies in Order

By Pat Saperstein

Pat Saperstein

Deputy Editor

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Looking for a satisfying movie viewing project that takes you through the past 60 years of cinema history with a huge helping of action, intrigue and attractive faces? Why not try watching all the James Bond 007 movies in order, from its very beginning with “Dr. No” to Roger Moore’s first 007 movie “Live and Let Die” to Daniel Craig’s final outing as the superspy in 2021’s “No Time to Die.”

Those who haven’t seen some of the earlier Bond films are in for a musical treat, with title songs from the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Louis Armstrong, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran and of course, Paul McCartney & Wings’ iconic “Live and Let Die.”

The 007 films are also a prime place for spotting some of the best supporting actors, from villains like Javier Bardem and Rami Malek to romantic interests — and occasionally villains as well — like Halle Berry, Sophie Marceau and Michelle Yeoh.

So settle in with a bowl of popcorn and maybe a Vesper martini, and let the action begin.

This list includes all 25 films produced by Eon Productions, as well as the two Bond films that were produced by other production companies, the 1967 “Casino Royale” and “Never Say Never Again.”

Dr. No (1962)

“Dr. No” was not Ian Fleming’s first novel about the master spy known as 007, but it was the first to be adapted for the big screen. Many of the tropes of the series are established in this first installment, from the Jamaica setting to the attractive local shell diver, Honey Ryder, who is taken prisoner with Bond by the henchmen of Dr. No, a member of SPECTRE — the nefarious Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Exortion organization that would continue to bedevil Bond for decades to come.

Stream “Dr. No” on Prime Video.

From Russia With Love (1963)

President John F. Kennedy was reportedly a fan of the book “From Russia With Love” was based on, and the story continues the plot from “Dr. No” as SPECTRE decides to take revenge on Bond for killing their agent. The film initiates the globe-trotting the series would become known for, with a fateful trip to turkey and an adventure on the Orient Express train.

Available to rent on Prime Video.

Goldfinger (1964)

From a luxury hotel in Miami to the winding roads of Switzerland to a Kentucky horse farm and a plan to rob Fort Knox, “Goldfinger” quickly became the quintessential 007 film. Iconic characters include the pilot Pussy Galore, a skilled fighter and love interest for Bond, and the indelible image of Jill Masterson, played by Shirley Eaton, covered in gold paint.

Rent “Goldfinger” on Prime Video.

Thunderball (1965)

Bond is assigned to the Bahamas to stop an atomic bomb threat in “Thunderball,” in which nearly a quarter of the film takes place underwater, with an impressive aquatic battle scene. It remains one of the most financially successful 007 films when adjusted for inflation.

Stream “Thunderball” on Prime Video with MGM+.

You Only Live Twice (1967)

When an American spacecraft is hijacked, Bond goes to Japan to investigate the island headquarters of SPECTRE Number One Ernst Stavro Blofeld and help prevent the Cold War from becoming WWIII. The screenplay was written by Roald Dahl, who based the storyline only loosely on Ian Fleming’s novel.

Rent “You Only Live Twice” on Prime Video.

Casino Royale (1967)

Based on the first 007 novel by Ian Fleming, “Casino Royale” is a spy parody starring David Niven as the “original” Sir James Bond 007. It’s one of only two films, the other being 1983’s “Never Say Never Again,” that wasn’t produced by Eon Productions since the rights to that Ian Fleming novel were sold separately. With a madcap comedic tone, the spy caper has a star-studded cast including Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, Orson Welles, Woody Allen, William Holden, Charles Boyer, Jean-Paul Belmondo and John Huston.

Rent “Casino Royale” on Apple TV+.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

The only 007 film to star George Lazenby as Bond, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” features Telly Savalas as the evil Blofeld, who oversees 12 Angels of Death tasked with spreading a worldwide virus. After saving her from drowning, Lazenby romances and marries Countess Teresa di Vicenzo, played by Diana Rigg, the daughter of a crime boss. The action travels from the beaches of Portugal to the snowy Swiss Alps, with the story following the novel more faithfully than most Bond entries.

Rent “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” on Prime Video.

Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Sean Connery returned to the 007 series after a brief sabbatical, impersonating a diamond smuggler and working to stop Blofeld from destroying Washington, D.C. Legendary Bond singer Shirley Bassey also returned to perform the iconic theme song. The story finds Bond traveling to Las Vegas in an attempt to chase down the stolen diamonds being launched into space in a laser-equipped satellite.

Rent “Diamonds Are Forever” on Prime Video.

Live and Let Die (1973)

How do you follow up a theme song like “Diamonds Are Forever”? With the equally iconic “Live and Let Die” from Paul McCartney and Wings, the first rock song to open a Bond film. Suave star Roger Moore assumes the secret agent role this time, in a plot that revolves around Bond’s efforts to foil a corrupt Caribbean drug lord, and is set in Harlem, New Orleans, and Jamaica.

Rent “Live and Let Die” on Apple TV+.

The Man With the Golden Gun (1974)

The energy crisis and the martial arts film craze meet up in the plot for “The Man With the Golden Gun,” which finds Bond facing off with the assassin Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. The superspy sets off on a quest to find info on a golden bullet etched with 007, traveling from Beirut to Macau to Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Rent “The Man With the Golden Gun” on Apple TV+.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Roger Moore returns in the story of Bond and Soviet agent Anya Amasova, who team up to stop reclusive madman Karl Stromberg from trying to destroy the world and create a civilization under the sea. Stromberg’s henchman Jaws provides one of the series’ most memorable villains, while the scenic action ranges over Egypt, Sardinia and Austria.

Rent “The Spy Who Loved Me” on Prime Video.

Moonraker (1979)

Made two years after the first “Star Wars” movie re-introduced the world to the joys of science fiction, “Moonraker” has Bond tracking down the hijackers of a space shuttle. 007 travels from California to Venice, Italy and Rio de Janeiro before blasting into space — where he joins the 10,000 mile high club — to defeat the evil Drax’s forces.

Rent “Moonraker” on Prime Video.

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

After “Moonraker,” Bond returned to Earth in a more traditional entry, in which he gets entangled with rival Greek businessmen while looking for a missile command system. Set in Corfu, Greece as well as Italy and Albania, it features a spectacular action scene set at an abandoned mountaintop monastery, and one of the most thrilling ski chases ever captured on film. The romantic title song by Sheena Easton was nominated for an Oscar.

Rent “For Your Eyes Only” on Prime Video.

Octopussy (1983)

Bond follows a Soviet general who is stealing valuable objects from the Kremlin, which leads him to an exiled Afghan prince and his mysterious associate — the titular Octopussy, played by Maud Adams. She lives in a floating palace in Udaipur, India, and controls the Octopus cult. From India to East Berlin, Bond’s race to deactivate a nuclear warhead will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Rent “Octopussy” on Prime Video.

Never Say Never Again (1983)

Sean Connery returned to play 007 for the last time in this movie that was outside of the usual Eon Productions, and distributed by Warner Bros. Released just a few months after “Octopussy,” it sees Bond returning to action after SPECTRE, led by Klaus Maria Brandauer’s Maximilian Largo, steals two nuclear weapons. Moving from France to Spain to the Bahamas, Bond ends up in an underwater battle to save the world from nuclear annihilation.

Stream “Never Say Never Again” on Prime Video with Max.

A View to a Kill (1985)

In Roger Moore’s last appearance as Bond, he faces off against May Day, played by singer Grace Jones, who together with her industrialist boyriend Max Zorin, are trying to bring down Silicon Valley by setting off explosives to cause a massive earthquake. Though Christopher Walken makes a suitably diabolical Zorin, the role almost went to David Bowie, who would have brought an interesting twist to the series.

Rent “A View to Kill” on Prime Video.

The Living Daylights (1987)

Timothy Dalton took over as 007 in “The Living Daylights,” which was based on a short story by Ian Fleming. In this popular entry, Bond helps a KGB general defect while in Czechoslovakia, then must track down the new KGB head in Tangiers, Morocco. Covering terrain from Austria to Afghanistan, it’s a race against time in a story that revolves mostly around the tensions between the Soviet Union and the West.

Rent “The Living Daylights” on Prime Video.

License to Kill (1989)

In the last film to star Timothy Dalton as Bond, he travels to the Key West wedding of his friend, CIA agent Felix Leiter. Bond and Leiter capture a drug lord by pulling his plane out the air with a helicopter, but still arrive in time for the wedding. But he ends up being suspended from MI6 and becomes a rogue agent, chasing drug traffickers across a fictional Central American country.

Rent “License to Kill” on Apple TV+.

GoldenEye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan entered the picture as Bond in “GoldenEye,” a lengthy six years after the last installment. 007 must prevent a rogue ex-MI6 agent from trying to cause a worldwide financial crisis by taking out London with a satellite weapon. Judi Dench became the first woman to play M with the action moving to Moscow, Puerto Rico and Monte Carlo.

Rent “GoldenEye” on Prime Video.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

In Pierce Brosnan’s second outing as 007, Jonathan Pryce plays Eliot Carver, a media mogul who is, once again, attempting to start World War III. Bond travels to Germany where he encounters an ex-flame who is now married to Carver. It’s then on to Okinawa and Vietnam, with supporting players including Michelle Yeoh and Ricky Jay adding intrigue.

