Should actor Michael B. Jordan be the next James Bond? Can this new version be even better? Is Ian Fleming’s legacy betrayed? we analyze it
Who will be next to wear the elegant James Bond suit? Since Daniel Craig announced that ‘No time to die’ would be his last film as Bond, the followers of the famous secret agent, what a contradiction!, began to think who would be a good replacement.
One of the names that has been ringing around has been Henry Cavill, or Tom Hardy, and one that is still going strong is that of Michael B. Jordan, a multifaceted actor who is determined to leave his mark on the film industry. How could it be otherwise, the change in the protagonist’s race raises blisters in some cases, and in others it is seen naturally.
The most purists close in band, and consider this an intolerable adulteration of the legacy created by English journalist and novelist Ian Fleming.
Although the producers are determined to find an actor to be the antagonist of the future 007 first, in April 2023 Rumors surfaced that the producers were looking for someone slightly different to play a new Bond, and one of the names that came up and keeps coming up is Jordan.
A black James Bond
The idea of a black Bond has been discussed for quite some time. According to a Morning Consult poll, 45% of American adults support the idea of having a black actor take on the role.
However, there is still some resistance to changing the traditional image of 007. The producer of Bond, Barbara Broccolisaid “it’s time” to have a black actor play the secret agent, and she is sure that “it will eventually happen.”
It is obvious that this would be a step forward in terms of diversity and representation in the franchise. Proponents of inclusion argue that it is time for the Bond franchise to reflect the diversity of today’s world, while opponents argue that changing Bond’s race would be an act of “political correctness”. The debate has ignited the networks on more than one occasion.
The Daniel Craig Legacy
Craig has left a lasting legacy as Bond. During his five films as 007, the actor brought a new sensibility to the character, emphasizing his toughness and the emotional toll of his work.
His portrayal of Bond was closest to author Ian Fleming’s original vision and helped reinvigorate the franchise. The actor will be remembered as one of the greatest actors to play the iconic British spy. Does Jordan have what it takes to keep up and add new details to the character? Would he be a good choice?
Jordan could pick up Craig’s story arc, which began with a younger, newer version of Bond, and ended with a more mature, tortured, and experienced one. Thus, Jordan could show the evolution of the character throughout his missions, facing new enemies and allies, and his own demons.
He could take advantage of the darker, more realistic tone that Craig brought to the series, and add his own personality and style to it. Something that he is already doing in a notable way in the ‘Creed’ saga. In this way, Jordan could pay homage to Craig’s work, but also bring his own vision and originality to the iconic role of 007.
Michael B. Jordan’s aptitudes to be 007
The actor and producer has experience both in action movies, he was part of the UCM playing Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’, and in the responsibility of inheriting the weight of a legendary saga, something that he had to live as Stallone’s substitute in ‘Believe. The legend of Rocky’ and its aftermath. His skills in action cinema are indisputable.
Billie Eilish, the singer-songwriter of the song ‘No time to die’, has ensured that Jordan would be a great choice for the character and that he would nail it. He has proven to be a highly talented actor and has a commanding screen presence, making him an ideal candidate to play Bond.
This challenge requires not only acting talent, but also the ability to honor the legacy of a character beloved by fans. Jordan knew how to do it masterfully in ‘Creed’.
His potential to play complex characters and his innate charisma would allow him to bring the character’s depth and sophistication to life.
Possible directors and scriptwriter for a generational replacement of Bond with Michael B. Jordan
According to our criteria, some suitable filmmakers for such a revolution would be these three proposals:
David Leitch: He is the director of ‘Atomic’, an action and spy film starring Charlize Theron, which combines spectacular fight scenes with a retro aesthetic and an intriguing plot.
Leitch has also directed the recent ‘Bullet Train’, ‘Deadpool 2’ y ‘Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw’demonstrating his ability to mix humor and adrenaline. In this film he would have the opportunity to approach a character, on the other hand, and develop a somewhat more intimate cinema without losing an iota of vitality and action.
Kathryn Bigelow: She is the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director for ‘In Hostile Ground,’ a film about a bomb disposal team in Iraq. Bigelow has experience in action movies, with titles like ‘They Call Him Bodhi’, ‘Strange Days’ or ‘Blackest Night’.
His style combines muscle and journalism, giving a critical and realistic vision of political and social conflicts. And of course, the perspective of a woman applied to a character like Bond would be very interesting to see.
Pou-soi Cheang: He is a Hong Kong director who has excelled in Asian action cinema, with films like ‘Accident’, ‘Motorway’ o ‘Limbo’. His work is characterized by the elegance and fluidity of long action shots, as well as the intensity and violence of martial arts choreography.
It would be the most explosive combination, which cocktail Bondiano for movie gourmands.
A possible perfect screenwriter to write the script could be:
Charlie Kaufman: He is the author of original and creative scripts such as ‘Cómo ser John Malkovich’, ‘Adaptation’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ o ‘Anomalisa’. Kaufman has a unique and personal style, which mixes humor, drama, fantasy and metafiction in a perfect combinationthat neither the famous, “Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred” could match.
His stories usually reflect on identity, memory, love and existence. Kaufman could put an unexpected and surprising twist on the spy genre, creating a more complex and fascinating Bond character.
Which by the way, consists of a mixture of vodka, dry vermouth and is served in a Martini glass with a slice of lemon or an olive as decoration. There it takes it.
Zendaya as Moneypenny and Ralph Fiennes reprising as M
If there is something that characterizes the Bond saga, it is its ability to renew itself and adapt to the times, without losing its essence. For this reason, we believe that the best M, the boss of 007 in this new movie, would be Ralph Fiennes again..
The British actor has shown in recent installments that he can give the character the authority, intelligence and charisma he needs, as well as good chemistry with Jordan. Fiennes is a highly regarded and versatile performer, capable of bringing nuance and depth to his role to a great extent, something he has already demonstrated.
But he would not be alone. Along with him, we would have a new Moneypenny, Bond’s secretary and confidant. And for this role, we propose a current artist who could appeal to generation Z: Zendaya.
The young actress and singer has shown her talent and charisma in films like ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ or ‘Dune’, as well as in the series ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya could give Moneypenny a fresh, modern look, without losing the charm and complicity she’s always had with Bond. In addition, it would be a way of betting on diversity and representation in spy movies, offering a tangible change in many ways.
Of course, Zendaya would not be a simple secretary. It would be a version of Moneypenny empowered, who would have a more active and relevant role in Bond’s missions. She could be a tech, intelligence, or combat expert, or even an undercover agent.
His relationship with Bond would be equal to equal, based on respect and trust, but also on humor and flirtation. Zendaya could show off her strength and personality, while still staying true to the spirit of the character.
Are we witnessing the dawn of a new Bondian era? Only time will tell.
