Article Overview
Barbie director Greta Gerwig suggests that Kingsley Ben-Adir, who played Basketball Ken in Barbie, would be a perfect fit to lead the next era of James Bond.
With Ben-Adir's remarkable acting credentials and his talent for captivating audiences, he is undoubtedly a highly suitable choice for the iconic role of 007.
His involvement in espionage stories, such as his role in Disney+'s Secret Invasion, demonstrates his adaptability and his potential to introduce a new perspective to the James Bond franchise.
Barbie director Greta Gerwig has suggested that one of the Ken actors from the movie could be a great choice for the next James Bond film, based on her experience working with them. Gerwig's pick is not Ryan Gosling, who played Ken in the 2023 Barbie movie alongside a diverse group of up-and-coming actors. As the producers of the James Bond franchise search for a new star to replace Daniel Craig, Gerwig believes that Kingsley Ben-Adir, who stood out to her during filming, could be the perfect fit to lead the iconic spy series into a new era.
Everybody’s jaws dropped. I was like, get this footage to whoever is making James Bond immediately.
Why Kingsley Ben-Adir Could Be A Perfect Choice For James Bond
Nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020, as well as the 2020 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and winner of both the 2020 Gotham Awards' Breakthrough Actor accolade and the 2020 Atlantic Film Critics Circle's Breakthrough Performer honor, Ben-Adir has already made a name for himself as an actor worth watching. From his significant roles in The OA and Peaky Blinders, to his extraordinary portrayal of Malcolm X in One Night in Miami..., Ben-Adir has showcased his versatility and gained recognition from a diverse audience. Consequently, the anticipation surrounding his casting as James Bond is bound to attract a fervent following eager to witness his rendition of 007.
In addition, Ben-Adir's recent work in espionage-themed films, such as Disney+'s Secret Invasion miniseries, has provided him with valuable experience. In Secret Invasion, Ben-Adir portrayed the character Gravik, a disillusioned former Skrull agent who plots to infiltrate Earth's leadership. Despite playing the antagonist, Ben-Adir's performance as Gravik allowed him to gain insights into the genre. This makes him a strong candidate to challenge the expectations of his Marvel role by taking on the iconic character of James Bond.
The exceptional cast of Ben-Adir and Barbie has captivated and moved audiences throughout the summer, making their movie a standout success of 2023. This leaves viewers eagerly anticipating their future projects, such as Ben-Adir's upcoming film Bob Marley: One Love set to impress in 2024. While the producers of the James Bond franchise may face difficulties in steering the franchise in a new direction after Daniel Craig's tenure, Gerwig's suggestion could potentially assist them in finding their next 007.
Daniel Craig's James Bond series can be streamed on Prime Video, whereas Barbie is available for rental or purchase on Video on Demand platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and the Microsoft Store. Additionally, a Max streaming release of Barbie is scheduled for Fall 2023.
Editor's P/S
Greta Gerwig, the visionary director behind the highly-anticipated Barbie movie, has made waves in the entertainment industry with her bold suggestion for the next James Bond actor. Instead of the widely speculated Ryan Gosling, Gerwig proposes Kingsley Ben-Adir, who portrayed Basketball Ken in Barbie, as the ideal candidate to lead the iconic spy franchise into a new era. This unexpected choice has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans and critics alike.
Ben-Adir, a rising star in the acting world, has already proven his talent and versatility in various roles, including his captivating portrayal of Malcolm X in One Night in Miami... and his enigmatic performance as Gravik in Disney+'s Secret Invasion. His ability to embody complex characters with depth and nuance makes him a strong contender for the role of James Bond. Moreover, his experience in espionage-themed projects, such as Secret Invasion, provides him with a solid foundation for tackling the sophisticated and action-packed world of 007.