While the role of the future James Bond remains very much up in the air, one name who appears more than willing to remove his name from consideration is Austin Butler. The Caught Stealing star’s candid response to the idea of suiting up as the next 007 drew plenty of attention, specifically due to the fact that he didn’t exactly believe he fit the mold of the iconic face of the franchise.
As Butler previously told Hits Radio UK, he doesn’t think it would be a “good idea” for him to be the next face of James Bond. However, it was what he said afterward that could be even more noteworthy.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” said Butler. “Because I’m American…I could do an accent, but I think it would be kinda sacrilegious. Those movies meant so much to me. But I think, yeah, it’s gotta be somebody who is from your home country (United Kingdom).”
Austin Butler Open to Playing a Villain in the New James Bond Movie
Although Butler’s honest response may end any hope of him stepping into the role of 007 before it picked up too much steam, the follow-up question from host Sam Thompson kicked off another possibility for the 34-year-old actor.
“A villain?” asked Thompson.
“A villain? A villain. That would be alright,” Butler said. “I’d do that.”
@hitsradiouk Austin Butler as a Bond villain? 👀🍸 #austinbutler #jamesbond #jamesbond007 @Samthompsonuk
Why not? Butler could be an intriguing fit for a villain in the Bond franchise, and considering his history with Denis Villeneuve, who’ll be directing the next movie, it could make sense. Butler was in Villeneuve’s 2024 film Dune: Part Two, and that factor alone has fueled some chatter around the potential Bond role.
Although Butler appears to be out on the possibility of a lead role, the idea of him playing a villain is an entertaining one. Time will tell if that concept has a chance to come to fruition, but it’s likely fans will first hear word on who’s tabbed as the next Bond before anything else relating to the cast is built out.
Related: Tom Holland Breaks Silence on James Bond Rumors With Honest Admission
