Henry Golding describes the experience of playing James Bond as a "nightmare" for any actor, citing the immense cultural pressure that comes with the role.

The competition to discover the next James Bond is intensifying, and with Dune director Denis Villeneuve now officially set to direct the 26th film in the series, Amazon is ramping up its efforts. The streaming powerhouse, which currently manages the legendary 007 franchise, is reportedly targeting a 2028 release date for Bond 26, a schedule that underscores the extensive nature of the production. Amidst all the excitement, well-known actor Henry Golding recently described taking on the role of James Bond as a 'true nightmare' for any performer.

Henry Golding Calls Playing James Bond A 'Nightmare' For Any Actor
In a conversation with People at the Old Guard 2 premiere, Henry remarked, "I think that’s every actor’s kind of nightmare. But at the same time, [you’re] also wanting to kind of add something new to a franchise. Why can’t they bring out more agents or more OO’s? I think that would be so much more fun because there just isn’t the restraints and the expectation."
Additionally, he stated, "Maybe I’m just a pussy. I don’t know. But I think I would love it so much more if there wasn’t that overhanging cultural pressure."
More About James Bond
With Villeneuve in place, the next steps involve securing a screenwriter and, of course, casting the new Bond. According to reports from Variety, Amazon and the franchise's producers are eager to cast a British actor under the age of 30 to infuse a fresh, youthful energy into the iconic role. Currently generating buzz are Saltburn star Jacob Elordi (despite being Australian), Spider-Man lead Tom Holland, and emerging talent Harris Dickinson of Babygirl fame.
The fictional character has been portrayed by numerous actors throughout the years, including David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. James Bond has consistently been depicted as a violent character, and the level of violence in the films has only escalated over time.
The most recent James Bond film released in 2021, titled No Time to Die. It featured Craig in the role and was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.