Rent “Tomorrow Never Dies” on Prime Video.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Full of almost-unbelievable stunts, from a boat chase involving a hot air balloon escape to a stealth attack on a submarine, “The World Is Not Enough” gives Pierce Brosnan a workout as he travels from Spain to Azerbaijan to Istanbul, working to protect a billionaire’s daughter and foil a scheme to trigger a nuclear meltdown.

Rent “The World Is Not Enough” on Prime Video.

Die Another Day (2002)

Pierce Brosnan’s final Bond film brings in Monty Python member John Cleese as Q, with Halle Berry co-starring in the story that incorporates a North Korean setting. 007 is looking for a mole in British intelligence and a billionaire who’s working with a North Korean operative. From a gene therapy clinic in Havana to an ice palace in Iceland, there’s plenty of international intrigue for Brosnan’s final foray.

Rent “Die Another Day” on Prime Video.

Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig makes his first appearance as 007 in “Casino Royale,” the third time adaption of the source material after the 1950s TV version and the satirical 1965 movie. Though Quentin Tarantino was reportedly interested in helming a Bond film, “GoldenEye” director Martin Campbell ended up making it instead. Bond takes on terrorist Le Chiffre, played by Mads Mikkelson, trying to clean him out in a high stakes poker game.

Rent “Casino Royale (2006)” on Apple TV+.

Quantum of Solace (2008)

Directed by Marc Forster, “Quantum of Solace” functions as a sequel to “Casino Royale,” with Bond teaming up with Olga Kurylenko to stop a member of the terrorist group Quantum from carrying out a coup in Bolivia. Bond keeps the action non-stop as he races from Austria to Mexico, Panama, Chile, Italy and Wales.

Stream “Quantum of Solace” on Prime Video.

Skyfall (2012)

One of the most successful Bond movies of the past 20 years sees 007 presumed dead after a dramatic fight atop a moving train. Though he had decided to retire after his presumed death, he returns to duty, where he fights his way from an opulent casino in Macau to an abandoned island in Japan to his childhood home in Scotland.

Rent “Skyfall” on Prime Video.

Spectre (2015)

Kicking off with a colorful Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, Bond manages to block a bomb plot and finds a ring with an octopus design on the dead attacker. Bond then goes rogue on an unauthorized mission, traveling to Rome for the bomber’s funeral and then on to Austria and the Sahara desert before landing back in London in the ruins of the old MI6 building. Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux and Naomie Harris co-star.

Rent “Spectre” on Prime Video .

No Time to Die (2021)

Daniel Craig’s final film as 007 has him reuniting with Madeleine Swann, as the two travel to the grave of his former lover Vesper Lynd and narrowly escape a bombing attempt in Italy. Five years later, Bond comes out of retirement to infiltrate a Spectre party in Cuba as part of an attempt to eradicate dangerous nanobot weapons from the world. The film’s powerful ending is one of the most emotional climaxes in the series.

Stream “No Time to Die” on Prime Video.

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With ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout,’ the Tom Cruise Franchise Could Be Bigger than James Bond in North America

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Well before “Star Wars” or “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and much earlier than “Jurassic Park” or the comic-book universes, the Bond films invented franchise filmmaking. Still, as solid as 007 remains, “M:I” may be its equal in North America. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” could be the final summer release to open to $75 million or more. That’s a bit over pre-release projections, but its reviews are the best of any studio release this summer — nearly as good as “Black Panther” earlier this year.

Lower estimates are based on the $62 million debut for “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” the same weekend three years ago (like all numbers here, adjusted to 2018 ticket prices). Paramount itself is low-balling expectations with a $50 million prediction, which can safely be ignored. That $65 million consensus is likely low, but perhaps more extraordinary is that Tom Cruise’s 22-year-old spy-thriller franchise may have more box-office clout than James Bond .

That may seem like heresy. The Bond films launched in 1962, hitting their peak of success in the mid-’60s with “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” both of which grossed over $600 million adjusted. At the time, most big hits were limited-run epics or musicals like “Ben-Hur” or “The Sound of Music.”

Bond became the prototype for modern blockbusters and inspired a spate of  spy-themed movies and TV shows, including “Mission: Impossible.” For the feature adaptation, the story  switched from an ensemble of agents to a Bond-like charismatic action hero. From the start, the franchise has openly worked to match the Bond films, though with a more American cast and feel.

The 56-year-old Cruise is older than most Bond incarnations, but he’s kept pace and then some. Roger Moore’s made his final effort at 58; Daniel Craig’s most recent was at 47; Sean Connery portrayed Bond seven times from ages 32-53. Cruise is four years younger than John Wayne was when he made “True Grit,” nine years senior to Brando when he made “The Godfather,” and 11 years older than George C. Scott’s “Patton.”

“Fallout” is one of the most expensive films of the summer (reported budget of $178 million). That falls shy of “Spectre” (around $250 million), but at that level it needs to gross Bondian numbers. This seems entirely possible, and then some; with “Fallout,” Ethan Hunt could prove to be Bond’s equal or better.

On Average, “M:I” Beats Bond

This is the least important statistic here, but even with Bond hitting its peak in the Sean Connery era, the 25 Bond films have averaged $242 million. The five “M:I” titles average $281 million. So on this basis, “M:I” bests Bond.

Since “M.I.” Started, It Has the Lead

The “M:I” films from 1996-2015 grossed $1.405 billion in North America, for the $281 million per-film average. There have been seven Bond films in this period, with a domestic gross of  $1.753 billion and a per-film average of $250 million. Advantage, “M:I.”

Tom Cruise vs. Daniel Craig, Round 1

Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 led to an uptick for the series, to the point where his presence is considered essential. But perhaps not as much as Cruise to “M:I”: Craig’s average across four “Bond” films is $251 million. Advantage, Ethan Hunt.

Tom Cruise vs. Daniel Craig, Round 2

There have been three “M.I.” titles in the 21st century, at an average of $218 million. Craig has made four Bond films in that period, averaging $251 million. (Credit goes to “Skyfall,” which overperformed at $351 million.)

“M.I.” Comes With Lower Budgets

“M:I” is an established franchise, but hardly Bondian in terms of built-in anticipation. The recent Bond films have been November openers, which means they had the benefit of Thanksgiving box office , and possibly even Christmas holdovers. The three most recent Bonds opened between $75 million and $102 million, with ultimate domestic totals 2.5-3.5 times those figures.

“M:I” titles are a little trickier. Of the three most recent, one (“Ghost Protocol”) had a limited IMAX-only initial week. But its first 10 days (all before Christmas) still led to a 3.4 multiple. “Rogue Nation” had a 3.5 multiple. Of the three, only the 2006 edition fell short at 2.8.

That increase suggests two things: Resistance to Tom Cruise (who has a history of generating some antipathy) and less audience commitment to the franchise. But audience response seems to overcome those drawbacks — and given the rapturous critical response, we could see “Fallout” propelled to new heights.

Cinemascores, Metacritic Give “M:I” the Edge

The last three “M:I” entries ranged from 73 to 86 in Metacritic scores. The last four Bonds  ranged from 58 to 81. “M:I” gets the critics’ preference.

The four recent Bonds received Cinemascores of A, two A-, one B-. “M:I” received three at A-. Slight edge to “M:I.”

Bond Rules Overseas

No contest here. Each of the last four made between $500 million and 900 million in international grosses, with “Spectre” the highest share at 77 percent. The last two “M:I” films were over $500 million, with around a 70 percent share.

That alone is why Bond films cost roughly $100 million more than “M:I” films. Both series are very successful, but the extra overseas revenues along with expectations for series production value means more expense.

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James Bond star Lea Seydoux says Tom Cruise would win in a fight with Daniel Craig

• Lea Seydoux said Daniel Craig would lose in a fight against Tom Cruise.
• Seydoux has starred alongside both leading men who are known for performing their own stunts.
• Seydoux stars in the latest Bond movie, "No Time To Die." 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Lea Seydoux believes Daniel Craig, 53, would be no match for Tom Cruise, 59, in a fight, she revealed during an interview with Craig present to promote the new highly anticipated Bond film "No Time To Die." 

Seydoux starred alongside Cruise in 2011's "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" — and she was asked to compare her experience working with Cruise to Craig on the James Bond as both are known for performing their own daring stunt. 

"In a fight, who would win: Daniel Craig or Tom Cruise," Graham Norton asked Seydoux during an interview to which she laughed and replied: "Tom Cruise, of course."

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Seydoux has played Madeleine Swann, the deadly companion to Craig's 007, in three James Bond films. Later during the interview on "The Grahame Norton show," Seydoux said that she returned to the franchise because there had been an improvement in the quality of the film's female roles.

Seydoux also discussed the impact "Fleabag" writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was brought onto the film to rework the script, had on the final film. 

"She wrote for us and Lashana [Lynch] as well and she's great," Seydoux said. "I love her I'm a huge fan, actually, but I saw her briefly on set and I wish I had more time with her."

