James Bond Casting Director Explains Why a 007 in His 20s Wouldn’t Work

Daniel Craig retired from his role as James Bond after the release of No Time to Die in 2021, and the 007 series’ producers have been on the search for someone who can replace him since last summer. While reports have already swirled about a younger Bond, it would likely be someone in their 30s or older, and the series casting director recently explained why a 007 in his 20s wouldn’t work.

In an interview with RadioTimes, casting director Debbie McWilliams said the age limit for the role of James Bond started in 2006 when male actors in their 20s were auditioning for Casino Royale, including Henry Cavill, who was 22 at the time. She and director Martin Campbell said Cavill, now 39, and the other actors in his age group didn’t land the lead role because they lacked gravitas and experience. In other words, they were too young.

“We did look at a lot of younger actors, and I just don’t think they had the gravitas, they didn’t have the experience, they didn’t have the mental capacity to take it on, because it’s not just the part they’re taking on, it’s a massive responsibility,” McWilliams said. “So we kind of scrubbed that idea and went back to the drawing board and started again.”

The only actor who landed the part in Casino Royale was then-38-year-old Craig, and he played James Bond for 15 years ever since.

Before No Time to Die was released, other actors 30 and older tried auditioning for the role of James Bond, including Idris Elba (50), Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page (34), Tom Hardy (45), Sam Heughan (42), and Bullet Train’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson (32). Elba and Hardy have since been ruled out to play the MI6 agent.

Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.