After the release of the new and belated James Bond movie, No Time to Die, attention has returned to the future of the James Bond character, and more specifically, what actors will take up the role in the future.
There have been calls to break the stereotypical James Bond mould and offer the part to black and/or female actors. Subtle changes to the character were already evident in No Time to Die, with the security agent less successful with the ladies who were more dismissive of his advances.
This was a new narrative to the franchise considering Daniel Craig has been one of the Bonds that women love in the past. Here we will be looking at which black actors would be ideal for future Bond movies.
Toheeb Jimoh
Toheeb Jimoh is well-known for playing centre-midfielder Sam Obisanya in Ted Lasso. He is of Nigerian descent and returned to Nigeria in early childhood to live with his grandparents and take some of the stress off his parents working two jobs in the UK.
He and his brother returned to London at the age of seven and had to navigate an entirely new culture and way of life.
His mother always had hoped of him becoming the first black UK prime minister, but he has been on record to jokingly state that he will be disappointing his parents in the hope of becoming the first black James Bond instead.
Letita Wright
Letita Wright would be a perfect candidate if James Bond casters want to break down two barriers in one move. The black actress has had big roles in Black Panther and Ready Player One.
She was also featured in an episode of Black Mirror as the protagonist. In that particular episode, she was secretive and spy-like to carry out a personal mission, ending in endless torture to her enemy.
She’s played fierce and ruthless characters before, making her an excellent shout for the first-ever black and female James Bond.
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo is a fantastic actor best known for his roles in Jack Reacher, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and for taking the part of Martin Luther King Jr.
He has played suave and sophisticated characters before, sometimes with a means streak. And he’s athletic and looks great in a suit, which fits the James Bond aesthetic perfectly.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is one of the biggest names on the small and big screens. Ever since rumors began circulating that a future James Bond might not be white, his name has been thrown into the equation.
He has a rugged handsomeness that matches the current characteristics of Bond, but he’s also played parts that fit Bond’s key traits, such as roles in Beast of No Action, Thor, Luther and The Wire.