Of Waller-Bridge, Craig added: "We didn't have enough time with her. She's very, very busy, so we got her for snippets and she came in and had a big influence on the script. She's one of the best around and she freed up a lot of things."

Seydoux — who is one of the most successful French actors of her generation — has discussed the evolution of female characters in the Bond franchise extensively during the press run for "No Time To Die." 

During a recent interview with Sky News , Seydoux said she believed Bond is now less of a "misogynist." 

"I think that this time the female characters have more depth and are stronger, but not only stronger because they are skilled and powerful, but also we want to have more interesting female characters - we want to relate to them," she said.

"It's the first time that a female character is coming back - we get to know her and we get to know Madeleine in 'No Time To Die,' so I think that in that sense, it's much more interesting."

"No Time To Die" opens in UK theaters on September 30. The film is Daniel Craig's last outing as 007. 

Watch: How they filmed Tom Cruise jumping out of a plane in "Mission: Impossible—Fallout"

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007th heaven: why Tom Hardy as the new Bond is too good to be true

If a post on an obscure Star Trek blog is to be believed, Hardy will be the next 007. Could fans cope with his villanous side?

T his weekend it was reported that Tom Hardy had been cast as the next James Bond. And that’s a perfectly reasonable thing to believe, so long as you’re prepared to go on the say-so of an unsourced post on a Star Trek blog that hardly anyone has heard of.

If that’s the case, then we should probably adjust our expectations for the next era of Bond. When Daniel Craig was announced as the new 007, it was via a big-budget stunt where he raced up the river Thames on an assault boat . If the Tom Hardy news is true, then the world will have to remember hearing about it from a 470-word blogpost on something called the Vulcan Reporter, which had to spend a fifth of its word count explaining who James Bond is. Tighten your belts, lads, because it looks like Bond is going absolutely threadbare.

Still, this freakishly obscure post has nevertheless been taken as gospel by several newspapers, which means one of two things: that Covid has starved us of real film news to such an extent that we’re willing to believe whatever unsourced speculation gets lobbed at us, or that we’re all excited about the prospect of seeing Tom Hardy as 007.

If it actually happens, it would be an interesting choice. It would mean that Hardy is, by far, the most established actor ever to play James Bond. Usually the role of 007 is handed to someone who, like Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig, are up-and-comers with a solid background in TV and a clutch of splashy supporting roles to their name. But Tom Hardy? Tom Hardy is Venom . He’s Mad Max. The films he has made in the last five years alone have not only earned $2bn around the world, but have also won 12 Oscars.

This is both good and bad. The upside is that audiences are already aware of Hardy, and will need less convincing to see him as Bond. The bad news is that, when they do, they’ll bring all his existing baggage along with them. It might take a film or two for them not to see him as Bane, or Eddie Brock, or his incomprehensible hillbilly from The Revenant .

What Hardy does have in his favour, though, is a level of mystique. As successful as he is, I’d be surprised if audiences would say that they truly knew him, in the way they know Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or any other movie star who has managed to craft a carefully hewn persona. There isn’t really a cut-and-dried Tom Hardy role yet. Yes, he might have a thing for gangsters, or people who enjoy covering up their faces, or unintelligible accents, or sounding a bit Welsh all the time (he’s from London), but as a star he remains curiously nebulous.

Perhaps that means Bond would work in his favour. He still has space to be defined by a role, and certainly 007 has a habit of doing that to people, so perhaps this would be the moment that he blossoms into the fully formed megastar he has always threatened to become.

A Tom Hardy Bond, too, has the potential to be fascinating. Hardy doesn’t exactly shy away from villainy – he’s been Al Capone and both Kray twins, and even his superhero managed to decapitate people with his teeth – so his could be a Bond who muddies the water between light and dark more than usual. After all, James Bond is an alcoholic murderer with sociopathic tendencies and a long history of sexual impropriety, so wouldn’t it be great to see a version where he actually gets a kick out of it? Where his innate sadism comes to the fore a smudge more than usual? If that’s the path that 007 wants to go down, Hardy would be the perfect choice.

Then again, I’m not sure it is. The announcement of a new Bond is an opportunity for the franchise to chase the big-screen trends of the day with renewed vigour – competing against 90s one-man army movies with Brosnan, the Bourne films with Daniel Craig – and his competition now is Marvel and Mission: Impossible. Big, expensive, brightly coloured, self-aware, easily defined fare characterised by visual spectacle. That’s what people want to see now, and the assumption was that’s what Bond would become. And if that’s the path that 007 wants to go down – and I say this with regret to the Vulcan Reporter – Tom Hardy might be a bit too complicated for the job.

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Everything we know about ‘Bond 26’ so far

Will Aaron Taylor-Johnson be the next 007?

Gentlemen, rev your Aston Martins and start shaking those martinis, because a new James Bond is on the horizon. Menthol smoke has not yet started billowing out of MGM Studios – the traditional indication that the next 007 has been chosen – but the chatter suggests Daniel Craig’s replacement has been selected and a confirmation is imminent.

What does this mean for the future of the iconic British spy series and its upcoming 26th instalment? Information is limited, but here’s what we know so far. 

When will the next James Bond be announced?

With Bond 26 not expected on our cinema screens until 2025 at the earliest, the film remains firmly in the pre-pre-production phase. ‘We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through,’ said EON producer  Barbara Broccoli in June 2022 . ‘There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time. I’d say that filming is at least two years away.’ Co-producer Michael G Wilson has also stressed that Bond 26 will be a hard reset for the franchise and for Bond himself. Don’t expect any youngsters in the running was the gist of his comments in 2022. ‘We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past,’ he told Deadline . ‘But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirtysomething.’

At some point in the not-too-distance future, white smoke will come billowing out of EON’s metaphorical chimney and the identity of the new 007 will be revealed. Until that time comes, there’s a tonne of fun to be had in speculating who will commit near-on a decade to playing MI6’s finest.  

So, who might be 007 after Daniel Craig?

1. aaron taylor-johnson .

Age : 33 Odds : 2/1

The floppy-haired MCU alum has been considered the frontrunner for the gig for the last year, over some of the more recognisable faces below, and now The Sun has claims that an offer is on the table.

If the name is unfamiliar – or if you’re confused why they cast the woman from The Queen’s Gambit – that’s probably because the High Wycombe native has spent the past decade in supporting roles, most recently squaring off against Brad Pitt in the frenetic actioner Bullet Train and most notably as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron . But he isn’t exactly coming out of nowhere: after breaking out portraying a young John Lennon in the biopic Nowhere Boy and co-starring in the superhero satire Kick Ass , Johnson won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for his role in the Tom Ford thriller Nocturnal Animals .

Despite Michael G Wilson’s previous comments, Johnson would be among the younger actors to step into Bond’s loafers – third youngest behind George Lazenby and Sean Connery, who was 32 in the franchise’s inaugural Dr No. Still, it’s not hard to see the fit: he’s got the brooding good looks and lithe physicality needed to succeed Daniel Craig – if you need proof of the latter, check out his slick moves in this late period REM video .

‘He is the perfect person to play Bond,’ says one of The Sun ’s sources, ‘and will pick up well from where Daniel left off.’

If the rumours turn out to be true, it’s rough timing for his wife, Nowhere Boy director Sam Taylor-Wood, who’s likely to be hounded with questions about his casting while promoting her Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black .

2. Henry Cavill 

Hot on his heels is the ex-Man of Steel, Henry Cavill. The Londoner’s recent conscious uncoupling from Superman and the DC universe – and to lesser extent, his departure from Netflix’s smash hit series The Witcher – suddenly leaves space on his schedule for the kind of heavy-lifting (and publicity duties) demanded by playing Ian Fleming’s legendary spy. 

Sure enough, bookies have Cavill at 5/2 second favourite to put those reloadable arms into service for King and Country. 

3. Regé-Jean Page

Age : 35 Odds : 11/2

If EON wanted to immediately convert an army of Bridgerton fans to the charms of the James Bond franchise, it would immediately cast one-time Ton heartthrob Regé-Jean Page. And aside from the seismic impact of casting an actor of colour as James Bond, Page is a fast-rising performer whose magnetism will be on show on the big screen this summer in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves alongside Star Trek ’s Chris Pine. Will that represent James Bond and James Kirk sharing a screen? Bookies have him at 11/2 for the Bond role. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Norton (@jginorton)

4. James Norton

Age : 38 Current odds : 7/1

If he gets the role, the magnificently-haired Londoner would represent the most luxuriantly-maned Bond since Brosnan. And the rumour mill has had him firmly in the running since McMafia and War and Peace first introduced the UK’s living rooms to him. Most of his best work so far has been on the stage or small screen – he’s currently playing a proper wrong’un in the BBC’s crime series Happy Valley – although he put in an eye-catching performance in 2020’s Stalin-era journalism drama Mr Jones .  

5. Tom Hardy

Age : 46 Current odds : 7/1

The Venom and Peaky Blinders star has been linked with the role since long before it was actually available. But at 45, he doesn’t seem to fit the profile Michael G Wilson has set out of a ‘thirtysomething’ actor. Then again, a conversation around the new Bond can hardly not involve Hardy’s name. He helped turbo-charge Mad Max: Fury Road , despite having about seven words to say, and his suave spy in Inception was a stellar 007 audition. If EON is looking for a beefy badass with soulful vibes and serious acting craft, Hardy could be the guy. He might insist on wearing a mask, though .  

