Brian Cox thinks Peaky Blinders and Batman Begins star Cillian Murphy could be an “interesting” choice to play the next James Bond. The Succession actor spoke about it while promoting the second season of 007: Road To A Million, a Prime Video competition show where he returns as The Controller.
The show follows eight contestants who are put into challenges inspired by the James Bond world. They take on tough physical and mental missions for a chance to win £1 million.
Cox said the Bond role naturally changes over time because actors get older and bring their own style. He thinks Murphy would be a good fit because he’s “very real” and doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not.
This talk about Murphy comes as Amazon MGM Studios prepares the next Bond film. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will write the script, and Dune director Denis Villeneuve will direct. Murphy, known for playing gang leader Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, has already worked closely with Knight, which makes him a natural choice in fans’ eyes.
Cox also spoke about politics. He called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “definite villain” because of the war in Ukraine and criticised the current US administration for “unthinking” behaviour. He said America was built on the idea of equality, but some leaders today don’t seem to believe in that.
His comments have added to the debate about who should be the next James Bond while also sparking discussion about world politics.
