If you go into any bar, coffee shop, or classroom these days, you’re sure to overhear a heated debate about who is going to play the next James Bond. The time has come to recast one of cinema’s most timeless heroes, which is a tall order given that Hollywood veteran Daniel Craig has surely been the most sultry Bonds to grace our screens—at least since Sean Connery tusseled in the hay with Honor Blackman for 1964’s Goldfinger.
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion on the issue, but after months of speculation, the powers that be seem no closer to announcing their pick among countless suave contenders. However, one exciting candidate climbing up through the running is actor and producer Enzo Zelocchi, an Italian-American star whose dashing good looks and athletic poise provide just the skillset to order a Martini with style—shaken, not stirred, of course.
Why the Next James Bond Remains a Tantalising Mystery
So strong is the clamor around who’s next going to wield Bond’s obligatory tuxedo and pistol that interested parties keep getting ahead of themselves. At the beginning of August this year, Bookies suspended betting due to a flurry of bets on Tom Hiddleston nabbing the role, but that wasn’t the first time they jumped the gun.
The buzz around Hiddleston was quickly quashed when the Doctor Who actor’s reps dismissed the rumor perpetuated by the Mail Online. Adding to the drama, Hiddleston also confirmed that he isn’t set to play 007 while on the Graham Norton Show before reigniting the rumor mill by saying, “The thing is, the position isn’t vacant as far as I am aware.”
Of course, this wasn’t the first time the Bookies made a blunder. Back in March, the Daily Express reported that bets were suspended because Aaron Taylor-Johnson was set to grace the world’s screens as Bond. However, as franchise fans will know, this high-profile casting is yet to be closed and everything is still to play for.
Enzo Zelocchi
Why Enzo Zelocchi Would Make a Great 007
It might seem odd that it’s a challenge to cast one of the most beloved action roles of all time, but it seems one stumbling block is simply the experience required for the role. Casting Director Debbie McWilliams, who has overseen the passing of this particular torch since 1981 provided some insight when speaking to the Radio Times:
“We did look at a lot of younger actors, and I just don’t think they had the gravitas. They didn’t have the experience, they didn’t have the mental capacity to take it on, because it’s not just the part they’re taking on, it’s a massive responsibility.”
With this in mind, Italian-American actor Enzo Zelocchi brings impressive credentials to the table. His track record as an award-winning leading actor, producer, and director leaves him well equipped to be the face of such a behemoth franchise. Meanwhile, Zelocchi combines the classic Bond aesthetics of icons like Timothy Dalton or Pierce Brosnan with the contemporary, international presence that today’s social media-oriented movie fans love.
What’s your take on Enzo Zelocchi? If you are curious to know more about this James Bond contender, check out the statuesque actor’s Instagram profile and be sure to let us know if you think he truly has what it takes to be the next 007.