6. Chiwetel Ejiofor

Age : 46 Odds : 9/1

Back in 2014, there were strong rumours that 12 Years a Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor would be playing a Bond villain in Spectre . That never came to pass, theoretically leaving the Londoner in the shake-up to play 007. Naomie Harris is in favour – and no Bond ever got anywhere without Moneypenny on board – but his age would seem to count against him.  

7. Dan Stevens

Age : 41 Odds : 14/1

Suave, charming and a big cricket lover, Dan Stevens seems like the kind of James Bond that Ian Fleming might have cast. Scratch a bit deeper, though, and there’s a darker edge to the one-time Downton Abbey actor. Check out 2014’s terrific neon-tinged action-thriller The Guest if you have any doubts he could do all the nastier stuff Bond gets up to between saving his country and annoying M. 

9. Idris Elba

Age : 51 Odds : 16/1

It’s not going to be Idris . We should all probably stop asking him about it now.

9. Aidan Turner

Age : 39 Odds : 20/1 One-time Poldark saucepot Aidan Turner would be the second Irishman to play 007 if he landed the gig. And like Pierce Brosnan, he packs a tonne of charm under a self-contained exterior. Will his relative lack of big-screen experience rule him out?

No Time to Die explained: All your James Bond plot questions answered .

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Next James Bond: 17 actors we want as 007

Our favorite actors for the next Bond

The next Bond is going to be the chatter of Hollywood and beyond, as Daniel Craig is stepping down. ( No Time To Die is his swan song after four movies as 007.) But who should inherit his license to kill and 00-ranking? While we won't get an answer until 2022 at the earliest (so says Bond producer Barbara Broccoli ), it's not too early to play Cast That Bond!

For a very long time, the internet has begged for Idris Elba to take the role, but MGM (now an Amazon subsidiary) has never taken anyone up on that cry. And since we've already watched the James Bond movies in order , we've made a list with Elba and 16 other prime candidates to take over for Craig.

Once you've looked at our list, you'll see that we're breaking apart the qualifications for Bond past what they once were. Not only are there Black and bi-racial James Bonds on our list, there's also multiple female James Bonds. And since James isn't a name that's tied to any gender, there wouldn't be any need to rename the character. 

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So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are 17 actors we'd love to see as the next James Bond. And, yes, there was some internal debate over this list. Not everyone on here fits everyone's idea of who James Bond is.

Regé-Jean Page

Many folks (men, women and non-binaries like) with a Netflix account know who this is, but for everyone else, Page played the ridiculously handsome Duke of Hastings in the first season of Bridgerton. He's certainly charming, has the acting chops and would be the first biracial Bond, but at 31 he may be a tad too young. However, don't write Page off forever — his next major lead role will be in a reboot of The Saint, memorably played in the 1960s by none other than Roger Moore. — Paul Wagenseil

Tom Holland

While he may seem a little short and child-like for the role (who gives a kid a license to kill?), there's a whole future of Bond movies ready for the current Peter Parker. At only 25 years young, Holland has his whole career ahead of him, and with his third Spider-Man movie under his belt, and multiple other MCU movies, he's a big enough name to be a box office draw. Oh, and if you're wondering, "shouldn't James Bond be British?" I guess you've never heard Tom Holland speak in his real voice. The guy's a "secret Brit," and a complete chameleon when it's time to talk. Plus, he's already demonstrated his ability to go serious with the movie Cherry. — Henry T. Casey 

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

If the folks behind James Bond want a whole new world with Mr. Bond, I recommend Gugu Mbatha-Raw. You may know her from roles in Loki or The Morning Show, but Mbatha-Raw is an unknown-enough name that she won't walk into the 007 role with a lot of baggage. That said, her experience as Judge Ravonna in Loki showed she's as good with sly negotiation as she is in hand-to-hand combat. Plus, her character arc in season 1 of The Morning Show as Hannah demonstrated that she's equally capable with an emotional storyline that is tied to accusations and deceit. — Henry T. Casey 

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James Norton

James Norton isn't a household name in America, although Masterpiece Mystery viewers may recognize him as the original "hot priest" on Grantchester, and he's also got a major role in HBO's The Nevers. That anonymity may be an asset for Norton if James Bond franchise owner Eon Productions wants a relatively unknown actor. Norton ticks off many of the other boxes for a new Bond: he's youngish (36), tall, very handsome, very English and just a bit posh. However, his action credentials are mostly limited to a lead role in the BBC/AMC series McMafia and a Viking movie. Still, don't write off this dark horse. — Paul Wagenseil  

The conversation about Idris Elba as the first Black James Bond has gone on for so long that it feels like it would have happened by now. And that's because it should have happened already. Elba's smoldering work in Luther has primed audiences for his time as a 00 agent, while his performances in The Wire and Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw have shown he has plenty of range. Whether you want your Bond to be clever and focused on the big picture while he's working with the younger agents, or a Bond who can do all the big stunts, Elba's your man. Some around the Tom's Guide Slack think that Elba's a bit too old for the role — that the Broccolis want a bond for the next decade and beyond — but we have no time to live for a world without an Idris Elba Bond movie. — Henry T. Casey

Henry Cavill

With appearances in some of the biggest blockbuster franchises, both as Superman and as August Walker in the Mission: Impossible movies, Cavill was already a prime target to be the next James Bond. But then in the last couple of years, he proved capable of doing it all, from building a gaming PC (really) to helming The Witcher on Netflix. That said, he's not over-exposed yet, and could blend right into the James Bond tux. You're imagining it right now, aren't you? — Henry T. Casey

Daniel Kaluuya

We learned that Kaluuya was good with action as W'Kabi during the climax of Black Panther, but the even more pertinent role was his work as Chris Washington in Get Out. Bond always finds himself in a bit over his head, and Washington definitely managed through such a situation when the Armitage family sent him to The Sunken Place. And anyone who's seen Kaluuya walk the red carpet these days knows that he's more than comfortable in a sharp suit. — Henry T. Casey

Tom Hiddleston

James Bond isn't technically a master of mischief, but the main man who wears the Loki horns would be a stellar Bond. At 40, he's not too old to do a full set of 007 movies, and one just wonders if he may be too lanky for the role. The ultimate key to a successful Bond agent is one who's comfortable with action, gadgetry, espionage and banter — fields where Hiddleston has succeeded in throughout his career. One wonders if he could get his ex Taylor Swift to make a cameo. — Henry T. Casey

Henry Golding

The British-Malaysian actor had his breakout in Crazy Rich Asians thanks to his looks, suave charm and chemistry with actresses. Sounds like just the combination needed in the next James Bond. The rising star went on to prove his acting chops in A Simple Favor and his action prowess in (the admittedly not good) Snake Eyes. Gold is not too old, not too young and not too big of a star, unlike some of the other candidates on this list. There’s still a bit of mystery to him, which is perfect for the Bond mystique. — Kelly Woo

Lupita Nyong’o

While she may not be British, Lupita Nyong’o's good enough with accents, and excellent enough with dry banter that she could do well as 007. She showed considerable acting chops in Jordan Peele's US, where she played both sides of a very tricky situation, something that Bond always has to be capable of. And her work in the MCU as Nakia definitely shows she's ready for a raucous action scene or few. — Henry T. Casey

First thing’s first: Have you seen Dev Patel in a suit? Almost enough said. Beyond his very handsome facade, Patel is also one of England’s best young actors, with a BAFTA win and Oscar nomination for Lion among other accolades. So, he fulfills a lot of the more superficial Bond requirements. More than that, his South Asian roots reflect the changing face of Britain and could bring in an interesting exploration of the country’s colonial past. Sure, Patel has declared he doesn’t want the role, but what’s a Bond movie without a little chase? — Kelly Woo

Robert Pattinson

Since the Twilight saga ended, Pattinson has established himself as a dependable, unpredictable actor in movies ranging from the art-house The Lighthouse to the mega-budget Tenet. He's the right age (35) and the right nationality (English) for Bond, but there's one big obstacle in the way of him picking up Bond's Walther PPK pistol: Pattinson is slated to play Batman on the big screen for the next several years. — Paul Wagenseil

Millie Bobby Brown

If the Bond franchise really wants to leap into the future, why not cast one of the biggest stars of Generation Z? Millie Bobby Brown is, of course, world-famous for Stranger Things, but she’s also honed her skills in two Godzilla movies and Enola Holmes (showcasing her natural British accent in the latter). Casting the 17-year-old as James Bond would be a massive shake-up of the character first introduced in 1953. But maybe this is the perfect opportunity to say “out with the old, in with the new. — Kelly Woo

Brett Goldstein

Oh, for f’ks sake! Goldstein has become one of the breakout stars of Ted Lasso not just for his ability to swear a blue streak, but for his gruff demeanor guarding his rather tender soul. Roy Kent’s cool, steady glare would translate well to Bond’s steely-eyed spy, and Goldstein’s physicality would be up to the task of playing an action hero. Plus, as a CGI character, it’ll be easy to insert him anywhere in the world.   — Mike Prospero

