The curtain has come down on Daniel Craig’s time as the famous super spy, but that was almost four years ago and we still don’t know who the next 007 is. In recent weeks, speculation on who will become the next James Bond has reached fever pitch. It comes after it was revealed that the company Amazon MGM Studios had gained creative control of the franchise. But as one door closes, another one opens. Variety has now named three possible contenders to replace Craig, with Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi reportedly being backed as the front-runners. Whoever plays the role will have big shoes to fill – but personally, Tom Holland isn’t the right man for the job.
I watched my first ever Bond film when I was seven years old. We had the full 007 DVD collection in our house, so my brother and I would sit and devour a new spy flick every evening. One night it was Roger Moore, the next it would be Pierce Brosnan.
I was very young when I watched Casino Royale and it remains my all-time favourite Bond film. Each Bond over the decades has provided a different blend of charm and acting prowess, which aligns well with the character.
Popular choices amongst punters have notably been Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Henry Cavill, and Regé-Jean Page. All are worthy contenders for the highly coveted role, but Tom Holland just doesn’t fit the bill for me.
The 29-year-old British actor is best known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If today’s news were to be that he was cast as Bond, I’d feel let down as a fan.
Tom has already experienced plenty of Hollywood success, and given how he’s already been handed one iconic film role, it just doesn’t seem fair if he claims Bond.
On top of this, it needs to be someone who looks threatening in a tuxedo with a very small pistol and a martini. Holland doesn’t give that impression. It’s not an insult against his acting prowess; it’s just the truth. He’s not serious enough.
He’s excellent at showing vulnerability and emotions, and Craig was good at doing that during his time as Bond. However, Holland just doesn’t have the same ability as Craig to mask it.
If anything, Tom would be a better fit for the role of Q. His quirky persona would be a great match and similar to Ben Whishaw’s take on the iconic role. But as James Bond? It would be a horrendous miscast.
It remains to be seen whether Amazon will take a new approach, but it must stick to the traditional Bond formula. I like Tom Holland, but it’s a no from me as Bond.