Another ‘Bridgerton’ Star Sparks James Bond Speculation

Uh-oh, it looks like it’s the battle of the “Bridgerton” heartthrobs. First, Regé-Jean Page was the internet’s favorite contender for James Bond. Now, Jonathan Bailey has officially been pulled into the speculation storm, and the 37-year-old actor isn’t exactly shutting the door on it.

Bailey, best known for playing Anthony Bridgerton, was asked about the 007 rumors during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills. His response?

“That’s an amazingly flattering question,” Bailey said with a laugh. “I mean, it would be hard to say no.” When Mills teased him about the role, Bailey even joked back, “I could imagine you as James Blonde.”

So, yes, the internet is now convinced that there might be another leading man in the running to play the iconic Bond. Especially after ExtraTV reported that not only are “executives” eyeing Bailey, but also Marvel’s Tom Holland, believe it or not. The news outlet stated that Clayton Davis had spoken to Variety about the speculated lineup of men, which included Bailey. 

Although these are just still rumors, what we do know is that OG Bond, Pierce Brosnan, believes that the role will land in the right hands. That actor just wants the runners-up to have fun and portray the role the best they can. “There are so many great men out there. There’s so many wonderful actors,” he told Extra. 

Jonathan Bailey: From ‘Bridgerton’ to ‘Wicked’

While Bailey hasn’t confirmed any official talks with Bond producers, he’s certainly busy enough to make the rumor mill spin. He’s recently made waves with “Jurassic World Rebirth,” starring Scarlett Johansson. He’s also set to reprise his role as Fiyero in the second installment of “Wicked” alongside Cynthia Erivo, powerhouse pop star Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum later this year.

So, if you think about it, Bond is definitely a different career path for the actor. But it’s a major trajectory that puts him in a prime position for 007 buzz. Let’s face it, he’s beloved by audiences, critically respected, and at the right age. Daniel Craig was 38 when he debuted in “Casino Royale” in 2006; Bailey is 37. You don’t really need to put two and two together as to why people are connecting the dots.

He’s even picked up a little support from fellow actors. Speaking at a BFI event in Cannes, Harris Dickinson (who is also speculated to play the part) publicly endorsed Bailey, saying, “Jonathan Bailey is your first choice, so let’s go with that.”

So, Who Are The Speculated Potential 007s? 

Of course, Bailey isn’t the only name in the mix. Variety recently reported that Amazon, which now controls the Bond franchise after acquiring MGM, wants a British actor under 30 for the role. Who are these under-30 men? Well, several names were thrown out, such as Jacob Elordi, Holland, and Dickinson, among the top choices. But that doesn’t completely rule Bailey out, but it does show how wide the casting net is right now. (Can you tell we’re rooting for Bailey?) Besides the young ducklings, there have also been rumors about Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, Josh O’Connor, and another fellow heartthrob, Sam Heughan. 

And then there’s the wild card. The Hollywood Reporter also just revealed that British actor Scott Rose-Marsh, 37, reportedly tested with director Denis Villeneuve earlier this summer. If true, he’d be the first-ever ginger Bond, and yes, fans are already debating whether the franchise is ready for that leap. Which, hey, justice for gingers, we are all here for it! We can see it, a red-headed 007? Heck yeah!

Still, Brosnan, who played Bond across four films between 1995 and 2002, doesn’t want speculation to overshadow the fun of the role. Speaking about the possible new choice, Brosnan had simple advice for whoever lands the tuxedo. “Be bold. Enjoy it. Know yourself, be strong, go out there and have a great time,” he said.

For now, Bond fans will have to wait and see if Bailey’s “hard to say no” becomes something more. Until then, whether he’s battling dinosaurs, wooing witches, or courting viscountesses, Bailey’s dance card is already looking like something out of a 007 script.

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