Renowned actor Jimmy Akingbola has shared that he aspires to assume the legendary role of James Bond. Akingbola has captured audiences with his performances in popular productions such as Holby City, Bel-Air, and as DC Steve Bradshaw in ITV’s crime series, The Tower. Recently, he has expressed a keen interest in portraying the iconic secret agent, James Bond, an opportunity he is thrilled to explore.
In entering the race for the character of James Bond, Akingbola aligns himself with other notable actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson of Kick-Ass, Henry Cavill who we know from The Witcher, Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton, and Happy Valley’s James Norton. These esteemed actors have all found themselves connected to the prestigious Bond role, particularly after Daniel Craig announced his departure from the franchise.
Akingbola maintains an impressively busy career in the UK as well as in international projects, yet somehow still manages to allocate time for a fifth season of a black history quiz show. His commitment to this project underscores his multifaceted talent, while offering a playful hint towards his keenness for the Bond role.
One jovial scene from the quiz show sees Akingbola perform a cheeky James Bond audition – sampling from a Martini glass and delivering the line, ‘Shaken, not stirred’. Reflecting on this, Akingbola remarked, ‘A small piece of me is indeed serious. Given my work as Geoffrey on Bel-Air, some suggestions have been circulating on social media that I would make a good James Bond’.
Akingbola has yet to see his name actively part of the James Bond discussions, but expressed his willingness to join the race. ‘I would without a doubt throw my name into the mix’, he added, before jokingly suggesting that Barbara Broccoli (producer of the Bond franchise), should give him a call.
Akingbola’s humorous take on auditioning for Bond is merely one of an array of entertaining facets in the show, which intertwines historical knowledge about black pioneers and their significant contributions. ‘We refer to it as edutainment – a blend of education and entertainment,’ revealed the 46-year-old actor.
Covert operative 007 has been brought to life by seven different actors over the franchise’s lifetime. The inaugural James Bond film made its debut to audiences back in 1962.
Akingbola’s aspiration to become Bond is not without competition – high-profile actress Saoirse Ronan also has her sights set on the franchise. Ronan, with an interest in embodying a ‘Bond baddie’, has vocalised her desire for her spouse, Jack Lowden, to undertake the role of 007.
Lowden, a 34-year-old actor born in Essex and raised in Scotland, currently features among the favourites to secure the Bond role, according to bookmaker predictions. He shot to fame for his portrayal of Kenneth Noye in the popular BBC drama The Gold, and for his role in Slow Horses.
Coinciding with this speculation and anticipating the future of Bond is the producer’s suggestion that James Bond’s successor might not necessarily be male – thus opening the door to a whole new selection pool.
The upcoming casting will unquestionably be a pivotal decision that could sculpt the trajectory of an actor’s career – whomever may be fortunate enough to secure the role. As Akingbola, Lowden, and other potential candidates entertain the possibility, audiences around the world eagerly await the next chapter in Bond’s legacy.
With a successful career in multiple highly acclaimed series, Akingbola’s candid interest in the Bond role adds an intriguing new dimension to the unfolding James Bond narrative. Whether he gets the opportunity to don the secret agent’s tuxedo or not, his desire brings a compelling dynamic to the ongoing casting speculations.
As the Bond franchise prepares to embrace the future, fans can only speculate about the course it will take. Regardless of the final casting decision, the excitement and anticipation across the globe is palpable and speaks to the enduring appeal of James Bond.