‘James Bond’ is a codename, not a person. So at least in theory, anyone could play him next. But the road to 007 is paved with stereotypes and favouritism.
If the internet and the bookies are to be believed, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston are all vying for an equal shot at the role of Bond, all in with a decent chance of getting picked.
There’s just one problem: the mysterious Broccoli family, and not the British public, have full creative control over who will be next in line to play Britain’s favourite spy.
So, with that in mind: who – and how – will they choose?
Bond, a family business
Barbara Broccoli is the 55-year old daughter of original Bond movie producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli.
Today she owns the cinematic rights to the entire James Bond film franchise in all it’s tuxedo-clad, gadget ‘n’ gun glory.
During her time on the James Bond productions, Barbara Broccoli has worked on the directorial, writing and production management departments. This – she claims – makes her the perfect successor to Ian Fleming, the author of the original Bond books, and to her father.
Broccoli started in the Bond franchise at the age of 17, working in the publicity department on The Spy Who Loved Me. Six years later, she became an assistant director on 1983’s Octopussy and then later a producer.
Most notably, since taking over the series completely after her father’s death, Broccoli has hired two James Bonds of her own; Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan.
Both have given us indications about how the media mogul sees the role of Bond and who she is likely to cast in the future.
Old Bond? Gay Bond? Black bond? Jane Bond?
Much like her father, Broccoli prefers the old-school image of Bond: white, middle aged and preferably straight, and isn’t afraid of saying so in interviews with the press.
When asked if he thought a gay bond could ever work, former 007 Pierce Brosnan said he thought it could, until he remembered that Barbara Broccoli retained creative control of the franchise and he quickly changed his mind.
“Sure. Why not?” Said Brosnan initially. “Actually, I don’t know how it would work. I don’t think Barbara would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for interesting viewing.”
“Muh Fleming Books?”
Last year the controversy was further stoked by comments from Anthony Horowitz, the writer who inherited the Bond novel series. Horowitz famously said that Idris Elba was “a bit too street” to play the part of Bond, explaining that,
“It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too ‘street’ for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.”
Of course, 007 is not one individual. You’d think the white guy writing the official books would’ve known that.
Horowitz was subsequently pressured to apologize for his remarks about Elba, and retracted the statement. Meanwhile, many of us want to see a kick-ass lesbian Jane Bond!
In reality, any changes to the physical depiction of Bond are seriously unlikely to happen, at least while Barbara Broccoli is in charge.
Barbara told HuffPostUK last year on the subject of 007’s eventual replacement that she is “defiantly determined to keep Daniel (Craig)”.
“I just don’t want to think about it. I’m in denial. I don’t want to think about that day. Daniel Craig is Bond, forever, as far as I’m concerned.”
Now that Daniel Craig himself seems determined to leave, Barbara needs to start thinking about it.
If the Broccoli family’s track record is anything to go by, it looks like we’re going to get Tom Hiddleston whether we like it or not. After all, he’s the only person posh enough with a strong media profile and the “correct” skin colour.
What do you think? Who would you like to see as the next Bond? Let us know at Hello@JOE.co.uk or hit us up on Facebook with a message.
