James Bond casting director reveals why the next 007 'can't be Dwayne Johnson'

Virgin Radio

14 Apr 2023, 07:42

The casting director behind the James Bond franchise has revealed why Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is unlikely to be in the running as the next 007. 

The former WWE wrestler-turned-actor made it clear he’d be more than up for the role during a chat with LadBible in October. He told the publication: “An American Bond? It can happen, right? It’s like Henry Cavill playing Superman.”

Having starred in action-heavy flicks such as Black Adam, Red Notice and the Fast and Furious franchise, it’s easy to how see the smooth star could tackle the role of James Bond, but according to casting director Debbie McWilliams, there’s a good reason why Dwayne is unlikely to have his martini shaken, not stirred. 

It’s all down to Dwayne’s muscles, according to Debbie. She told The Radio Times: “There isn’t an absolute ideal mould. He has to look like a regular guy – you can’t be Dwayne Johnson.

“He has to have a great physique – it demands a high level of fitness – but he shouldn’t stand out in any situation.”

Dwayne shouldn’t worry too much about missing out on the role, as Debbie also suggested no one under the age of 30 would be in with a chance of playing 007 either. 

McWilliams explained to Radio Times when they started casting for Casino Royale,  which was set earlier in Bond’s career at MI6, that “it was a slightly different feel”. 

"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.

"So we kind of scrubbed that idea and went back to the drawing board and started again."

It was previously revealed by Martin Campbell, Casino Royale director, that Henry Cavill was among the actors who had auditioned to play Bond in Campbell’s film. At the time of auditioning, Cavill was only 22, and this ruled him out as being too young for the famous role. 

Many well-known actors have been linked to the franchise since Daniel Craig’s last feature in 2021’s No Time to Die. These have included Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba, Slow Horses star Jack Lowden, Tom Hardy, and James Norton.

Meanwhile, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s calendar seems pretty chock full anyways, having just announced he’ll be reprising his role in the live-action remake of Disney’s Moana.