Summary

Outlander actor Sam Heughan believes he is a perfect fit to play James Bond, citing his athleticism and emotional intelligence. Heughan previously auditioned for the role of 007 in Casino Royale. However, at 43 years old, Heughan may not meet the age criteria set by James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who is looking for a younger actor for a long-term commitment.

A former James Bond contender explains why he would be a perfect pick as the next 007 actor. The search for the next Bond is still underway after No Time to Die marked Daniel Craig’s fifth and final portrayal as the famous spy. Two years have passed since the 25th James Bond movie dropped in theaters, yet there is still no word on the franchise’s new era despite many popular names, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill, surfacing as potential choices.

While speaking with The Telegraph, Outlander actor Sam Heughan reveals why he would be a great choice to portray the titular agent in Bond 26. He argues he is “good at action” and would “bring a lot of emotional intelligence.” Check out the full quote from Heughan below:

“I’ll throw my hat in the ring. I’d be a brilliant Bond, I’m good at action and I’d bring a lot of ­emotional intelligence.”

Would Sam Heughan Fit The James Bond Criteria?

The Scottish actor has a rich history with the Bond franchise. In 2005, Heughan auditioned for the 007 role in Casino Royale before losing out to Craig. In his memoir Waypoints: My Scottish Journey, he revealed that he apparently lost the role because he wasn’t “edgy enough.” At the time, Heughan was only 25 years old and had yet to begin his tenure in his breakout role as Jamie Fraser in Outlander, a show that he is now best known for.

Last year, long-time James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli set some parameters for their next ideal 007 casting. Broccoli, who owns the rights to the Bond franchise, mentioned that the next actor would need to be in his late 20s–early 30s. This is because Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson expect a “10–12 year commitment” from the next James Bond actor.

Related Henry Cavill Vs. Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Which Next James Bond Frontrunner Would Be The Better 007 Debate on who should assume the role of the legendary spy has been heated and long, and some names are leading the pack, but there can only be one.

Many names have been floated as popular choices, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Taylor-Johnson, and Cavill. In terms of Heughan’s chances, the James Bond casting requirements pose an interesting challenge for the actor. Like Bond, Heughan is also Scottish, making him an exemplary choice to portray the character. However, the actor is now 43 years old, which is outside the age range that Broccoli and the team prefer. While Heughan may have the “action” and “emotional intelligence” chops that would have made him a near-flawless Bond, he may have missed his window to play 007.

Source: The Telegraph