Entertainment
Rege-Jean Page ‘will have to audition’ and impress Barbara Broccoli to be considered for James Bond
Rege-Jean page might be hotly tipped to take over as James Bond from Daniel Craig, but the role is far from in the bag.
The former Bridgerton star, 31, is the bookies favourite for the role, but sources claim he’s not a shoo-in to be Bond and will have to pass the same tests as everyone else.
A source told the Daily Star: ‘Rege may be the bookies favourite, but producer Barbara Broccoli won’t consider a new 007 until Daniel finishes his No Time To Die promotion – simply out of respect for Daniel.
‘We are almost a year away from the process really beginning. And in that time other names will come into the picture.
‘Barbara is never one to simply pick the hottest star of the moment. Everyone has to audition and go through a vetting process – everyone… yes everyone has to pass her tests.’
The source added that the selection process won’t even start this year so it could be a long wait to find out who will win the coveted role in the next instalment of the franchise.
Rege-Jean announced he was leaving hit Netflix series Bridgerton – which has been renewed for another three series – despite being one of the most popular characters on the show.
He played Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, but stepped away from the period drama in order to look at new opportunities and ‘strike while the iron was hot’.
The actor previously told Variety he was only ever planning to take part in the first season, explaining: ‘It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year.
‘[I thought] “That’s interesting,” because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.’
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