James Bond is a long-running film series following British Secret Service agent James Bond, Agent 007, as he carries out mission after mission. Dozens of novels have been written for the James Bond series and just as many films have been made based on many of those novels. The films are jam-packed with action sequences, dangerous stunts and the occasional laugh as Bond fights the villain to complete his mission and save the world from a danger they aren’t even aware of. Bond is known for his bravery, his amazing spy-work and his ability to charm women, all of which have been portrayed in different ways by different actors in each film.
Updated January 21st, 2023: If you're a fan of the iconic British agent James Bond, as well as the talented Richard Madden, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content proving why he should be a top choice for the role.
Bond has been played by Hollywood legends from Roger Moore to Sean Connery, beginning with Dr. No in 1962. Bond’s character has changed and evolved throughout the films as the actors each have a different way of portraying the character. As Daniel Craig, the most recent Bond, has ended his 15-year stint as Bond, there is a new quest to find the next Bond. There is a long list of possible contenders, including Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Henry Cavill, but the best contender on the list of candidates is Game of Thrones star Richard Madden. With bookies, Richard Madden has been the odds favorite to play 007 on and off over the past year and a half. Here are seven Richard Madden performances that prove he should be the next James Bond.
Cinderella (2015)
Cinderella longs for a better life as she is forced to serve her step-family as a servant after the death of her father. All hope appears to be lost until she goes to the ball and dances with the Prince who hunts her down and saves her from her servitude. This live-action remake of the classic fairytale Cinderella may not have the action that any James Bond film would have, but it certainly displays Richard Madden’s charms.
Playing the Prince that saves Cinderella from her doomed fate with her step-family, he not only woos audiences with his good looks, but his gentlemanly behavior pulls out all stops, making him the ideal partner. His performance here can be applied to James Bond, whipping out the charm for the womanizer that is 007.
Bastille Day
Appearing opposite fellow potential James Bond replacement Idris Elba, Madden showcased his physical prowess in the action thriller Bastille Day, in which he portrays a savvy pickpocket living in Paris who joins forces with a brash CIA agent (Elba) in order to foil a dangerous terrorist mission that could devastate the city. After stealing a woman's purse, drifter/thief Michael Mason is initially mistaken for a threat by agent Sean Briar upon discovering it contains a bomb, and the pair ultimately realize they must work together to prevent a mass robbery and attack.
In the thrilling flick, Madden proves he is more than capable of taking on an action hero role, brilliantly portraying a roguish outlaw who lives by his own rules, not unlike that of Bond himself. The actor is great at making his characters multi-layered and complex while still retaining his charming appeal, and by starring opposite Elba he more than demonstrates he can hold his own with other strong on-screen presences.
Medici: Masters of Florence
Set in medieval Italy, the hit TV series Medici: Masters of Florence follows the titular Medici family, bankers at the right hand of the Pope, as they rise to power. Their love of the arts covers up their dark lust for power that they will go to great lengths to acquire. Richard Madden plays Cosimo de’Medici, the son of Giovanni de’Medici and his successor as head of the bank after Giovanni’s death. Cosimo struggles to stay at the top of the economic food chain throughout the show and deals with a great deal of political and personal struggle.
One of Madden’s lesser known roles, his performance as Cosimo displays not only the manipulative side of the infamous Medici’s, but shows Madden’s ability to portray such a character in a memorable way. The strength Richard Madden portrays as Cosimo de’Medici is unparalleled and this strength would be a wonderful asset when applied to James Bond as would the pure determination of de’Medici to achieve his goals.
Bodyguard
Madden plays David Budd, a British war veteran with PTSD who is hired to protect Home Secretary Julia Montague, whose controversial methods are leading her down the path of invasive surveillance power for security forces. Bodyguard follows Budd as he struggles between his morals, the wounds from his service in Afghanistan and his duty to protect Montague. Considered one of Madden’s best performances, the combination of the internal struggle Budd faces along with the external issues that he is forced to confront brings about some mind-blowing behavior.
Madden’s authentic performance even earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor, despite the series being a U.K. production. His experience with playing a private bodyguard is quite a few steps down from the famous 007 but, within the same field, Madden has already had exposure to the politics within the Bond world. On top of this, the action sequences that arise throughout Bodyguard are well-performed with precision and dedication on Madden’s side.
1917
During WWI, two British soldiers are given orders to deliver a message across enemy lines that could save 1600 military lives. Directed and produced by Sam Mendes of the James Bond film Skyfall, 1917 is arguably one of Madden’s best performances as he plays Lieutenant Joseph Blake, whose brother’s life is also dependent on them completing their mission. The film received three Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects.
That said, Madden’s performance is not to be unnoticed as not only is he forced on a mission that many deemed suicide, but he has his brother’s life to think about. The emotions and conflict that Blake faces are clear with Madden’s performance. Madden’s experience with action sequences in 1917 can also be applied to any Bond film and advanced into more hand-on-hand combat.
Eternals
Madden was superb as immortal superhero Ikaris in the star-studded hit Eternals, sharing the screen with powerful actors like Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan and Kumail Nanjiani and telling the tale of the titular alien beings who must protect the planet from their dangerous ancient enemy known as the Deviants. His poignant and profound love with fellow Eternal Sersi (Chan) is one of the main points of the engrossing picture, and he effortlessly demonstrates his appeal as both a leading man and commanding action hero in his portrayal of the complex character.
While the superhero flick earned mixed reviews from critics, it was a knockout with audiences and earned praise for its stirring love story, action sequences and stellar performances, and showcased Madden's capabilities of leading an epic blockbuster.
Game of Thrones
Probably Madden’s best known role is Game of Thrones' Robb Stark, the eldest son of Ned Stark and eventually crowned King of the North, which kick-starts the Wars of the Five Kings. While Madden’s role is not the center of attention in many episodes of Game of Thrones, Robb Stark is still an important character whose actions drive the plot forward. Madden was praised for his ability to prove the character to be sharp in a crisis, a critical aspect to any strong warrior. In a way, James Bond is a modern warrior who must also let the pressure simply make him think with more clarity. Madden succeeded tenfold in keeping Stark sharp under pressure, so he would succeed in bringing out the sharpness in James Bond with the ability to think on his feet and make decisions fast.