Henry Golding Calls James Bond Role a “Nightmare,” Urges Franchise to Expand Beyond 007

At the red carpet premiere of The Old Guard 2 in Los Angeles on June 25, actor Henry Golding opened up about the daunting prospect of stepping into the shoes of James Bond. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the 38-year-old Malaysian-British star described the idea of taking on the iconic 007 role as “every actor’s kind of nightmare,” emphasizing the immense pressure that comes with such a legacy role. Though flattered by the possibility, Golding acknowledged the heavy cultural expectations tied to James Bond’s portrayal.

Golding Envisions Expanding 007 Universe Beyond Bond to Ease Iconic Role Pressure

Golding suggested an alternate direction for the franchise that could allow for more creative freedom. Instead of replacing Bond directly, he proposed the idea of introducing new agents or other “00” operatives. According to Golding, this expansion could make the franchise more exciting and dynamic without the burden of living up to a single character’s legendary status. “There just isn’t the restraints and the expectation,” he added, expressing a desire for a Bond world with more flexibility and diversity.

Despite his enthusiasm for the franchise, Golding admitted that the cultural significance of James Bond might be too overwhelming for him. Jokingly calling himself a “p—-,” the actor shared that the external pressures and scrutiny surrounding such a prominent role might dampen the experience. His comments reflect the tension many actors feel when considering roles that come with deep-rooted fan expectations and global cultural impact.

A New Chapter Begins as Bond Franchise Eyes Fresh Direction and Lead Actor

The James Bond franchise has a rich cinematic history dating back to 1962 with Sean Connery’s portrayal in Dr. No. Since then, several actors, including Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently Daniel Craig, have taken up the mantle. Craig’s final outing was in No Time To Die (2021), after which he stated he needed to “move on” from the franchise. This leaves the role open once again, prompting ongoing speculation and interest about who will be next.

It was recently confirmed that Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the 26th Bond film. This project will be the first under Amazon MGM’s creative control, following their partnership with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

While casting is still underway, names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, and Rege-Jean Page continue to surface as potential candidates. Golding, who stars next in Daniela Forever, remained optimistic about the future of the franchise, stating, “I think whoever they’re going to choose, it’s going to be fun.”