James Bond casting debate intensifies as former director and actors weigh in

Former James Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams told a panel at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival that the next 007 should remain a white male, echoing Ian Fleming’s original description. She said, “Not in my opinion. No. Ian Fleming wrote a character, and that’s the character that stays.”

Actor James Norton, who has long been linked to the role, said playing Bond would have been “a mixed bag” and offered his support to whoever is chosen. He noted that casting for the upcoming film, to be directed by Denis Villeneuve and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, is focused on finding a younger actor who can carry the part for at least three movies.