My favorite James Bond actors
As a new actor prepares to step in, I take a look back.
Here’s the ONE thing on my mind this month: JAMES BOND.
Sorry Warner Brothers/DC Studios news addicts, but the sharply dressed British spy is more my flavor.
Rumors have been swirling that Aaron Taylor-Johnson could have met with MGM studio heads about taking over the role for the next film. We shall see where the truth lies in those discussions, but I like the potential move off the cuff. Taylor-Johnson is young and fit enough to step right into the role, and he is just known enough around the world to carve out a new spot in his Hollywood lexicon. The “Kickass” star recently co-stole (with Brian Tyree Henry) all the good parts of “Bullet Train.”
There’s an edge to him, as seen in the 2022 action film from David Leitch, and headlined by Brad Pitt. Taylor-Johnson and Pitt went toe-to-toe midway through the film. The former was employing his English accent for the film, and held his own in a movie from the mind who co-directed (without credit) “John Wick.”
It could go in a different way, but he gets my vote. That world is endlessly attractive to me. Imperfect mega spies dangling their dangerous life over potential love and eventual doom. Ah, bring it on.
I thought about James Bond Day, which was three months ago. Martinis are shaken without being stirred that day. Tuxedos can be worn inside Starbucks. Icy threats, close escapes, moderate drama, and cool sayings by heroes are allowed today. Or not. I am not completely sure.
What I am sure about are my TOP THREE Bonds. While the world marinates over the potential casting of Taylor-Johnson, let’s talk about the past. This is where a commenter on Facebook or Twitter will see my three choices and immediately call me wrong for not having their brain. That’s Twitter, thanks Jack Dorsey.
My three:
Daniel Craig
Sean Connery
Timothy Dalton
Craig had it all: the swagger, grit, sense of humor, and ability to heighten a sequence with his thespian ability. I didn’t have a single doubt he could kick someone’s ass and the surrounding 15 guys around them, make it out alive, and bang the femme fatale at the end of the night.
Connery set the groundwork for what Bond could be. He was the first actor to play the role in several different films, and right around the time when the movies started to gain notoriety. A lot of fans associate him with the role and it’s hard for me to disagree with them, but the physicality of Craig is why he sits over Connery here.
Dalton was the rugged Bond, disheveled and carrying a swimmer’s body. A guy who stepped out of a fight or close encounter with a bomb, and could still look good. Pierce Brosnan drove hard at this model in his films, and did an admirable job, same as Moore doing a riff on Connery’s work. I preferred Dalton’s establishment of the slim yet durable and charming Bond.
Who plays the role next? My pick is Daniel Kaluuya, if the Bond rights-holders wish to be not only inclusive yet think ahead with the role. As much as I like the Taylor-Johnson move, it’s Kaluuya who could really elevate the current expectation. The “Avengers” star could fill the shoes of the role, but may not add much to it outside of what has come before. Kaluuya sounds like a better reboot overall, at least to me.
Idris Elba and Tom Hardy are too established, and Richard Madden may not be known enough. It’s a choice that sits so far above our heads that it’s best to just wait and see. Comment below with your personal pick for the next 007.
My Favorite Bond Movie: Skyfall. Perfect villain, plot, action, and a stunning finale. Can’t be beat.
That’s all I have. Enjoy your martinis and imperfect heroes, ladies and gents.