The search for the next James Bond has taken a rather unexpected turn, with a relatively unknown face joining the race to take on the role of the top British spy.
Jack Barton emerges as surprise frontrunner to play Bond
At a time when rumours are rife that along list of Hollywood A-list stars are being eyed for the part, new reports indicate that a rather lesser-known actor – Jack Barton – has emerged as a surprise frontrunner for the role.According to Page Six, Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold have been on the hunt for the next Bond and has reportedly found a potential candidate in Barton. The actor has appeared in a minor role in ‘Poor Things’, as well as the British series ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ and Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’.
Jack Barton to screen test for James Bond
As per the report, Barton is now expected to begin screen tests for the role alongside a long list of A-list stars, including, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.
Jack Barton takes on A-list stars
Lowden, best known for his work on the Apple spy series ‘Slow Horses’, has been among the names frequently linked to the role. Jacob Elordi has also emerged as a prominent contender, despite some taking issue with his towering height. Callum Turner is also believed to be among the frontrunners with Paul Mescal.The casting process to find the replacement for Daniel Craig, has sparked a debate over whether the next 007 should be a relatively unknown actor or an established star.
Bond makers looking for lesser-known 007?
Bond casting veteran Debbie McWilliams, who previously worked on the casting of Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, has argued strongly in favour of choosing a younger newcomer. “It is absolutely essential that [Bond] retains a total enigma,” McWilliams told The Independent in June. “I don’t want to see any of [the rumoured stars] as Bond because we now know so much about them.”McWilliams added, “He’s licensed to kill, and we have to believe that he can do that. If you don’t, then you’ve lost the audience.”Barton would certainly fit that description. Little is publicly known about the actor, who reportedly trained at the Oxford School of Drama. Interestingly, Barton is reportedly represented by the same UK publicity firm that previously represented Craig.
