Eight Manchester actors who could play the next James Bond from Benedict Wong to Harry Styles
With Chester-born Daniel Craig stepping aside, we look at other local actors who could fill 007’s shiny shoe
Daniel Craig has said goodbye to the role of James Bond for good and there is constant speculation as to who will take his place.
He joins a long line of world-class actors who have played the secret agent, including Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, London-born Roger Moore and Scotland’s Sean Connery.
But Daniel Craig, who was born in Chester, is the only actor from the North West to have played 007 so far.
Casting directors, if you’re reading, here are the other local actors we think could do the job - from serious contenders to other who might bring a bit more fun to the role. Let us know what you think at our Facebook page.
1. Harry Styles
The former One Direction singer and now successful solo artist is already tipped as a contender for 007. Over the past few years, teh Cheshire raised star has set his sights on Hollywood and has two films coming out this autumn – “The Policeman,” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” which recently caused a stir at Venice Film Festival. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images) Photo: John Phillips
2. Joe Gilgun
Joe Gilgun, from Chorley, got his big break in 2006 when he starred as skinhead Woody in Shane Meadows’ “This Is England.” He has since turned his hand to writing with semi-autobiographical TV series “Brassic”, about a group of petty criminal friends and their exploits. He also knows what it’s like to have a licence to kill, having played Irish vampire Cassidy in graphic novel adaption “Preacher.” Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for AMC
3. Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston is best known for his role as the ninth Doctor in Doctor Who, the series that brought the classic sci-fi show to screens after 16 years. He quit after just one season, but remains a national treasure for his work on stage and both the big and small screens. Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
4. Claire Foy
If she can handle playing the Queen, she can handle Bond. Claire Foy, from Stockport, rose to fame playing a young Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s “The Crown” and now boasts an eclectic filmography, including psychological thriller “Unsane” (2018), shot entirely on a iPhone, and quirky period drama “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain” (2021). If they are looking to do a female reboot, as we’ve seen with several franchises over the last few years, she would certainly be in the running. She played the ass-kicking Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” (2018) – and if that is not a good enough audition for James Bond, then I don’t know what is. Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images