Criteria to be James Bond and why current favourites are most likely out

James Bond producers are currently looking for a younger 007, as per Ross King. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have already ruled out Sam Heughan, who’s 42. 

King explained on Lorraine, “The latest rumour — and in some ways part of this is very much true — which is, basically, the Bond producers are looking for a younger Bond”, adding, “Someone probably in their 30s.” 

Heughan is best known for Outlander but also appeared in the 2018 comedy, The Spy Who Dumped Me. However, he has been deemed too old to take over from Daniel Craig, the 54-year-old British actor whose last outing as the MI6 agent was in No Time To Die.

Craig was 38 when he first stepped into the role, playing the British spy in Casino Royale. Since then, he spent nearly 15 years with the franchise, and since producers are looking to the future, they want someone who can play the part for a long time. 

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Ross explained, “At the end of the day they want someone who will be Bond for the next three movies”, adding, “For the franchise, they want someone who will carry it through the same way Daniel Craig did it.” 

Another criterion for the new Bond is that he has to be tall, over 5’10”, Ross explained. While Craig was just 5’10”, other Bonds have been over 6 feet. 

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The other current favourites are Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and even Henry Cavill, but they all seem to be out of the race, in light of these requirements. The Venom actor who’s pushing 44 is nowhere near 6 feet while Elba fits the height requirement but is 49 years old. Cavill is 39, and comes in on the higher side of the age requirement, leaving the question wide open as to who will be the next James Bond.