Austin Butler has shut down rumors that he might be the next James Bond. The Dune: Part Two star said he hasn’t been contacted about the role and doesn’t think it would be right for him. Born and raised in California, Butler explained that even though he can do a British accent, playing the famous British spy would feel “kind of sacrilegious.” He believes the role should go to someone from England.
Still, Butler admitted he’d love to work again with Dune director Denis Villeneuve, who is officially directing the next Bond film. He even joked that he wouldn’t mind playing a villain instead.
Butler isn’t the only American actor to step back from the idea. Glen Powell has also said a Texan shouldn’t play James Bond.
The next Bond movie is already in motion, with Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing the script. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are on board, and Amazon MGM says the team is working in London to create a fresh new chapter while honoring the character’s legacy.
Daniel Craig was the most recent actor to play 007, starring in five films from Casino Royale (2006) to No Time to Die (2021). A new Bond has not yet been announced.
