The American Spectator

The Daily Mail reports that “studio bosses have confirmed a 24th James Bond movie will hit cinemas within the next three years.”

Three years. That means 007 actor Daniel Craig will be 48. Not that 48 is old — not by a long shot, (Sean Connery was more than 50 when he starred in Never Say Never Again), but Craig isn’t aging well. Skyfall was one of the most successful installments of the Bond series, but, at risk of offending Ben Stein, I think it’s time for a new face to play Ian Fleming’s iconic figure.

I for one never warmed up to Craig. His eyes are striking, but otherwise he sort of resembles a slightly less creepy Vladimir Putin. Ian Fleming’s character in the spy novels is “cold and ruthless,” qualities which Craig exudes in leaps and bounds, but Fleming’s Bond is also described as “handsome” and as possessing “black hair.”

Physical appearances are important, but Craig’s portrayal of Bond is the more offensive matter. After watching Sir Sean in Dr. No, Fleming gave Bond a half-Swiss, half-Scottish heritage. He also began to depict the super-suave spy with a sense of humor not present in previous stories.

Craig’s character is missing that essential devil-may-care charm that makes a Connery Bond the best Bond. Saving the world from the wickedest villains is hard work, but Bond (the original) makes it look easy and even fun. Bond is meant to cheer us up, but Craig’s Bond wears the weight of the world on his face. Far too serious. How can you race around in the world’s hottest cars with the world’s hottest women and look so down-trodden? Drink more martinis, man. We see the sullen attitude enough in our long-suffering superheroes.

Who to replace Craig, then? He must look dashing yet natural in a tux, and radiate a devilish joie de vivre in his smile. Actor Henry Cavill (to play Superman this summer) is an obvious choice, and would keep the British trend going. He was also supposedly a final contender for the role in Casino Royale.   

Other ideas?