Nathan Lane’s claim that he had been cast as the new 007 in James Bond was, as is usually the case with the actor, tongue in cheek, but it was also a surprisingly good concept for a new movie. One of the most notable things about James Bond as a character is that he has been played by many different actors over the course of his existence. Each of the men chosen to portray 007 have brought something new to the role, while also staying true to the basic elements of his personality and values. As such, Bond represents both an opportunity and a challenge to anyone stepping into his shoes.
It would, of course, be great to have Nathan Lane as the next James Bond, particularly since he has shown throughout his career that he has a knack for playing roles that call for a blend of both gravitas and comedy. Lane is a remarkably versatile performer, and such a movie would give him a chance to get the credit he always deserved. Even if he never slips on Bond’s tuxedo, however, Nathan Lane’s gag on The Late Show about playing an older, geriatric 007 could actually work.RELATED: Requirements For The Next James Bond Actor Block Several 007 Fancasts
An Old James Bond Would Be A Gripping Movie Story
Nathan Lane may joke about “Octogenarianpussy” and picking soup over sex, but it would actually be fascinating to see Bond as an older man – someone worn down by his years of service, yet still able to answer the call of duty. This next portrayal of James Bond could be someone who has seen and committed much violence in his time and has retreated into a life of obscurity. In this version of events, Bond could be a reluctant hero who would much rather work at a Home Depot store, but cannot quite leave his past behind him. Bond’s escapades have always made for good spy movies; now they can make for even better drama.
Focusing on an older Bond would allow the franchise to continue finding new ways to make the character relevant. As an older man, Bond would have a perspective on the world of spycraft and espionage that his younger counterpart would lack. An older actor playing James Bond would give more insight into what makes him tick as a man rather than as just an agent of the intelligence services. Moreover, it would also allow for a nuanced exploration of how 007’s past actions have consequences – a theme that is not always the franchise’s strong suit.
Why An Old James Bond Movie Is Really Unlikely
Appealing though it may be to see an older James Bond, this concept has come to be increasingly unlikely given the way that the franchise as a whole has been trending in recent years. The Daniel Craig version of the James Bond character was solemn, and this extends to his movie series as a whole, which has been accused of dourness in places. Furthermore, Bond has more often been portrayed on the young side; at the very most, he is middle-aged, and the type of man who is in the prime of his life and physical fitness.
New James Bond movies often call for a number of physical stunts, many of which demand fitness on the part of the actor chosen. As the search continues for the next person to step into the 007 persona, it seems more likely that it will, once again, be a younger actor. This will allow the franchise to establish continuity in tone, if not in narrative, to the previous Daniel Craig era. Nathan Lane’s joke about geriatric Bond may actually have some merit, but such a movie is still desperately unlikely.