Christian Bale

Between Patrick Bateman and Bruce Wayne, Bale has plenty of experience playing rich tuxedo-clad bachelors with mental issues. While he might be reluctant to take on another franchise, he’s got the chops for action, too, and thanks to the Q branch, Bond has just as many high-tech toys as Batman. Holding a martini while blowing away bad guys would be as easy for Bale as slipping into a Tom Ford suit. — Mike Prospero

James McAvoy

As the young Professor Xavier, McAvoy has experience playing franchise characters, and he’s young enough to realistically portray the Bond character for a good 10 years or more. His sense of humor will also add a touch of levity that helps leaven the action in all the best Bond films. And considering the greatest Bond ever was a Scotsman, why not go back to the source? — Mike Prospero

Andrew Scott

The Dublin-born and -raised Scott has been acting for 25 years, and at 44 might be approaching the cutoff age to commit to Bond for the next decade. But anyone who's seen Scott as Moriarty in Sherlock or as the "hot priest" in the second season of Fleabag knows how much of a presence he can make. I still think Pierce Brosnan was one of the best Bonds -- why not take a chance on another Irishman? — Paul Wagenseil

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Paul Wagenseil is a senior editor at Tom's Guide focused on security and privacy. He has also been a dishwasher, fry cook, long-haul driver, code monkey and video editor. He's been rooting around in the information-security space for more than 15 years at FoxNews.com, SecurityNewsDaily, TechNewsDaily and Tom's Guide, has presented talks at the ShmooCon, DerbyCon and BSides Las Vegas hacker conferences, shown up in random TV news spots and even moderated a panel discussion at the CEDIA home-technology conference. You can follow his rants on Twitter at @snd_wagenseil .

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Den of Geek

Mission: Impossible Just Outdid James Bond’s Best Stunt

The James Bond movies were once the gold standard for stunts. Until Ethan Hunt and Mission: Impossible 7 just came along.

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For a long time, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, the James Bond film series was considered the crème de la crème of action and stunts. Back in the early years of Sean Connery and Roger Moore , there were very few competing franchises at all, let alone one that delivered the same kind of highly choreographed chases, jumps, fights, and explosive battles as the 007 movies.

What’s even more amazing is that there was no CG back then either, which meant that just about everything the Bond stunt and visual effects teams pulled off was practical—sure, there were things like rear projection and miniature work, but nothing was created out of bytes of data inside a computer. That’s all different today, of course. CG is the primary tool through which films now create and execute all kinds of action and visuals. Yet some filmmakers remain resolutely committed to practical effects, such as Christopher Nolan. Another is Tom Cruise, whose Mission: Impossible series might be the single best, most consistent, and most visually compelling action franchise out there right now.

And now, with the newest entry in the series, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One , Cruise and director-writer Christopher McQuarrie might have finally outdone a James Bond stunt considered not only the best in 007’s long canon, but one of the most incredible ever committed to film. Yep, they challenged the ski jump in The Spy Who Loved Me .

The Spy Who Skied Off a Mountain

The James Bond films are known for their opening pre-credits sequences, which usually set the tone for the movie with a splashy action set piece. The formula arguably reached its zenith with the 10th film in the franchise, 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me . Directed by Lewis Gilbert, The Spy Who Loved Me is considered Roger Moore’s best film as Bond and one of the finest in the series. It’s got great villains, one of the best Bond leading ladies, a smart and funny script, and some of 007’s most dazzling action.

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It all starts with the prologue, in which Bond escapes a squad of Soviet assassins during a thrilling downhill ski chase on a mountain in Austria, which climaxes with Bond skiing off the side of the mountain , falling thousands of feet before his Union Jack parachute blooms out behind him.

Although the scene takes place in the Alps in the movie, the sequence was filmed at Mount Asgard (yes, named after Thor’s home) on the remote Baffin Island in northern Canada. The mountain reaches an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, and the crew from the movie had to reach the glacier summit via helicopter. The man hired to perform the jump was a climber and professional ski instructor from California named Rick Sylvester, who was reportedly paid $30,000 to make the jump (the entire sequence cost $500,000 to film). Sylvester had previously performed a couple of 3,000-foot jumps from El Capitan in Yosemite Park, but this was new territory. He and the crew stayed at Baffin Island for two weeks before attempting the shot, testing out camera locations and waiting for the exact perfect weather conditions.

Four cameras were deployed to capture the jump, and Sylvester admitted years later that he had trouble getting into position to deploy the parachute—which made it possible that he had fallen out of the view of all the cameras before the Union Jack chute was released.

Once the footage was developed, however (and remember, this is 1976, so the actual celluloid had to be sent away from the location and developed before anyone could see what they got!), it was determined that the footage captured by the third camera was usable—a good thing, since bad weather rolled in immediately afterward.

Although the footage of the jump is heart-stopping to watch even today, it’s dampened a little by the insert of a close-up of Roger Moore, very obviously hanging from strings on a set as he prepares to “land.” Still, it stood for 46 years—until now—as perhaps the most daring film stunt ever successfully attempted.

The Spy Who Rode a Motorcycle Off a Cliff

No Roger Moore-like insert shots here! Over the years, Tom Cruise has insisted on performing most, if not all, of his own stunts, pulling off a series of escalating, death-defying sequences throughout the course of the Mission: Impossible series. But after hanging off ascending planes, helicopters, speeding trains, cliff faces, and the tallest skyscraper in the world in six previous films, Cruise had something even more spectacular in mind for the seventh M:I adventure: while pursuing a train, his Ethan Hunt drives a motorcycle off a massive cliff. Ethan then free falls until he can deploy a parachute to pilot himself safely onto the roof of a moving train.

“This is far and away the most dangerous thing we’ve ever attempted,” said Cruise in a featurette about the shot , which was filmed in September 2020 in Norway. “We’ve been working on this for years.” According to the clip, Cruise trained for a year in BASE jumping, sky diving (doing more than 500 dives), motocross jumps (13,000), and canopy (parachute) control, while a special ramp was constructed at the site of the stunt and new drone cameras were brought online.

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Everything had to be coordinated perfectly—the cameras, the weather, the stability of the ramp, plus Cruise’s ability to speed up to the ramp, hit the right speed and angle, let go of the bike at the right second, clear the walls of the cliff, and time the deployment of his chute. Not much, right?

But as you can see in the featurette—and, of course, the finished film—Cruise did it. And he did it six times to make sure that they got the shot exactly as they wanted it. This is the star of the film doing the most dangerous stunt ever conceived. If anything goes wrong at any point, there is no movie. And there is no more Tom Cruise .

But they got the shot, thanks to the hundreds of talented craftspeople who strive to make movies an indelible experience for audiences, just as the 007 crew got their shot halfway around the world 47 years ago. Most of all, thanks to the courage of Rick Sylvester back then, The Spy Who Loved Me paved the way for Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One to surpass it. That leaves only question: What will they do next time?

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is in theaters now.

Don Kaye | @donkaye

Don Kaye is an entertainment journalist by trade and geek by natural design. Born in New York City, currently ensconced in Los Angeles, his earliest childhood memory is…

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Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong. Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong. Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong.

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• 1.8K User reviews
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• 25 wins & 41 nominations total

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• Trivia Tom Cruise trained for an entire year to perform the HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) stunt in this film.
• Goofs While the specifications for the bomb were being revealed, an explosive yield of five megatons was mentioned. This would be impossible since a Plutonium core alone would only be capable of a fission reaction measured in kilotons of TNT. A second or even third stage involving a fusion reaction would be necessary to achieve an explosive yield in the multi-megaton range. This would require fuels such as lithium-6 deuteride and tritium and a much more complex design than what was shown in the movie.

Delivery Man : Fate whispers to the warrior.

Ethan Hunt : A storm is coming.

Delivery Man : And the warrior whispers back.

Ethan Hunt : I am the storm.

• Crazy credits The opening credits sequence showed various scenes that foreshadowed the movie.
• Alternate versions In India, the film has been certified UA (12+) by the Indian Censor Board with references to Kashmir being chopped off, resulting in some abrupt edits.
• Connections Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Tom Cruise/Parker Posey/Jorja Smith (2018)
• Soundtracks The Mission: Impossible Theme Written by Lalo Schifrin

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• July 27, 2018 (United States)
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• $178,000,000 (estimated)
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• Jul 29, 2018
• $791,658,205

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• Runtime 2 hours 27 minutes
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Has the next James Bond been revealed? All the latest rumors

We might finally know who our next James Bond could be!

James Bond fans want to know who the next James Bond is and when the next film will finally go into production. It's been a while since No Time to Die brought Daniel Craig's run as the superspy to an end... but we might finally know which actor will be stepping into his shadow. 

Late last year, producer Barbara Broccoli told The Guardian that the process of reinventing Bond for the next incarnation "hadn’t even begun" around the time the Bond-themed Prime Video challenge series 007: Road to a Million was airing. 

In mid-March, it was widely reported been widely reported that Aaron Taylor-Johnson — who had been touted as a frontrunner in the race to be Bond in the past — has been offered the role. 

