Overview
- Debbie McWilliams, who cast 14 Bond films, told an onstage interview at the Karlovy Vary film festival on Monday that James Bond should remain a white man and quoted Ian Fleming’s original character as the reason.
- McWilliams retired before Amazon MGM took creative control of the franchise and is not part of the current casting process led by casting director Nina Gold and director Denis Villeneuve.
- Amazon MGM confirmed auditions opened in May and industry reports say Villeneuve and Gold have advanced candidates to second-round on-camera tests expected this summer.
- Denis Villeneuve is reported to be directing the next Bond with Steven Knight writing and filming planned to start after Villeneuve finishes his third Dune movie.
- Bookmakers and industry insiders are actively shortening odds on names such as Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson and surprise contenders, and McWilliams’ comments could shape public reaction and the PR terrain for Amazon MGM’s final choice.