Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Who will be the next James Bond? Roger Moore backs Hugh Jackman and Damian Lewis to take over from Daniel Craig

Jackman has been offered the role before but turned it down because it 'didn't think it was the right time'

Jess Denham
Friday 16 October 2015 04:33 EDT
Comments
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Roger Moore has thrown his two cents into the James Bond rumour mill and picked Hugh Jackman and Damian Lewis as his favourites to take over from Daniel Craig.

The 88-year-old actor, who played the iconic secret agent seven times in the Seventies and Eighties, also reckons Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess, Maggie Smith could be a “perfect” Bond girl.

Jackman revealed in September that had been courted by Bond producers in 2002 but turned down the coveted role because he “didn’t think it was the right time”. However, he has since had a change of heart and would “seriously consider” taking it if offered the chance again, presuming the disastrous Pan hasn’t put bosses off him.

SPECTRE - Trailer 2

Homeland actor Lewis meanwhile, became a surprise contender following a string of bets of up to £200 in June.

Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston and Henry Cavill have also been named in connection with the job, but it remains unknown whether Craig will return for another outing after upcoming movie Spectre.

Craig sparked controversy recently after joking in an interview that he would rather “slash his wrists” than consider playing Bond again anytime soon.

Spectre reaches UK cinemas on 26 October.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in