Is Luke Evans the Next James Bond? The Actor Shares His Thoughts on the Rumors

Luke Evans has addressed the speculation that he might be the next James Bond. 

The actor has previously portrayed Owen Shaw in the Fast & Furious franchise and Gaston in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. 

Evans is among a number of potential candidates to succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy, along with Taron Egerton from Kingsman, Dev Patel, Henry Golding from Snake Eyes, Will Poulter, and Idris Elba, who has been a fan favorite for the role.

At the Wales Screen Summit (via BBC), Evans commented on the rumors that he might be casted as James Bond. 

Evans, who identifies as a gay man and hails from the Welsh valleys, said that playing 007 would be “boundary-breaking” for him, but he did not confirm or deny his involvement in the project, stating that “nobody knows” who has been chosen for the role. Here is Evans’ full statement:

“Welsh boy… a gay kid from the valleys, [to be considered] sends a message to the youth of my country [that] anything can happen.”

Of anyone who places bets that he will play bond, Evan said they “may win some money, but don’t come to me when you lose it.”]

The next 007 is a highly coveted and challenging role to fill, as Craig’s tenure as Bond has been widely praised. His Bond films, which spanned Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die, received positive reviews from critics and audiences. 

Evans, who has a solid but not very prominent career in film, could be a surprising but effective choice for the role. With his limited exposure to other major franchises, except for his role in Fast & Furious, he would have the chance to not only play James Bond, but to embody Bond for a new generation.

Evans also raises an important issue in his humble response: diversity. The next Bond casting offers an opportunity for Hollywood to redefine the image of what it means to be a Bond man. 

Perhaps 007 will not be portrayed by the typical straight white man who has usually assumed the role. Instead, the world could witness a woman playing Bond, or a Black man, or a gay man like Evans.

The next James Bond actor remains an open question. Every time the list of candidates seems to shrink, another actor’s name emerges in Bond discussions. 

While Evans did not confirm anything about his Bond prospects, he also did not rule anything out, leaving fans’ speculations to persist.