Henry Golding Says Being James Bond Is ‘Every Actor’s Kind of Nightmare’ Because of Too Much ‘Overhanging Cultural Pressure’: ‘Maybe I’m Just a P—‘

Henry Golding recently shared his opinions about possibly taking over the role of James Bond.

“I think that’s every actor’s kind of nightmare,” Golding told People at “The Old Guard 2” red carpet premiere in Los Angeles on June 25.

He continued, “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.”

Despite his initial response, Golding admitted, “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.”

Golding is one of several candidates to be cast as the martini-sipping superspy in the forthcoming film. In November 2024, Variety assembled a list of top contenders, which included Theo James, Regé-Jean Page, Aaron Pierre, James Norton and Idris Elba, among others.

Bond was last played by Daniel Craig in the 2021 film, “No Time to Die.” Other actors who played the role have been George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and, most famously, Sean Connery. Bond was created by British author Ian Fleming in 1953. The film franchise launched in 1962 with Connery as Bond in the film “Dr. No” that same year.

On June 25, Amazon MGM Studios revealed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next iteration of the spy movie, with Tanya Lapointe joining as an executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Amazon MGM Studios has yet to announce a writer or official casting for the next Bond film, which also does not have a confirmed release date.