Next James Bond – George Lazenby announces his backing for new 007 | Films | Entertainment
When Sean Connery quit the James Bond franchise after 1967’s You Only Live Twice, 29-year-old Australian model George Lazenby was cast to replace him. Incredibly he turned down a multi-picture deal after starring in his only movie as Ian Fleming’s spy, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This was on the advice of his agent who figured the franchise was on its way out. Nevertheless, the 83-year-old is proud of his part in Bond history and has shared who he wants to replace Daniel Craig.
Speaking with TMZ, Lazenby backed his fellow “good-looking Aussie dude” Liam Hemsworth, the brother of Marvel’s Thor star Chris Hemsworth. The former Bond believes the Hunger Games actor has an acting CV worthy of being the next 007, with the experience of being able to deal with media attention and scrutiny.
The 83-year-old added that the new Bond has to be “crazy enough, arrogant enough, confident enough, ambitious enough to take on the role” since the likes of Craig and Connery are tough acts to follow. Liam isn’t quite as A-list as his Avengers star sibling, who has odds of 50-1 to be the next Bond. But that tends to be an advantage for the next 007 contenders.
After three seasons of Netflix’s The Witcher, Henry Cavill has stepped down from the lead role of Geralt with Liam replacing him. Just as Lazenby followed Connery, this may be the 32-year-old’s next big gig instead.
Meanwhile, Cavill – who came second to Craig in the Casino Royale auditions – has been dropped as Superman despite teasing a return at the end of Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam a couple of months ago. The 39-year-old may be gearing up to star in Warhammer, but he’s always expressed an interest in finally doing Bond. Here are the latest odds for the next 007 frontrunners, which currently have none for Liam: Aaron Taylor-Johnson 5-4, Henry Cavill 6-4, Regé-Jean Page 3-1, James Norton 5-1, Tom Hardy 6-1.
