When it comes to the search for a new James Bond, a lot has changed since I went away on vacation. I left with Callum Turner being the frontrunner, but while I was enjoying life on the Jericho Cruise, suddenly Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were late additions. Now comes word from Puck that it’s Pattinson who has suddenly taken the pole position, and there’s good reason to think the job might be his.
The site says that Pattinson is the likely choice, with Turner, Hoult, Josh O’Connor, and Jack Lowden the other contenders for 007. A decision might come after Christmas, so we have a few more weeks of this crazy roller coaster left.
Interestingly, the report notes some vast differences in the contract offers depending on the actor’s star power. For instance, Pattinson got more money than guys like Lowden and O’Connor, and he only had to commit to three movies when they had to commit to four.
Why make that kind of offer to Pattinson if he’s not the guy you really want? Pattinson and director Denis Villeneuve have worked together on Dune 3, so the filmmaker may be the one pushing this.
Also, if Pattinson does sign on, don’t be shocked if Matt Reeves directs one of the Bond films after Villeneuve. Reeves doing James Bond? Yes, please.
Let’s also be clear: Amazon MGM needs this movie to be a huge hit, and Pattinson is the biggest name of the bunch. It shelled out a lot of money to acquire this franchise, and it will need whoever can deliver the most box office punch.
