4 Bond Picks That Might Surprise You
From dead-serious indies to unhinged side characters, these lesser-known actors are ready to sip a martini and save the world. But will Barbara Broccoli return their DMs?
LONDON — With casting rumors swirling once again around the next James Bond, speculation is hitting a fever pitch. While the usual big-name suspects are in the mix (hello, Aaron Taylor-Johnson), one group of actors has quietly launched a subtle (or not-so-subtle) campaign for 007: four mostly unknown, occasionally employed indie actors who collectively share a single Criterion Channel subscription.
1. Jeff Ryan
Most Bond-like trait: Once held a fake press conference for himself. In a van.
Ryan has written, directed, and starred in four features — mostly to confused audiences and begrudging film festival juries. His recent emo-noir MOOCH premiered at the van-outside-Tribeca event he created himself. When asked if he could handle the pressure of playing Bond, he said: "I played a caddy who became a private investigator in New Jersey — this is basically the same gig."
View IMDb →2. Will Madden
Most Bond-like trait: Mysterious intensity. May actually be a real spy.
Will Madden has quietly become a standout in unsettling, psychological indie dramas. Known for his hypnotic screen presence and unwillingness to smile in photographs, Madden brings a brooding energy that says, “I have a license to kill... but also to write poetry in my notes app.”
View IMDb →3. Skyler Bible
Most Bond-like trait: Probably owns a vintage Omega watch unironically.
Best known for his recent role in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, Skyler Bible has made a career of quietly brooding in the background of prestige television and indie shorts. With cheekbones that seem to have their own agent and a resume full of desert-set dramas, Bible brings a mysterious likability that could suit Bond — assuming Bond ever gets lost in Joshua Tree. He was last seen making a very serious face near a cactus in a self-funded short film.
View IMDb →4. Dustin Haan
Most Bond-like trait: Hairline of steel. Unshakeable charisma.
Though less familiar to mainstream audiences, Haan has quietly built a body of work that includes subtle comedies, lo-fi indies, and vibe-heavy roles that suggest he's equally comfortable shaking a martini or breaking hearts. Some say he’s too nice to play Bond. But others argue that’s just what MI6 wants you to think.
View IMDb →Will any of these long-shot candidates land the iconic tux? Doubtful. But if Daniel Craig taught us anything, it’s that a good jawline, a slightly haunted stare, and a tightly fitted suit can take you far.
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