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The quest for the next James Bond is always a high profile and much discussed matter. In all honesty, Bond represents more than a singular character for viewers but an embodiment of ideals that are tied directly to popular conceptions of charm, wit and physical ability and since those vary wildly depending on any personal approach and interpretation there have been many suggestions and wild theories on what the future should hold with various known and highly familiar figures within film being presented. However in recent talks a new contender has surfaced and his name isn't someone on that typical well established power lists of obvious Hollywood contenders but someone with a much more theatrical style. We are discussing why Josh O’Connor could be exactly what a long running and now stagnant film franchise needs.
The usual names thrown into the hat for the next 007 usually tend to be muscular British men that already have long runs on various high end production value action scenes: The likes of Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson all of them could ( and perhaps at some stage even might be) fine replacements for this role that is now being presented as available due to recent departure but even if those might be great ‘standard’ types, the underlying element to make those truly stand out often fall onto that person unique perspective on role instead of purely having a ‘physically good' exterior, that is something completely separate. In truth is it those specific individual elements ( beyond a typical physique or skillsets) that ultimately shape the true ‘Bond’ from each specific person taking it over the last six decades and, it’s precisely for these specific unique reasons why O’Connor does provides a fascinating proposal due to being a complete outlier compared to other mainstream popular actors often talked over for the role.
As those who seek an easy quick answer for what this type of film series should look like from now on; what people often are simply stating ( by proposing the same actor archetypes ) it is simply not what the James Bond films represent and they fail completely to recognize or acknowledge is that there's often more character than action and more style over purely good looks and many other subtle characteristics that define his personality over typical action. O’Connor represents an ideal shift away from that more often repeated character format; that by focusing in what makes a good character that we are more likely to have something different rather than what is seen ( far too often) which helps it be a stand-out over others that simply seek to repeat the same values which, for some might as well be a disservice or a step back in a long legacy series such as the James Bond productions. It goes further down in being more specific over individual values.
While all the most recent Bond choices focus on what action elements ( and muscular appearance) does a character possess, this recent new suggestion with Josh O’Connor brings a different and mostly unexplored take: its what is required over an ‘acting standpoint ‘ and while action might very well exist as an element it is always the overall character development that remains the central focus to any good Bond. Daniel Craig may not have been well known for physical presence prior but his acting roles did offer his version an understanding over its more deeply rooted elements. That is what O'Connor excels at so very well since its on that territory he has grown his most popular and known image over all various roles.
As seen with “God’s Own Country” and in The Crown ; ( playing a complex closeted farmer with suppressed emotions and a very vulnerable Prince Charles respectively), it does feel that his ability goes mostly over subtle but also incredibly moving emotive elements, that rely more on interpersonal connections rather than over large action scenarios . With Challengers , those concepts got even greater depth by making his screen presence equally both charming and unsettling in subtle moments without losing the emotional impact. Its that versatility, range and capacity for understanding over characters in different types of emotional settings that truly makes Josh stand as someone of incredible value to offer. A complete change of typical character models but with all that comes from the underlying narrative focus which make any James Bond series so important as every actor has to both look ‘good’ but have something extra ( beyond simple physique) to convey the character, and here is a great alternative from outside of all established tropes or expectations.
The chances that O'Connor takes this iconic position are still fairly slim if we consider that his name might not appear anywhere near the ‘main’ front runners yet what it highlights isn't just about 'his’ odds but how the whole approach or philosophy behind a James Bond successor needs a complete change with an actor who isn't afraid to fully inhabit the very essence of that ‘persona’ with full disregard for some previous set norms. O’Connor might provide a much needed injection for a type of change that had previously been only discussed among viewers and avid media watchers but never explored by most power positions in high level movie producers or series makers.
There are other actors, such as Paul Mescal or even ( the much more less familiar and new-to-the-mainstream fame ) Leo Woodall that might be ideal, but the main point remains how far those casting boards are looking beyond simple superficial choices. That also requires new ideas in script writing which then creates entirely different opportunities and paths towards those types of films instead of simply using a ‘different actor on an identical scenario’ . What O’Connor brings into play for ‘this’ specific role isn't simply a single element of a person or type of action: It offers another entirely different interpretation on those concepts.
Josh O'Connor’s potential candidacy to be that next James Bond serves mostly as a statement: It showcases a greater possibility to explore what a ‘James Bond’ movie can do; without resorting to typical over repeated methods. It has an opportunity to elevate a single fictional character as both an action star but more so a complex individual with emotions and depth that often have been mostly unexplored and could instead ( when applied ) provide far more valuable discussion.
Its time (or long overdue by now) to put James Bond under a lens and observe all aspects with modern ideals and if a movie producer is ever inclined to go over a ‘true path of character reinvention’ rather than repeating old formulas, and this choice might as well present the clearest, most open-minded and truly bold approach in long time since Daniel Craig took the lead. Because perhaps, the most unexpected choice can also end up being exactly what one of world's biggest movie franchises is in so desperate need for; another approach for an old familiar character. Someone who might very well be capable to push those expectations with as much wit, charm but also unique, emotionally engaging results that audiences both familiar and those entering the property for first time can, both understand, embrace and connect with; and Josh O'Connor seems more than capable to show us that such ideal approach might not simply be a wild theory.