James Bond fans were pretty surprised when news broke a week ago that Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult had—at the eleventh hour—screen-tested to play James Bond. In the past, EON always hired lesser-known actors to play 007, with the idea that an established star would overwhelm the character. But with them out of the picture, it seems that Amazon/MGM and director Denis Villeneuve might be going in a new direction—possibly because of the general indifference many fans expressed towards the presumed frontrunners, which included Callum Turner and Jack Lowden.
Now, in a Puck report by Matthew Belloni, some insight is given into why Pattinson opted to screen-test and what it could mean for his future as Batman. The report reveals that the deal to get Pattinson to come in and test was a tricky one, but that Denis Villeneuve, who is directing him in Dune Part Three, always wanted to see him try out for the role. Belloni also states that studios are increasingly unwilling to put non-A-list actors in their franchise-leading roles, citing how Scarlett Johansson was brought in to lead the most recent Jurassic Park movie (she’s also leading the next Exorcist sequel).
As for Pattinson’s commitment to Batman, the consensus seems to be that, with the Skydance takeover, the studio might be looking to launch its own take on the character as part of the new James Gunn-less DC mandate. If Matt Reeves were not to return, it would make sense that Pattinson would also step down. At the moment, Reeves, for family reasons, has had to temporarily step away from The Batman Part II, with Steven Soderbergh lending a hand to finish physical production before Reeves returns in post. It’s possible that Reeves will still go ahead and make a third Batman movie—especially if the sequel is a hit (which seems likely). But even in that case, Pattinson would be committed to one more movie, which likely wouldn’t shoot anytime soon, so it doesn’t remove him from the equation as Bond whatsoever.
My gut feeling? James Bond is his to lose—if it turns out that he really does want to sign on as 007. Fans would be into his casting, as he’s one of the most acclaimed actors out there and just about the right age at forty. I’m not convinced Bond fans want a twenty-something Bond anyway.
Do you think Pattinson should be Bond? Let us know in the comments.