Who will be the next James Bond? This is one of the biggest casting decisions that audiences worldwide are waiting for. After a stint as one of the most successful actors to play the 007 agent, Daniel Craig is now making way for his successor. While all eyes are on producer Barbara Broccoli and a list of contenders who are in reckoning, X-Men star Hugh Jackman may also stake his claim.
The Les Miserables star was originally approached to play James Bond before Daniel Craig but turned down the role at the time. But now, after Craig’s massive success, the actor seems to be having a change of heart based on his comments and may have just extended his hand to Broccoli for the role as the next Bond.
Could Hugh Jackman Be James Bond?
Before Daniel Craig came on board to play the iconic James Bond, producer Barbara Broccoli had approached Australian star Hugh Jackman for the role. Jackman, who was an integral part of the X-Men films, turned down the offer as he wanted to play different characters. The actor felt that taking on James Bond would not allow him to break out of the action star mould and attempt something more gritty and real. After Craig’s unprecedented success through, Jackman confessed that he was filled with a sense of regret at not signing on for the part.The Wolverine actor trolled Craig lightheartedly while he was still James Bond and said,
“I will just wait. The good thing about Daniel is he’s, what, 62 now, isn’t he? He’s falling apart at the seams. So I just keep telling him, ‘I’m ready, whenever you want to let him go, I’m ready.’ The good thing is I have also got a British passport,”
While Hugh Jackman is bound to make a dashing James Bond, the actor who is also in his 50s, may not bag the role as Barbara Broccoli looks to be heading towards a younger actor with stars like Henry Cavill, Richard Madden, Regé-Jean Page, and Andrew Garfield reportedly being considered.
Also Read: Hugh Jackman Broke One Of His Strict Rules For Ryan Reynolds And His Deadpool 3
Hugh Jackman Helped Daniel Craig Cope With Fame
Despite losing out on playing the iconic character of James Bond to his good friend Daniel Craig, Hugh Jackman helped the Casino Royale actor through his stint as the 007 agent. Craig, who was relatively unknown until then, gained overnight fame and superstardom following his James Bond gig. The actor who was a bit overwhelmed with the attention, found a helpful counselor in Hugh Jackman. The X-Men star who was no stranger to fame after his appearance in the famous franchise, gave Craig this wise piece of advice.
“He just allowed me to sort of relax into it a bit more. He’s been famous for longer than I have, let’s put it that way. “[Jackman said] ‘Just enjoy it.’ A switch went off in my head.”
Evidently, Jackman’s words was just the tonic that Daniel Craig needed to sink his teeth into the role and embrace his subsequent superstardom through the James Bond films.
Also Read: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Will Reportedly Fight Twin Sister of Professor X in Deadpool 3
Source: Contact Music
