MOVIE NEWS – “It would be blasphemy,” admitted the Dune: Part Two and Elvis star, who made it clear he doesn’t want to be James Bond. Austin Butler insists the next 007 must be British, though he wouldn’t mind stepping into the shoes of a villain.

It’s been a few weeks since it was confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film. That announcement quickly sparked speculation among fans that the Canadian director might bring in an actor he has worked with before. One name mentioned was Austin Butler, who left a lasting impression as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two and rose to stardom with Elvis. But Butler has already ruled himself out.

The actor would love to reunite with the visionary behind Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, but he knows he isn’t the right fit for Bond: “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m American, and although I could do a British accent, I think it would be a sacrilege,” he said on Hits Radio UK. “Those films meant a lot to me, but I think it has to be someone English.” However, Butler didn’t close the door on being part of the franchise altogether: “Playing a villain? That would be fine.”

A James Bond Universe Expanding to Film and TV

Following the Broccoli family’s stepping away from Bond’s future, many have worried about Amazon’s plans for the franchise. Reports suggest the tech giant is eyeing spinoffs and TV shows while also being open to casting someone who doesn’t fit the traditional mold — even a woman. While the latter idea is more fan speculation than reality, all signs still point to a relatively young British actor, possibly a fresh face, as the next 007.

And that makes sense. Hollywood has plenty of other action franchises for non-British stars to pursue — take Jason Bourne, for instance, which is back in the spotlight after Universal secured the character’s perpetual rights. Butler might be a great fit there, perhaps even stepping into Matt Damon’s shoes (something Jeremy Renner tried but failed to do). Bond, however, is an institution of action cinema — it can evolve, yes, but its traditions must be preserved.

For years, rumors have suggested Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a frontrunner, though so much time has passed that Bond’s future remains shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that Denis Villeneuve is at the helm with a script by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, promising a film that both respects and reinvigorates the franchise.

Source: 3djuegos