At the time, The Sun reported that Eon Productions was due to start shooting the next Bond movie later in 2024, and Taylor-Johnson was 'going to sign his contract in the coming days'.

Their source says: "Bond is Aaron's job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement".

Taylor-Johnson was recently quizzed by Numero Magazine about the rumors linking him to Bond. In response, he said: "I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment".

Since the rumors have gone round, a former 007 has offered his verdict on the rumored new star's involvement. Appearing on RTE Radio 1's "The Ray D'Arcy Show", Pierce Brosnan said he thought Aaron Taylor-Johnson 'has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond'. 

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Without a formal announcement, we're still in the dark when it comes to who's going to be the next James Bond. With that in mind, we've kept our list of other potential Bonds below, as there have been plenty of rumors about the role over the years. Here are nine more actors we think could be in with a shot of being the next James Bond, besides the frontrunner.

Nine more stars who could be our next James Bond

Jamie dornan.

Irish actor Jamie Dornan responded to casting rumors that had included him in the running to be the next James Bond. Speaking to Total Film magazine (via GamesRadar) , Dornan, speaking before the release of Heart of Stone , revealed he didn't put much stake in the rumors. 

"I've been in that conversation for a good couple of years now. Sometimes I'm more in that conversation than other times. It tends to be if you have a movie coming out."

Dornan showed his credentials off by playing a charming spy opposite Gal Gadot in the Netflix spy thriller. But Heart of Stone was panned by many reviewers and it's not clear if this will have ultimately helped his chances of landing Bond, assuming he'd like the part.

Despite being considered of the potential frontrunners, it was reported in August 2022 that Idris Elba had "walked away" from being 007, with a source at the time claiming Idris 'wants to create something for himself' (via Metro ), rather than take on the Bond mantle.

This prompted the following response from Bond boss Barbara Broccoli (in a Variety article): "The thing is, it's [casting] is going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it's a 10, 12-year commitment", she said. "So he's probably thinking, 'Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it], with fellow 007 producer Michael G. Wilson adding: "And he was in his early 30s at the time!"

Idris repeatedly played down any interest in playing the role, despite remaining one of the favorites for Craig's replacement. In February 2023 (ahead of the release of Luther: The Fallen Sun ), he gave a pretty definitive final verdict: "You know, a lot of people talk about another character that beings with 'J' and ends with 'B', but I'm not going to be that guy. I'm going to be John Luther. That's who I am." (quote from the Independent ).

Regé-Jean Page

Whilst Regé-Jean Page is probably most famous for playing the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton , he isn't just limited to period dramas.

Although Page downplayed rumors that he was in the running to be the next James Bond in the past, he's remained one of the many favorites to take up the mantle after Daniel Craig. 

One of Page's upcoming projects might well be a great test to see if he's got what it takes to be the next James Bond. He's set to follow in the footsteps of the third Bond, Sir Roger Moore, and star as Simon Templar in a reboot of the British spy thriller series, The Saint, for Paramount, following his appearance in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

He's also recently appeared alongside Chris Evans, No Time to Die guest star Ana de Armas, and Ryan Gosling in The Gray Man , a Netflix thriller from Noah Hawley that saw ex-CIA operative Court Gentry (Gosling) being hunted down by his former colleagues after he's betrayed by his agency.

Tom Hardy has consistently been one of the frontrunners to play Bond next, and it's easy to see why he might be an obvious choice. 

He's no stranger to filming action set-pieces having appeared in the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road, Venom: Let There Be Carnage , Inception and The Dark Knight Rises , and it's easy to picture him picking up where Craig left off.

With Craig's era at an end, the 007 producers will likely want to try and shake up the franchise a little bit going forward. Tom has a very strong background in crime drama— thanks in no small part to his key role in Peaky Blinders — so he could be a great choice if they want a darker, grittier tone in the next movie.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill, who at the time of this update is the second favorite for the part, is most famous as the DC Universe's Superman and Geralt in The Witcher And Cavill is no stranger to espionage action. 

He was a key player in Mission: Impossible – Fallout where he partnered with legendary action star Tom Cruise as SAC operative, August Walker. He also appeared in Guy Ritchie's The Man from U.N.C.L.E. movie and has recently starred in the first movie in Matthew Vaughn's spy franchise, Argylle .

What's more, Henry Cavill is definitely up for stepping into the Bond franchise if he can. He regularly shares how much he would love to be involved in the Bond franchise as either a hero or villain, and he even auditioned for the role before it went to Daniel Craig.

Aidan Turner

Poldark heartthrob Aidan Turner is another popular choice for the next James Bond. The Irish actor is well known for his lead role in the BBC period drama, though he's also well known for his turn as Kili, one of the dwarves in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy.

Turner is a few years younger than some of the other frontrunners, which could make him a popular choice as the Bond bosses will likely be looking for another actor to stay with one of cinema's longest-running franchises for several movies. 

He was recently on our screens in The Suspect, a thriller from the team behind Line of Duty and Vigil .  

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch has already had a chance to prove her potential as the next Bond because she is a major player in No Time To Die . 

Ahead of the film's November 2020 release date, Lashana Lynch was revealed to be taking on the 007 designation, making her the first female and first Black actor to have the iconic codename. Her character, Nomi received this honor sometime after Bond drove off with Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) after the events of Spectre and went into retirement.

Whilst we still don't know whether a female Bond could be on the cards, Lashana Lynch's appearance as the new 007 in No Time To Die makes her a strong candidate for Craig's replacement. 

Richard Madden

Richard Madden is thought to have been in the running for the next James Bond ever since he impressed as Police Sergeant David Budd in the gripping BBC drama, Bodyguard . At some point Bodyguard 2 is on the way.

Elsewhere, the Scottish actor is best known for playing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones , a just figure cruelly betrayed along with his with at the infamous "Red Wedding".  

More recently, Richard Madden has become a Hollywood favorite, featuring in Rocketman , 1917 and he's now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of the Eternals . As if that wasn't enough, his upcoming role in Citadel , an Amazon Studios spy thriller, is a perfect training ground for the next James Bond.

Gabriel Basso

Gabriel was a late addition after fronting the hugely popular Netflix thriller, The Night Agent as FBI agent, Peter Sutherland. 

Whilst an American actor might not seem the most obvious choice for the next James Bond, it's not a huge stretch to imagine that 007 producers could be eyeing up Gabriel Basso, given he's a little younger and he's the star of the latest spy drama to take the streaming world by storm, right? If this seems a little far-fetched, we can still look forward to his return in The Night Agent season 2. 

More James Bond

• No Time To Die review
• How to watch every James Bond movie

Martin is a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produces a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. 

Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows , Bridgerton , Gangs of London , The Witcher , Doctor Who , and Ghosts . When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.

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Has Mission: Impossible Beaten James Bond At His Own Game?

As Dead Reckoning Part One becomes the biggest Impossible movie yet, has the Cruise missile really dethroned 007?

A superspy launches a motorcycle into the air, fights on top of a train, and uses last-minute gadgets to save the day. Is it a James Bond movie? Nope. It’s Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One . And as these impossible stunts get bigger, and the spy action slicker, a lot of folks are asking the obvious question: Is Mission: Impossible just the new James Bond?

Right now, we’re in a lull between James Bond movies . Daniel Craig played 007 for the last time in 2021, there’s no word on who will play Bond next nor when the next movie will come out. For anybody looking for globe-trotting espionage and action, that’s no problem, though, because the Mission: Impossible movies exist. And, with the release of the seventh M: I movie, Dead Reckoning Part One , it’s pretty hard to deny that Ethan Hunt has bested Bond.

Dead Reckoning — out now in theaters — gives Tom Cruise’s now-iconic character a new impossible mission. A rogue, self-aware A.I. known only as “The Entity” is threatening global stability, and Ethan and his allies must rush to destroy it before it does further damage — or any number of governments or terrorists figure out how to take control of it. Ethan travels around the world, gets in fights, uses fancy spy gadgets, faces off with a new villain (Esai Morales as Gabriel), and there’s a new beautiful woman accompanying him (Hayley Atwell’s Grace.) Ethan might lack Bond’s British accent and sophistication, but other than that, Mission: Impossible is checking all the Bond boxes.

How Mission: Impossible transformed

The cast of Mission: Impossible in 1967. Barbara Bain as Cinnamon Carter, Peter Lupus as Willy Armitage, Greg Morris as Barney Collier, Peter Graves as James Phelps, and Martin Landau as Rollin Hand.

It wasn’t always this way. The Mission: Impossible we know at today’s box office isn’t the Mission: Impossible of the original TV show that the current films are based on. That show, which premiered on CBS in 1966 and ran for seven seasons, was likely inspired by the Bond movies in some way ( Dr. No hit theaters four years before the show began) but was much more of a heist series than a spy one. The focus is on the Impossible Missions Force, a team of deliberately under-developed agents who would make an elaborate plan to pull off some tricky mission every week. Notably, there was no Ethan Hunt in the TV show — both literally and figuratively. There was no character with that name in the show, and there also wasn’t really a “main” character. Maybe Martin Landau’s Rollin or Barbara Bain’s Cinnamon would get greater focus on one episode or another, but the show was about the IMF team . The movies are about Ethan Hunt as much as the Bond films are about James Bond.

