Sydney Sweeney has just been given a huge boost to her chances of landing the lead role in the next Bond film following a high-profile endorsement.
Hollywood director Paul Feig has thrown his support behind Ms Sweeney to take on the iconic role of James Bond after working closely with the actress on a number of recent projects.
Sydney Sweeney has put herself forward for the spy role previously
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PAThe 63-year-old filmmaker, who recently directed the Euphoria star in The Housemaid, made the bold suggestion during an interview with The Sun.
“I’d rather Sydney be the next Bond,” Mr Feig declared, dismissing the suggestion she could play the iconic spy’s love interest.
Hollywood director Paul Feig has endorsed Sweeney for the role of Bond
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“There have been some cool Bond girls, but come on, let her be the super-spy, she’s great,” he continued.
The American director went on to praise the 28-year-old actress’s work ethic and intelligence.
“She’s one of the hardest-working people I know, so professional, so smart, so savvy. I think she’d be a good spy,” he added.
Ms Sweeney herself has previously indicated she would relish the opportunity to portray 007 rather than serve as a romantic interest to the spy.
Following Amazon MGM’s acquisition of the Bond franchise, the American actress spoke about her enthusiasm for the series.
“I’ve always been a huge fan, and I’m excited and curious to see what they do with it,” she remarked.
When questioned about whether she would consider taking on a Bond girl part, Ms Sweeney offered a diplomatic response. “Depends on the script,” she said.
“I think I’d have more fun as James Bond,” Ms Sweeney stated.
Sydney Sweeney is one of Hollywood’s biggest names
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GETTYMr Feig’s endorsement arrives at a time when the franchise faces mounting scrutiny about its direction.
The search for Daniel Craig’s successor has stretched on since the English actor departed the franchise following 2021’s No Time to Die.
Bookmakers’ odds on who will step into the role of 007 continue to shift regularly, with numerous high-profile names in contention.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Jack O’Connell have all been linked to the coveted part.
Paul Feig has worked with Sydney Sweeney before
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Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page remains among the frontrunners, though the 38-year-old actor recently described the constant speculation as “strange” and “not normal” in an interview with Esquire UK.
Other actors whose names have circulated include Idris Elba, Theo James, Jonathan Bailey, James Norton, Jack Lowden, and Henry Cavill.
The upcoming Bond film has secured Denis Villeneuve as its director, with the French-Canadian filmmaker also serving as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe.
The four-time Academy Award nominee, celebrated for his work on Dune, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, will helm the project.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been tasked with penning the screenplay.
The production follows a significant shake-up of the long-running British spy series, with the Broccoli family relinquishing creative control to Amazon MGM Studios after three decades at the helm.
Amazon acquired Bond’s parent studio in 2022, marking a new era for the franchise.