Fast & Furious star Luke Evans gives a heartfelt response to rumors that he will play the next James Bond. Known for playing Owen Shaw in Fast & Furious 6 and The Fate of the Furious, as well as Gaston in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, Evans is one of the many actors rumored to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. Among others rumored have been Kingsman‘s Taron Egerton, Dev Patel, Snake Eyes‘ Henry Golding, Will Poulter, and the long-hoped-for Idris Elba.
While speaking on a panel at the Wales Screen Summit (via BBC), Evans shared a sweet reaction to his James Bond rumors. As a “Welsh boy” and “a gay kid from the valleys,” Evans believes that his casting as 007 would be “boundary-breaking,” though the Fast & Furious actor did not make any gesture to confirm his casting, assuring that “nobody knows” who’s landed the coveted role yet. Check out the full quote from Evans below:
“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.”
Why Luke Evans Could Be The Right Choice For James Bond
As evidenced by the copious casting rumors, selecting the next 007 is no easy feat. Craig’s stint as Bond is a tough act to follow, as his Bond films — which included Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die — were generally well-received. As an accomplished, but relatively lesser-known, actor, Evans could be an unexpected but strong choice for the role. With little recognition in other major franchises, beyond his stint in Fast & Furious, he would give the opportunity to not just have an actor cast as James Bond, but to have an actor be Bond for the next generation.
Evans also brings up a critical point within his own flattered reaction: representation. With the next Bond casting, Hollywood has the chance to change the image of what it means to be a Bond man. Perhaps 007 will not be played by the suave straight white man that has typically taken on the role. Rather, the world could see a woman playing Bond, or a Black man, or a gay man like Evans.
The possibilities are still seemingly endless with the next James Bond actor. Every time it seems like the pool is narrowed down when some actor or another denies rumors or fan casting, another actor’s name is thrown into Bond talks. While Evans made no promises about his Bond future, he certainly did not deny anything either, allowing fans’ suspicions to continue.
Source: BBC