By starring Cruise and inventing Hunt as a protagonist, the 1996 Mission: Impossible already makes the property much more like Bond. It goes even further by offing Ethan’s team in the opening act and revealing that Jon Voight’s Jim Phelps, who was a protagonist in the show, was a villainous mole. The stakes were higher and the action and stunts more elaborate — though nowhere near as much as they would be in later movies.

Still, while the first Mission: Impossible and its two sequels were more Bond-esque than the show, they weren’t quite ready to take down 007. The second and third films, directed by John Woo and J.J. Abrams, respectively, had their own vibes and aesthetics. Mission: Impossible was an action franchise, but not THE action franchise.

Hunt Becomes Bond

Tom Cruise climbs a building in Mission: Impossible —Ghost Protocol in 2011.

But, that changed with the fourth film 2011’s Ghost Protocol , which was directed by Pixar legend Brad Bird and was partially written by Christopher McQuarrie, the man who would go on to be Cruise’s big creative partner and director of the next four Mission: Impossible movies and, that other Tom Cruise blockbuster everybody loved .

Ghost Protocol was a slick action flick, and it introduced the concept of an ever-escalating series of stunts that are as impressive to watch on the big screen as they are to learn about behind the scenes. Cruise actually climbed the tallest building in the world for Ghost Protocol , he actually hung to the side of a plane for Rogue Nation , he actually flew a helicopter through a tight gorge in Fallout , and he actually rode a motorcycle off a cliff for Dead Reckoning Part One .

There are exciting action scenes in James Bond movies, but Mission: Impossible has a signature stunt-driven style that, lately, seems to surpass Bond. And, the more recent movies have benefitted from a sense of consistency that has allowed audiences to get to know Ethan and establish a cast of supporting characters. Ving Rhames’ Luther Stickell and Simon Pegg’s Benji Dunn are the deepest characters to ever grace the silver screen, but they’re likable, familiar faces that help make Mission: Impossible — which began as a TV show that eschewed character development in favor of the mission of the week — feel like an ensemble series compared to Bond. Sure, 007 has Q and Felix Leiter, but they’re inconsistent, and until the Craig films were archetypes who were allies to 007 more than they were characters to latch on to.

Don’t get the idea that Mission: Impossible has looped back around to being a fully team-based franchise like the TV show was. This is still Ethan Hunt’s series. And, more than that, it’s Tom Cruise’s series. And it’s perhaps on the Tom Cruise point where we learn that maybe Mission: Impossible will never be able to fully best Bond despite Dead Reckoning ’s dizzying success . A half-dozen people have played 007, and they’re in the process of casting a new actor for the role. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt. The character — and by extension, the franchise — fully rests on not only his star power but his willingness to push the envelope with astounding stunts.

As it currently stands, Mission: Impossible is out-Bonding Bond in the stunts. But, at this point, the franchise is almost over. Dead Reckoning Part Two is stated to be the 61-year-old Cruise’s final outing with the IMF. It’s hard to imagine Mission: Impossible without him, at this point. (Indeed, Ghost Protocol was intended to hand the torch off to a new character played by Jeremey Renner. That obviously didn’t stick.)

Mission: Impossible ’s success seemed fully tied to Cruise, and when he departs, that might be it. Bond, though? As the last line of so many films confidently promises, “James Bond will return.” It’s hard to imagine us ever feeling that way about Ethan Hunt.

Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is out in theaters now.

This article was originally published on July 13, 2023

Mission: Impossible vs James Bond: Which Spy Franchise Is Better?

From heart-stopping action to suave sophistication, these spy franchises are more than they might seem.

When it comes to iconic spy franchises , two names immediately come to mind: Mission: Impossible and James Bond . Both have captivated audiences for decades with their thrilling espionage stories, high-stakes action sequences, and charismatic protagonists. What's more neither seem to be ending anytime soon, with Tom Cruise's M:I franchise seeing its seventh installment release this summer, as well as the search for the next 007 in full swing.

Of course, the question becomes: which of these legendary spy franchises reigns supreme? In this article, we will compare and contrast Mission: Impossible and James Bond to determine which spy franchise is better.

Analyzing the Adaptability of Mission: Impossible

The Mission: Impossible franchise, led by Cruise as the indomitable Ethan Hunt, has become known for its jaw-dropping action sequences and adrenaline-pumping thrills. With each new installment, the series pushes the boundaries of what is possible, regarding stunts and special effects. The franchise has also gained a reputation for its intricate and mind-bending plots that keep audiences guessing until the very end.

One of the biggest strengths of Mission: Impossible lies in its ability to adapt to the changing times. The franchise has successfully reinvented itself with each new film, staying relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. It embraces the latest technological advancements, incorporating them seamlessly into its narratives to create a modern and immersive experience for viewers. The Mission: Impossible films also feature a strong ensemble cast, with each member bringing their unique skills and personality to the table.

Related: Mission: Impossible: Best Villains in the Franchise, Ranked

Reviewing the Suaveness of James Bond

On the other hand, the James Bond franchise has stood the test of time with its classic elegance and timeless appeal. Since its inception in 1962, the suave and sophisticated British spy has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Bond, played by various actors over the years, has become an iconic symbol of style, charm, and coolness under pressure.

James Bond films are often characterized by their suave and debonair protagonist, who effortlessly navigates through a world of intrigue, romance, and danger. The franchise has a rich history and a strong sense of continuity , with each film building upon the legacy of its predecessors. The Bond movies are known for their iconic theme songs, memorable one-liners, and glamorous locations that transport viewers to exotic locales around the globe.

Related: Why Tom Hiddleston Should be the Next James Bond

How Personal Preferences Make a Difference

Deciding which spy franchise is better ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you crave high-octane action and cutting-edge spectacle, Mission: Impossible is the franchise for you. With its heart-stopping stunts and intricate plots, it delivers an exhilarating experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

On the other hand, if you appreciate the timeless charm and sophistication of a classic spy tale, then James Bond is the way to go. The suave and charismatic James Bond, whose films have some of the best lines , has become a cultural icon. The franchise also has a rich history and a sense of elegance that is hard to match.

Ultimately, both franchises have unique strengths and have made significant contributions to the spy genre . Whether you prefer the modern spectacle of Mission: Impossible or the classic elegance of James Bond , one thing is certain: both franchises have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.

James Bond: Who else has been rumoured to play 007?

• Entertainment
• Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 2:10pm

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is reportedly set to be the next actor to play fictional spy James Bond.

On Tuesday, The Sun reported that Eon Productions has offered Taylor-Johnson the main role, and that the 33-year-old actor is likely to sign the contract and start filming at Pinewood Studios later this year.

The 33-year-old British star, who rose to fame as a superhero in Kick-Ass and played John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, has been touted as the next 007 for some time.

But who else is in the running?

Henry Cavill

The Man of Steel and The Witcher star has long been linked to playing James Bond since Daniel Craig stepped down from the role in 2021.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris is not a name as synonymous with Bond as others in the line up, but the Snowfall actor has racked up a number of awards over the years, including two MOBO's for Best Performance for TV or Film.

At just 32, the actor from Peckham, South East London is one of the youngest of those speculated to be Bond.

Cosmo Jarvis

Another contender not as widely speculated about as others is Cosmo Jarvis.

Despite this, betting company Ladbrokes added the Lady Macbeth star to their list of favourites after he starred in the Disney+ Japan-set mini series Shogun.

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “As expected, we’ve seen plenty of interest in Cosmo Jarvis over the last few days, and he’s fast becoming a genuine contender to take over from Craig as 007.”

A popular fan favourite to take over from Craig, is Idris Elba.

It is not the first time the Luther star has been rumoured to play the well-loved British spy, having been linked to the role before.

Yet Idris Elba has previously ruled out becoming the next James Bond to ITV, but didn't put an end to 007 rumours altogether.

Asked by ITV London if he'd play the famed spy, the 49-year-old said: "No I'm not going to be James Bond."

But quizzed on whether he'd like to take on the role at some point, Elba added: "Who wouldn't?"

In the nearly 50 years since the first Bond film, the British agent has never been played by a Black actor.

"How amazing would it be to have a black James Bond?"

Cillian Murphy

Fresh off the back of his Oscars success for his leading role in Oppenheimer, the Irish actor is fast becoming a bookie favourite to play the spy.

Last week, Ladbrookes changed the odds of him playing 007 from 50/1 to 9/1.

Previous Bond star Pierce Brosnan is also reported to be backing the Peaky Blinders actor.

Regé-Jean Page

Best known for his role as the Duke of Hastings in the first series of Bridgerton, the 35-year-old has previously said it is "flattering" to be linked to the role.

Another actor who has long been rumoured to play Bond since Craig said he was leaving the role.

William Hill, Ladbroke’s and Paddy Power long tipped him to take over as 007.

He has a number of action credits under his belt including Black Hawk Down, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Legend.

Hardy has previously said : "I would love to do it. Who wouldn’t? If I did get the chance, I would smash it out the park. But there are a load of British actors who could do just the same. There is a long list of talent in this country who would love the honour just as much as me and could do it just as well.”

