As speculation intensifies over who Sam Mendes will pick to be his next Bond villain, we’ve lined up the main suspects and given them the once over. Here’s everything you need to know about the actors and characters who could be 007’s next nemesis.
Chiwetel Oejifor
The BAFTA award winning actor has rocketed to prominence after his emotive portrayal of Solomon Northup in Steve McQueen’s ’12 years a Slave’. The Forest Gate born actor, first cast in a major film by Steven Spielberg only three months into his course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, is the odds on favourite for the Bond villain role according to industry insiders.
Producers are said to be keen to recruit the Oscar nominated star after Oscar winner Javier Bardem’s acclaimed role in £1bn box office success Skyfall. He’s also got a proven track record as an antagonist, with an explosive performance in 2005 film ‘Serenity’ as the Operative under the direction of Joss Whedon, now of ‘Avengers’ fame.
TGJ Odds: 2-1
Kevin Spacey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoebvjNrhjQ
Back in 2012, it was reported that Spacey was keen to take on the mantle of the next Bond villain. 2 years later, the Hollywood rumour mill has been hard at work and rumours are abound that the House of Cards star, who is famously close with Bond director Sam Mendes having worked with him on American Beauty and Richard III, would be taking on the role.
However, he’s vociferously denied all the gossip in recent interviews. Despite, his insistence he is still one of the greatest actors of his generation and one can’t help but feel that Hollywood might just be tempted. Never say never.
TGJ Odss: 6-1
Bruce Willis
The All-American crime fighting working class hero has said that the last Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ renewed his love for the franchise. The Die Hard star told NME Magazine that he didn’t enjoy playing the bad guy but would reconsider his options if offered the Bond role.
However, it’s an unlikely scenario. An American villain is a rarity and unlikely to go down well with the crowds on the other side of the pond. On top of his nationality, Bond producers traditionally go for classically trained award winning actors of which Willis is neither. He might be worth over $180 million but he’s an outside bet to take on Daniel Craig.
TGJ Odds: 100-1
John Travolta
Travolta recently told the Telegraph that he ‘would love to play a Bond villain’ but, for our money, the 70s dance sensation who once danced with Princess Diana doesn’t stand much of a chance.
That being said he reportedly has the backing of of Barbara Broccoli, the daughter of original Bond producer Albert Broccoli, who is the woman in charge of all things Bond. If only to save him from the undoubtedly savage critics, we hope she doesn’t follow through.
TGJ Odds: 75-1
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
If you’ve never heard of him, it’s because he’s been banned from appearing in Bond films for almost fifty years due to a falling out between Fleming and the family of one of his co-writers. However, after a lengthy legal dispute the cat fight seems to have come to an amicable conclusion because the Bond super villain, who was last seen falling from a helicopter in 1981 Bond film ‘For your eyes only’, has been cleared to return to the screen.
The cat-stroking criminal mastermind could be a hit with Bond’s cult following, but would be a significant thematic change from ‘Skyfall’. The producers have remained tight-lipped but they haven’t denied anything, the cat look could be making a comeback.
TGJ Odds: 50-1
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