Barry Keoghan Prefers Villain Role in Next James Bond Film

Barry Keoghan, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin, and the upcoming Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, has expressed a preference for playing a villain in the next James Bond installment rather than assuming the role of 007 himself.

Not a Fit for Bond, Says Keoghan

Addressing speculation about potentially replacing Daniel Craig as James Bond, Keoghan stated in an interview with Radio Times, “I don’t reckon I fit the criteria for James Bond.” He acknowledged the significance of the role, noting, “(James Bond is) an iconic role and a lot of weight and pressure comes with that.” However, he indicated a stronger inclination towards a different type of character within the franchise.

A Preference for Villainy

“I’d rather come in and do the villain. The man teasing Bond, that’s more me,” Keoghan explained. This suggests a desire to embody a more antagonistic role, challenging the iconic spy rather than becoming him.

The Next Chapter of 007

The search for the next James Bond continues following Daniel Craig’s final appearance in 2021’s No Time To Die. Other actors frequently mentioned as potential candidates include Jacob Elordi, Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Callum Turner.

The upcoming Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, recognized for his function on Dune, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival. The script will be penned by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders.

Amazon’s Creative Control

The iconic British spy franchise is undergoing a significant shift, with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handing over creative control to Amazon as part of a substantial deal.

Keoghan’s comments come as the franchise prepares for a new era, with both a new leading actor and a new creative direction on the horizon.