Jay Kelly Star Eyes James Bond as Denis Villeneuve Movie Seeks 007 With ‘Sex Appeal’

A rising stage star quietly entered the race for Hollywood’s most iconic spy role. The James Bond search gained momentum at Cannes as casting director Nina Gold revealed what she wants from the next 007.

Tom Francis auditions for James Bond

The 26-year-old British actor Tom Francis has auditioned to play the next James Bond, Variety exclusively reports. Francis rose to fame opposite Nicole Scherzinger in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. He won an Olivier Award for the role and also earned a Tony Award nomination.

His screen credits remain relatively limited at this stage. Francis had a small role in Jay Kelly, the recent George Clooney vehicle. He will next appear in Peter Berg’s The Mosquito Bowl alongside Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård. Additionally, Francis made his TV debut in the final season of Netflix’s You.

Casting director Nina Gold currently oversees the ongoing 007 search. Other names rumored for the role include Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Callum Turner. Cosmo Jarvis of Shōgun is not in contention, according to his spokesperson.

James Bond casting director says new 007 must ‘ooze sex appeal’

Gold shared her vision for the next Bond at a Cannes dinner hosted by Charles Finch. The actor chosen to play Commander Bond has “got to ooze sex appeal,” she told Deadline. The successful candidate should also be young enough to appear in three or four films.

Gold has already been scouting potential candidates across London’s West End theater scene. She previously cast Ben Whishaw in Jane Campion’s Bright Star before his role as Q. Daniel Craig himself secured the part through his stage and screen work in the early 2000s.

Director Denis Villeneuve will evaluate Gold’s suggestions around the fall period. Gold’s deal with Amazon MGM has now been officially signed. Craig previously shot five Bond pictures for producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson at Eon Productions.

At the time of writing, Amazon MGM Studios, and representatives for Francis declined to comment on the ongoing casting process.

Source: Comingsoon.net