A newJames Bondfavorite has emerged…and he will leave you entertained. While the hotly rumoredKraven the Hunterstar Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains the #1 choice for the coveted role of the next 007,Gladiator IIstarPaul Mescalis slowly catching up to him, according to bookies. The 28-year-old Academy Award nominee has now shot on to the Hollywood A-list after leading his first blockbuster, the long-awaited swords and sandals sequelGladiator 2no less, with his odds now being slashed as Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson continue to search for who will next wield the licence to kill.
As per Ladbrokes (viaThe Express), acclaimed Irish actor Paul Mescal has seen his odds slashed from 10-1 to 3-1, putting him ever closer to donning the famous tux. Ladbrokes’ Nicola McGeady said of the change, “Mescalmania is sweeping the nation asGladiator IIhits cinemas and as result he is now challenging Aaron Taylor-Johnson to be named as the next James Bond.”
Coming on to everyone’s radar afterstarring in the heart-wrenching dramaNormal People, Mescal has since starred in the likes ofAll of Us Strangers, Foe,andCarmen, receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in 2022’s deeply effecting coming-of-age dramaAftersun.
Paul Mescal Can Handle Drama & Action, but Is He Interested in Being Bond?
Paul Mescal certainly meets therequirements that were recently laid outby Broccoli and Wilson. TheGladiatorstar is “a man,” is nearing “his 30s,” and is not a part of any major franchise that would stop him from committing to “a decade’s worth” of James Bond adventures. Apart from maybeGladiatorif the third moviegets off the ground.
The actor has proven his affinity for drama time and again, and has now proven he can handle the action thanks to his leading role as the vengeful Lucius Verus in Ridley Scott’s sequel. However, while he would undoubtedly bring something different to the role of 007, Mescal is largely an indie darling and one wonders whether Mescal is even interested in taking on the role of James Bond.
Next James Bond Film Reportedly Eyeing an Oscar-Winning Director Amid Script Problems
The next James Bond film doesn’t have an actor attached (nor a script), mind you.
While Mescal may be a newly emerging favorite as the next James Bond, following the recent update regarding the casting of the role, fans quickly took to social media to reveal who they want to see take over:Man of SteelandThe Witcherstar Henry Cavill. And there are many who would love to see Cavill lead the franchise. Research proves it. According to a study conducted by Betway Casino and, based on analysis of “Google searches, articles, article engagement and Reddit mentions for 31 potential actors” reportedly being considered or discussed for the role, Cavill takes the #1 spot.
Of course, several other major names continue to hover around the role, includingVenomstar Tom Hardy,The Gentlemen’sTheo James,Bullett TrainandKick-Assstar Aaron Taylor-Johnson,The Suicide SquadandLuthoractor Idris Elba,Masters of the Airstar Callum Turner, andHappy Valley’sJames Norton. So, while we continue to wait for further, official updates, how do you think Paul Mescal would fare as James Bond?
Gladiator II
Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.
