Who will be the next James Bond? – The Latest
Summary
Guardian film editor Catherine Short discusses the imminent casting of the next James Bond, analyzing the shortlist of Josh O'Connor, Callum Turner, and Jack Lowden. The conversation explores why the role remains limited to white, straight men despite earlier diversity hopes, noting the franchise's reliance on traditionalist audiences and commercial stability. With Amazon MGM now owning the rights and Denis Villeneuve directing, the episode predicts a serious, "wounded" Bond devoid of humor, driven by the need to secure massive box office returns in a struggling film industry.
Topics discussed
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Show intro and host welcome
The long wait for the next James Bond
The shortlist: O'Connor, Turner, and Loudon
What the Bond screen test entails
The burden of the franchise and past predictions
Predictions: Loudon vs O'Connor
Diversity and the traditional Bond archetype
Why the studio is sticking to a male lead
Amazon MGM acquisition and Denis Villeneuve
Tone of the new film: serious and unfunny
The 'wounded' Bond aesthetic
Actor tenure and brand consistency
Box office pressure and the film industry decline
Why the casting saga captivates audiences
Closing thoughts and credits
Promo: Radical Thinking with James Graham
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