Amazon warned not to ‘poke the bear’ by breaking ‘non-negotiable’ James Bond casting rule

Amazon has been warned not to “poke the bear” by breaking the “non-negotiable” rules surrounding the next James Bond as speculation continues over who will replace Daniel Craig.

The host of the ”Really, 007!” Podcast, Tom Pickup, was speaking to GB News after casting director Debbie McWilliams said the character must remain white and male.

The series veteran, who cast the previous 14 Bond films beginning with Roger Moore's era, said she did not agree with calls for a more diverse casting process for the British icon.

Mr Pickup: “Ian Fleming wrote a character, and that’s the character that stays. That’s what I think. I mean, other people might think otherwise, but I don’t think that."

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Asked whether he agreed, Mr Pickup said: “Yes, I think that's probably the best course of action.”

The podcast host said Amazon would be keen to play it safe with its first Bond film, acknowledging adapting such a beloved property was a “huge risk” to the US giant.

“They don't want to be seen to cast their first James Bond in anything other than the most popular Bond to everybody.”

Mr Pickup insisted the character remaining male was “non-negotiable”, warning audiences would reject any attempt to fundamentally reinvent Ian Fleming's famous spy.

“It has to be a man. That's non-negotiable,” he insisted.

“I think audiences would instantly be complaining, and they want as little controversy going into this new film as they can.”

Mr Pickup suggested changing the character's race would risk overshadowing the film itself.

“I wouldn't object to it personally, but I do think that you're just poking the bear," he said.

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“There's no need to do anything too drastic.

“What they want, I'm sure, is the common denominator Bond to please all fans.”

Even so, the Bond superfan noted Bond had evolved over the decades, citing the backlash Daniel Craig initially faced for his blond hair and shorter stature compared with previous actors.

He also rejected suggestions that Amazon would necessarily repeat criticisms levelled at its Lord of the Rings adaptation by radically reimagining Bond.

“There are other ways to make sure the casting is diverse and reflects the period,” he said, pointing to characters such as Moneypenny and future villains.

When asked who should inherit the licence to kill, Mr Pickup revealed he still pined for the long-touted Henry Cavill to replace Daniel Craig.

However, he acknowledged younger actors who could inhabit the role for a longer period would likely be preferred.

As it stands, actors Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi remain the bookies' favourites to become the next James Bond.

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