Henry Golding

Henry Golding rose to fame following his 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians which saw him in the lead role. The Malaysian-born English actor is currently sitting at 50/1 on the bookies odds of who will take over from Craig.

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‘James Bond’: Did former 007 Pierce Brosnan approve of Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Here’s what he says

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been abuzz with reports swirling around of his potential casting as the James Bond successor.

Read also : Tom Cruise will return for ‘Top Gun 3’; wins the internet with blood-soaked filming look for ‘Mission Impossible 8’

As the 33-year-old English actor could portray the iconic role in the future, another former 007 Pierce Brosnan has approved of him to be the next 007 agent.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role of James Bond, taking over from Daniel Craig, The Sun reports. He is expected to sign the contract in the next few days. pic.twitter.com/KwOlbnAysq — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 19, 2024

During his recent appearance on RTE Radio 1’s “The Ray D’Arcy Show”, Pierce Brosnan spoke on Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s potential James Bond casting. Here’s what he said:

Pierce Brosnan on Aaron Taylor-Johnson potentially playing James Bond: “I’d definitely tip my hat to the fellow. I think the man has the chops, talent and charisma to play Bond. Very much so.” (via: @RTERadio1 ) pic.twitter.com/Yf4uFTuDcU — ScreenTime (@screentime) March 27, 2024

“I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,” Pierce Brosnan said of Aaron Taylor-Johnson taking over the iconic role.

Giving the English hunk his blessing, the Irish actor and film producer recalled the time when the two starred together in 2009’s The Greatest , a film that the latter produced.

All this talk of a new #Bond , Ray D’Arcy decided to ask the advice of someone with first hand experience! 🕵️‍♂️👀 Pierce Brosnan threw his support behind Aaron Taylor Johnson amid speculation he’ll become the next 007! pic.twitter.com/CZSCObAdYy — RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) March 22, 2024

“One of the first movies we made, one of the earliest movies, was ‘The Greatest,’ Pierce Brosnan recalled. “And he was the greatest in it. It’s a lovely movie with Aaron and Carey Mulligan and Susan Sarandon and myself.”

The former Bond actor continued, “So, yes, I read the news about his possibilities of being a Bond, so I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow.”

Pierce Brosnan played the British secret agent in a total of four films between the ’90s and early 2000s, including GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day .

This makes Pierce Brosnan the second former Bond star to give the Bullet Train star a thumbs-up after George Lazenby.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rolling Stone UK (@rollingstoneuk)

Meanwhile, in his Rolling Stone UK cover story, Taylor-Johnson kept quiet on his potential casting as 007. “I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell,” he said adding, “I don’t feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me. I feel like: whatever’s drawn out for me, I can fuckin’ do better.”

Read also : Aaron Taylor-Johnson breaks silence on James Bond speculation; Here's what he says

Cover image source : Twitter

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Tom Cruise’s genius plan to take on the mission impossible that is this weekend’s M25 closure

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Tom Cruise appears to have an enterprising solution at hand to this weekend’s M25 travel chaos impacting on Mission: Impossible 8’s cast and crew – fly them in to set via helicopter.

The Hollywood star and avid aviator, 61, is said to have helicopters on standby to help skirt the ‘carmageddon’ expected with massive delays as the M25 has its first-ever daytime closure over the weekend.

A five-mile stretch of the motorway between  junctions 10 and 11 is now shut  in both directions and will remain inaccessible until 6am on Monday while a bridge is demolished and new gantry installed.

Cruise and his cast and crew on the latest action blockbuster, which includes Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Rebecca Ferguson and Hannah Waddingham , are reportedly filming this weekend at Surrey’s Longcross Studios.

The location is just off the M3, close to the M25 closure that has motorists being warned of up to five-hour delays on surrounding roads and the 11.5-mile diversion route.

Producer and Top Gun actor Cruise reportedly has a helipad in Battersea, southwest London, ready to be used to fly any affected cast and crew into set on Surrey, over the motorway.

It’s a spot the qualified pilot has used before , including earlier this month.

‘The M25 closure is a headache for most people but not for Tom. He is so keen to keep Mission: Impossible 8 in production that he’s got helicopters on standby in London to fly his crew over to Longcross,’ a source told The Sun .

‘It sounds excessive but delaying work on the film is a bigger problem and Tom is such a professional – he’d move heaven and Earth to keep the show on the road.’

Mission: Impossible 8 has already been hounded by delays during production thanks to Covid and then last year’s Hollywood actors’ strike, which pushed it from its intended release date in 2024.

‘Staff on the movie or stars who are needed for filming have been told if they can’t get to Longcross because of the M25 closures they’ll be flown in by chopper.’

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Unsurprisingly, the observation has been made that it’s ‘a feat that is just like a scene out of one of Tom’s films’.

The upcoming blockbuster, which was recently confirmed to be dropping its intended title of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, is now eyeing a May 2025 release.

Assuming, of course, that the M25 doesn’t cause any more issues, with a further four daytime closures of the M25 taking place up to September.

Although dates for these have not yet been announced, the next one is expected in April.

The project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes at junction 10, one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.

Jonathan Wade, project leader at National Highways, yesterday advised motorists to simply stay at home if at all possible .  

‘Please, if you can either avoid travelling completely, find something to do at home – decorate the bathroom or something, or play in the garden,’ he told The Independent’s travel podcast.

‘If you must go, travel by train, walk, use a bicycle. I don’t mind really what you do.

‘Avoid driving anywhere around those diversionary routes around Painshill, Byfleet, West Byfleet on the eastern side of Woking. It will be in your interests.’

Cruise and cast including Pegg and Atwell were spotted in Derbyshire over the past few weeks , sparking speculation that parts of the movie were being filmed nearby.

The star then delighted a staff with a surprise visit to Lovage Restaurant in Bakewell between shoots, happily posing for pictures.

Metro.co.uk has contacted a rep for Tom Cruise for comment.

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• Meet The Blondes

Our favourite British spy is back and while this may be Daniel Craig’s last outing in that tux (sob!), there are more reasons than it being his spectacular swansong as James Bond to watch No Time To Die . Sure, there’s plenty of explosive action, fast cars and gadgets galore, a plot that twists and turns more than an Aston Martin up a snow-covered mountain and a surprising new take on Ian Fleming’s secret agent that definitely shakes and stirs things up.

But it’s the spectacular film locations that are arguably the real stars of the 163-minutes-long blockbuster that hits our screens today.

The latest instalment of the popular franchise sees James Bond globetrotting around the world, shooting (in both senses of the world) in Italy, England, Scotland, Norway, The Faroe Islands and Jamaica.

So if watching No Time To Die has you dusting off your passports or hankering to follow in the footsteps of the world’s top secret agent, then here’s your ultimate Cruise Blondes guide to cruising the movie.

Matera and Sapri, Italy 

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Pierce Brosnan Reacts to Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Rumored Casting as James Bond: He 'Has the Chops' to Play Him

“I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow,” Brosnan said of the actor, whom he worked with in 2009's 'The Greatest'

Frazer Harrison/WireImage; Aldara Zarraoa/Getty

Pierce Brosnan would happily watch Aaron Taylor-Johnson step into James Bond ’s perfectly polished shoes.

While appearing on RTÉ Radio 1’s The Ray D'Arcy Show last week, a fan asked the actor — who portrayed the iconic spy in four films from 1995 through 2002 — how he feels about the rumor that Taylor-Johnson may be the next Bond .

“I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,” Brosnan, 70, said of the actor.

Brosnan also recalled acting alongside Taylor-Johnson, 33, in one of his production company Irish DreamTime’s earliest projects, and lauded his performance in the film.

“One of the first movies we made, one of the earliest movies, was The Greatest . And he was the greatest in it,” he said of the 2009 film, which also starred Brosnan, Carey Mulligan and Susan Sarandon .

“So, yes, I read the news about his possibilities of being a Bond, so I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow,” Brosnan added.

Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images

When asked what advice he would give Taylor-Johnson should he step into 007’s iconic shoes, the actor said: “Be bold. Go out there. Have a great time.”

“Just love it,” he added. “Just go for it. You can do it.”

Taylor-Johnson has not confirmed or denied his involvement in a new Bond project. He avoided the topic altogether in a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK , saying, "I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell."

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Elsewhere in his The Ray D'Arcy Show appearance, Brosnan reflected on his own stint as the British secret agent — created by famed spy novelist Ian Fleming — whom he said he was destined to portray.

Keith Hamshere/Getty

Brosnan said long before he nabbed the role, he and his first wife, the late actress Cassandra Harris (who starred in a Bond movie of her own, For Your Eyes Only ) “joked about my being James Bond” — and then he actually got the chance.

The Mamma Mia actor was offered the role for 1987’s The Living Daylights , but had to turn it down to continue his stint on the drama series Remington Steele , so Timothy Dalton became the next Bond.

Then, two Dalton Bond films and six years later, Brosnan was offered the role once again, and made his big-screen debut as the secret agent in 1995’s GoldenEye .

“It was my destiny, I guess, to play this role, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” he said, adding, “I’m very proud of the work.”

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