When you think of James Bond, you might envision suave suits, high-speed chases, and martinis shaken, not stirred. But could the next face of this iconic spy franchise come from the playful billion-dollar world of Barbie? If Greta Gerwig has her way, Kingsley Ben-Adir, who’s been turning heads and creating cheer as Basketball Ken, might just be trading in his plastic dream house for a license to kill.
Gerwig, who’s been stirring the film pot with her take on the Mattel universe, recently praised Ben-Adir’s versatility on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. She recounted a scene where Ben-Adir, wearing a faux-fur jacket, transforms into a leader among Kens with a speech that left jaws on the floor.
“He can do anything,” Gerwig insisted, and it’s not hard to see why. The man has range – from his portrayal of Barack Obama to his critically acclaimed role in One Night in Miami, Ben-Adir isn’t just a good-looking face; he’s got the acting chops to back it up.
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Bond role is a hot ticket, and Ben-Adir’s name is among a constellation of stars rumored to be in the running. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with his blend of charm and combat readiness, seems to be the frontrunner, and let’s not forget the likes of Henry Cavill and Rege-Jean Page, who have also been whispered through the grapevine.
All that said, the Bond conversation is more than just a casting call; it’s a cultural moment. There’s a growing chorus for the next 007 to be a person of color, a move that would shake up the Bond legacy more vigorously than any martini.
Yet, some fans (including myself) are holding out for Taylor-Johnson, drawn to his cool demeanor and potential to bring a gritty edge to the role, reminiscent of Daniel Craig’s tenure.
So, where does that leave us? Well, franchise producer Barbara Broccoli has hinted at a “big road ahead” before Bond is reinvented for the next chapter. That means the speculation could go on longer than one of Bond’s infamous car chases.
The only thing we can count on is that whether it’s Ben-Adir’s classical prowess or Taylor-Johnson’s rough-and-tumble appeal, the next Bond has some sizable shoes to fill.
As for the rest of us? We’ll be here, watching the rumor mill churn, ready to place our bets on who’ll next don the tuxedo. In the world of espionage and entertainment, change is the only constant, and as such, the next James Bond will undoubtedly be a reflection of that. We’ll keep our eyes peeled, as the race for 007 is just getting started.
