Who will be the next James Bond? We’ve been having this conversation for years now, but it really does feel like an answer is imminent.
Daniel Craig definitively ended his run as 007 last fall in No Time To Die, and has since moved on to play a well-dressed sleuth in another franchise, in addition to a recently announced very gay role that we’re pretty thrilled about.
And that leaves us with a tux to fill—who will take up the mantle from here?
Names bandied about include everyone from jack-of-all-trades Idris Elba to Bridgerton heartthrob Jonathan Bailey to Henry Cavill, who, now that you mention it, certainly has the time for it. Basically every handsome British actor you can think of is in the running.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
But if there’s one name that’s got us here at Queerty most excited, it’s hunky gay actor Luke Evans.
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This is a guy who’s been putting in the work the past two decades—he’s really done it all, and has more than proven himself in blockbuster cinema, with roles in the live-action Beauty And The Beast, the Fast & Furious franchise, and The Hobbit trilogy. (Not to mention, he’s starred in every gay’s favorite campy horror, Ma, and the under-seen queer gem Professor Marston And The Wonder Women.)
Related: Luke Evans shows off his Tarzan-style jungle training routine… in his speedo
So, it makes total sense that the Bond rumors have been swirling around Evans, and he seems excited about the possibility… even if he’d rather not talk about it. In a recent interview on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, the actor was asked rather bluntly if he’d be the next 007:
“The new James Bond? Who knows? Nobody knows,” the actor responded. “I mean it would be nice, wouldn’t it? Don’t jinx it.”
Honestly, he played that off well: Eager but not too eager, coy but not clueless. We’re just going off a hunch here, but it kind of sounds like he might actually be in the running and doesn’t want to say anything to ruin his chances!
Recently, Bustle asked the out actor if the world was ready for a gay James Bond: “I don’t know what the current temperature is with audiences, whether they care enough to worry about what James Bond does in the bedroom,” he responded. “I don’t think it really matters at all to the character if I’m really honest.” Again, well played, Luke!
Related: The super gay James Bond moment that almost never existed
Even if it doesn’t work out, the actor has plenty of exciting projects lined up, so he has nothing to worry about. Evans currently stars in AppleTV+’s war thriller series, Echo 3, and will soon be seen in a gay rom-com opposite Schitt’s Creek‘s Dan Levy (in a film written and directed by Levy himself). He also recently wrapped on a drama about a gay couple battling for custody of their son, starring alongside Billy Porter.
But, if any of the casting directors for the James Bond films happen to be reading this article, let’s just share a few more reasons why he’s the man for the part:
He looks great in a tuxedo
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Evans already has the quintessential Bond style down!
He looks great out of a tuxedo
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No further comment necessary!
He also knows his way around a disguise, too
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What would an international man of mystery be without a few looks to mask his true identity?
He’s well-traveled
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The job requires jet-setting all over the globe, which certainly won’t be a problem for Evans.
He’s no stranger to stunt work
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Seriously, you should watch him kick butt and take names in Echo 3.
He can do this
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Frankly, we don’t know what he’s doing here, but that has to count for something, right?
He’s got great chemistry with leading ladies
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Of course we’d love it if a gay actor actually got to play a gay 007, but if they went the “Bond Girl” route, we already know he’ll have an amazing rapport with his co-star.
Bonus: He can sing!
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Bond isn’t necessarily known for his pipes, but maybe Evans’ spin on the role is that he’s a big fan of karaoke? Never say never!
We rest our case
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Related: Luke Evans enjoys Ibiza vacation with hunky new beau
Jack Meoff
Yes please
Donston
The focus on wanting an openly queer actor to play Bond and/or for Bond to be queer is kinda tired. And they’re definitely not gonna give us a Bond who’s unabashedly into dudes. There are more worthwhile and realistic ambitions.
Neoprene
Well, if he gets it then James Bond HAS to be gay, otherwise the role should have rightfully gone to a straight actor, right kids? Rules are rules.
storm45701
I thought the same thing. Acting is acting, but Broccoli would probably never give him the part.
bachy
Can anyone explain what is going on with the skin on Luke’s chest in the first few color IG shots, above? Is that granular, mottled effect from too much sun? Or from waxing the chest hair? It looks very odd to me.
storm45701
Sun damage or body makeup. Also, the shaved chest would intensify the effect.
Chrisk
It’s sun damage. Eventually the skin takes on a splotchy leathery appearance. He’s obviously not a fan of sunscreen.
missvamp
he would be amazing
sweetypie
Awful casting choice. This guy ruined Gaston for a whole generation of Disney fans. Unacceptable. Henry Cavill for James Bond all the way.
linedrive
Ruined Gaston??? Hardly! I can assure you that you speak for yourself, not a whole generation.
Doug
I have to agree that I don’t think Luke Evans isn’t Bond material, nor do I think the franchise’s long-running production company would ever cast him anyway. Bond has always been hetero, even though there was a hint from Daniel Craig at one point during “Skyfall” that he’d maybe had some other experience as well. This is another example of double standards within our community… people complain that straight actors are being hired to play gay roles, but then fully expect gay actors to be hired to play straight ones. It doesn’t work both ways.
linedrive
@Doug: I don’t subscribe to that double standard at all. I think an actor’s job is to act. Specifically what is it about Luke Evans that makes you think he isn’t Bond material? (if that is, in fact, what you are saying–the double negative is admittedly throwing me off.) He was very convincing as an action hero in The Hobbit.
phdskr
The franchise already hinted at a bisexual Bond in “Skyfall” during the scene with Javier Bardem – let’s explore that side of James as the franchise moves forward. And Luke – puts my “heart” into flutter mode…just sayin….
Jim
He’d do quite nicely but my vote goes to Henry Golding
storm45701
The role will likely go to Henry Cavill, who was once considered before Craig was given the part. Handsome, dashing… a return to the Sean Connery/Pierce Brosnan mold.
ScottOnEarth
My vote is for Idris Elba but Luke would be a great runner-up.
Kangol2
I also long thought Idris Elba would be great but he’s getting up there. Others in this same aged-out category would have included Colin Salmon, David Harewood and David Oyelowo. Aldis Hodge would be my top choice, except he isn’t British. So maybe Arinze Kene, Ricky Whittle or Ashley Walters, all of whom are beautiful to look at and can act.
Luke Evans would be fine, though. But I also hope given all the geopolitical stuff happening now that someone in Hollywood might think of crafting something new, beyond the James Bond brand. It’s a huge wish given how unoriginal and tired Hollywood films have become but not impossible!
johncp56
I say yes as he is masculine manly and talented, which got me weak for him, also bond movies have had gay overtones, ??
Claytonisahobo
No thanks, Henry Cavill would be my pick. But to each their own.
Ronbo
I’d prefer to replace James Bond with a realistic hired killer – show reality please. These people are not good people. The CIA, NSA, MI6, Mossad, etc… are here to maintain the status quo – even if it means killing people. Let’s not cheer such evil propaganda.
Gadfeal
When I saw the headline, I thought it was about to “out” Henry Cavill. However, Luke already plays a cold-hearted vampire and serial killer. What would be interesting is to make his incarnation of James Bond bisexual.