Tom Hanks Weighs in on the James Bond Debate
In the world of cinema, there are few characters as enduring as James Bond, the British secret service agent with a license to kill. When it comes to the hallowed role, Hollywood legend Tom Hanks has an interesting perspective.
The esteemed actor asserts that the prospect of an American assuming the role of Bond is highly improbable. According to Hanks, the Bond franchise has a track record of casting American actors in less favourable roles, further reinforcing his belief that an American actor landing the coveted lead role is highly unlikely.
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Tom Hanks: An American Bond Would Spark Riots in England
The Bond franchise, traditionally helmed by British talent, has occasionally contemplated casting American actors. But when quizzed about this, Tom Hanks said the mere notion of an American Bond would spark riots.
“It would be great. It would cause riots. In England, they’re not gonna have some guy from America play James Bond,” Hanks declared.
Further elaborating, Tom Hanks noted the seemingly customary relegation of American actors, claiming, “[they] always cast Americans in the worst roles in James Bond movies. There’s always some guy, who is always standing on the submarine at the end of the movie while James Bond is making out with Halle Berry, saying, ‘James, you did it again.’”
Is The Bond Franchise Anti-American?
Tom Hanks believes there’s no chance an American could play the character. And while he doesn’t lay blame on the Bond producers, is he right that there’s an anti-American bias?
While James Bond is and always will be a British spy, the actor doesn’t have to be British, as long as he can articulate a British accent. Former Bond’s George Lazenby and Pierce Brosnan weren’t British, although they spoke the Queen’s English (King’s still doesn’t sound right), although Brosnan’s Irish was noticeable at times.
And Tom Hanks isn’t factually correct in his anti-American assertion either. In fact, Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was once offered the coveted role of Bond. Now wouldn’t that have made your day?
Despite the generous paycheck associated with the gig, Eastwood respectfully passed on the offer to take over Sean Connery.
“My lawyer represented the Broccolis and he came and said, ‘They would love to have you.’ But to me, well, that was somebody else’s gig. That’s Sean’s deal. It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it,” said Eastwood.
This intriguing piece of Bond history reflects the franchise’s adventurous attempts at diversifying its choice of lead and its continued charm in enticing some of the industry’s biggest names. And of course it goes against Tom Hanks’ belief that an American would never be chosen to play James Bond.
Tom Hanks Would’ve Made a Great Bond
Celebrated for his acting prowess, Tom Hanks would have undoubtedly brought a unique flair to the role of James Bond. His range and charisma could have painted the iconic spy in a distinctively captivating light.
Alas, while his talent remains undimmed, age is a factor not even the greatest actors can defy. And as time ticks on, the possibility of seeing Hanks don the famous tuxedo makes it almost impossible. Besides, he’s American, so he’s go zero chance (British humour, American friends)!
