George MacKay has addressed long-running speculation linking him to the role of James Bond, saying he’s flattered to be considered as a potential successor to Daniel Craig.
The British actor, 33, has regularly appeared on bookmakers’ lists of contenders for the iconic role, with The Guardian describing him as having “that look that mixes vague meanness with woolly competence” and “a spoonful of the eccentric enigmatic”.
While earlier this year, Bond commentator and author Mark O’Connell also branded him an “interesting” choice who is “going places” when speaking to PageSix about who could follow in Craig’s shoes. It also helps that he starred opposite a Bond girl, Léa Seydoux, in 2023’s The Beast.
When asked about whether he would be interested in the role at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of his new film & Sons, MacKay couldn’t help but smile.
“I mean, like, come on. Like, Bonds? Yeah, sure,” he laughed. Pressed on whether he had been approached, he replied: “I couldn't say… No, I'm not going to be drawn further than that.
“But hey, it's nice to be in the mix, y’know? And what a role? Like Denis Villenueve, he's top of the game. So yeah, of course.”
In June it was announced that Oscar-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, best known for helming Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, would take the reins of the iconic British spy series as part of a significant creative overhaul.
MacKay added that the news of Villeneuve being lined up to direct the next instalment makes the franchise feel newly exciting.
“I think that changes everything,” he said. “Denis Villeneuve… he’s another one of ‘the man’. How he manages to balance that sort of big cinema and craft and commercial weight, you know, — yeah, I'm so excited, whoever it is, for his Bond.”
His comments come amid major changes behind the scenes of the franchise.
Earlier this year, Amazon struck a landmark deal with longtime Bond stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to take full control of the character and its related IP.
While initial estimates suggested the deal could ultimately reach close to $1 billion, recent financial filings in the UK reveal the upfront sale price was significantly lower with The Hollywood Reporter reporting it was $20million.
The Broccoli family will, however, continue to hold economic interest in the franchise through a joint venture structure.
Away from 007 talk, MacKay was at the festival to launch & Sons, an adaptation of David Gilbert’s acclaimed 2013 novel, co-written by Oscar-winner Sarah Polley and directed by Pablo Trapero.
The drama follows reclusive novelist Andrew Dyer (Bill Nighy), who reunites his estranged sons — played by MacKay and Johnny Flynn — for a revelation that upends their family history. The cast also includes Imelda Staunton and Noah Jupe.
MacKay spoke with admiration for his on-screen father, praising Nighy’s craft and generosity.
“Bill was really, he's really giving with his experience, super like sensitive, clear man,” the 1917 star said. “He's been very kind to me whenever I've asked him advice. He's been so giving with it
Watching Nighy at work proved revelatory. “I was just so impressed — like, just the work that he does, what he continues to do, just connect, continues to, like, sharpen his tools,” MacKay said.
“... From being there on set, I was blown away every day by what he was doing and coming up with — and how prepped he was. He was the man.”
