As a new era begins for Bond, the search has begun for an actor fit to play Britain’s most iconic character.
Among the bookies favourites for 007 are Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Superman Henry Cavill and Happy Valley’s James Norton.
But one little-known name has also been thrown into the mix of potential candidates – and he’s reportedly in talks with bosses and has sent an audition tape.
According to The Mirror, Mike Dickman, 40, whose acting credits include small roles in Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, Barbie, and the upcoming movie Gandhi, is being considered by Barbara Broccoli.
He allegedly met up with Barbara to discuss a separate work opportunity, but the topic of conversation turned to Bond and she then urged him to audition.
A source told the publication: ‘The two of them met up in London last January, and it was a very cordial meeting about something unrelated during which Barbara brought up Bond. Mike ended up sending an audition tape.’
As a new era begins for Bond, the search has begun for an actor fit to play Britain’s most iconic character
One little-known name has also been thrown into the mix of potential candidates – and he’s reportedly in talks with bosses and has sent an audition tape
A representative for Mike declined when asked to comment.
According to Spotlight, Mike, who is also the partner of Heather Mills has been cast opposite Mena Suvari in thriller The Manor, which is filming this year.
He is also the lead in the upcoming, globally distributed feature film Secrets and an executive producer in an ‘Oscar/BAFTA winning team producing forthcoming female-focused WW2 epic and 3 additional studio feature/TV series’.
The website also states that he is skilled in choral singing, dance (general), rock singing, and military training, as well as being ‘very skilled’ at athletics, cricket, crossfit, football, golf, martial arts, running-marathon distance, swimming, and tennis.
Elsewhere, Naomie Harris has thrown her support behind Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page to be the next James Bond following Daniel Craig ‘s exit and Amazon taking over the franchise.
The British actress, 48, who played Eve Moneypenny in three 007 movies, gushed over her recent co-star who has been tipped to be in contention the iconic role alongside the likes of Theo James, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Josh O’Connor.
She told Harper’s Bazaar UK: ‘I was just in Black Bag with Regé-Jean Page, and he does wear a suit very well.’
Naomie, who looked sensational in a string of glam gowns, was also cautious about Amazon’s takeover of the beloved spy saga and said she hoped they wouldn’t make 007 ‘too modern’.
Musing: ‘We all grew up with Bond, and I think it needs those classic elements for people to connect with it’.
The last Bond, Daniel Craig pictured with Lea Seydoux
According to Spotlight, Mike, who is also the partner of Heather Mills (pictured together) has been cast opposite Mena Suvari in thriller The Manor, which is filming this year
His acting credits include a small role in Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
He allegedly met up with Barbara to discuss a separate work opportunity, but the topic of conversation turned to Bond and she then urged him to audition
Earlier this month, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Amazon circulated an internal memo stipulating the spy will not change gender or nationality.
A source said: ‘There have been so many erroneous rumours about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.’
Ms Broccoli and Mr Wilson have fiercely protected the image of the British hero since taking over Eon Productions, the UK company behind previous Bond films, in 1995.
Ms Broccoli is said to have insisted on Bond remaining British before agreeing to sell.
Eon was founded by her father and Mr Wilson’s stepfather, Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who bought the film rights to the martini-sipping, womanising spy from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961.
There have since been 25 Bond films, starting with 1962’s Dr No. But last month Ms Broccoli, 64, and Mr Wilson, 83, announced they had sold all creative rights to Amazon, headed by bald-headed Mr Bezos, who some fans compare to a Bond villain.
Fans complained Amazon’s plans to develop spin-off shows including one focusing on the early days of 007’s secretary Miss Moneypenny would ruin the franchise. And they feared Amazon would try to ‘wokeify’ Bond.
But last night an Amazon insider said: ‘Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct. That’s why the memo went out this week, to reassure everyone.
‘But certain things are up for discussion, like whether the next Bond should be played by a man of colour.’
The last Bond film was 2021’s No Time To Die, starring Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux.
