Rebel Wilson, who is best known for playing Fat Amy in the Pitch Perfect trilogy, recently shared that she auditioned for a role in the next James Bond movie.
Speaking with Variety at the Cannes Film Festival, Wilson revealed that she was invited to audition for the 26th Bond film after the franchise's producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson saw her host the 2022 BAFTA Film Awards. "What was really cool was getting to audition for Bond," said Wilson. While the actor remained silent on which character she tried out for, she stressed that it wasn't the titular spy. She also refused to divulge if the audition was successful. However, given how secretive Broccoli and Wilson are with the Bond franchise, it is unlikely they would have allowed Wilson to discuss her audition if she had landed one of the roles in the next installment.
While some Bond fans may think that Wilson's comments mean that Eon Productions has begun the casting process for the next film, the actor explained to Variety the special circumstances that led to her audition. She had to clear some Bond-related jokes with Broccoli and Wilson ahead of the 2022 BAFTA Film Awards, which put them in direct contact. Furthermore, Broccoli revealed in February 2023 that casting had not yet begun on Bond 26 and would not begin until later in the year.
Bond Producer Explains What Must Happen Before 007 Is Cast
While some fans may be disappointed to learn that Eon hasn't begun casting the next iteration of the franchise, Broccoli previously explained in September 2022 that there are a lot of internal discussions that must take place first before they can even begin to look at actors for James Bond. "That’s why, when people go, 'Oh, who are you going to get?' it’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention, and 'Where are we taking it? What do we want to do with the character?'" said Broccoli. "And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention? It’s an evolution. Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace."
Who Could Be the Next James Bond?
Daniel Craig recently concluded his 15-year run as the 00 agent. He appeared as James Bond in five films -- Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021). While fans are eager to know who will succeed Craig as Bond, Eon hasn't revealed many details about the kind of actor they are looking for besides stating that they want someone in their thirties. This has led to several up-and-comers being speculated for the role, including Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves star Regé-Jean Page and Kraven the Hunter's Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Longtime favorites Henry Cavill and Idris Elba have also been mentioned despite no longer being in the age range Eon is looking at. With Eon set to begin casting 007 by the end of 2023, fans shouldn't have to wait much longer to see who will be the next actor asking for his martini "shaken, not stirred."
James Bond 26 does not yet have a release date.
Source: Variety