Tom Hiddleston, the British actor known for his roles in Thor and Avengers, has expressed hesitation about replacing Daniel Craig as the iconic character of James Bond in the long-running 007 franchise. In a recent interview with Variety, Hiddleston described the prospect of taking on the role as “terrifying.”
Hiddleston’s comments come amidst speculation that he is among the top contenders to replace Craig, who has played Bond since 2006 and has expressed a desire to step down from the role after the upcoming film No Time to Die. Other actors rumored to be in consideration include Idris Elba, Richard Madden, and Henry Cavill.
“I mean, it’s a terrifying prospect,” Hiddleston said when asked about the possibility of playing Bond. “I think Bond is an incredible character and I love the films, but I think Daniel Craig has done such an amazing job with it. He’s been my Bond growing up, you know? So the idea of stepping into those shoes would be intimidating, to say the least.”
Despite his reservations, Hiddleston did not rule out the possibility entirely, saying that he would consider the opportunity if it were presented to him. “I wouldn’t say no to it, necessarily,” he said. “But I do think it’s important to let Daniel have his time to finish his run and then see what happens after that. It’s a big decision, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly.”
Hiddleston also praised Craig’s performance as Bond, calling him “an incredible actor” who has brought a new level of depth and nuance to the character. “He’s made Bond his own, and I think he’s been phenomenal in the role,” Hiddleston said. “So, it’s a tough act to follow, let alone try to replace.”
The 39-year-old actor also addressed the ongoing debate over whether the next Bond should be played by a woman or a person of color. “I think it’s really important to have representation in cinema, and I think Bond should reflect the world we live in,” Hiddlestone said. “So, I think it’s great that there are conversations happening about having a female Bond or a Bond of color. It’s an exciting time for the franchise, and I’m interested to see where they go with it.”
In conclusion, while Tom Hiddleston may have some doubts about taking on the role of James Bond, he remains open to the possibility and acknowledges the importance of representing diversity in the franchise. As fans eagerly await the release of No Time to Die and speculate about the future of the 007 series, one thing is certain: the bar has been set high by Daniel Craig’s performances, and whoever takes on the mantle of Bond next will have big shoes to fill.