Austin Butler has clearly stated he will not take on the role of James Bond, emphasizing that the iconic character must remain British. However, the actor is open to playing a villain in the franchise, potentially addressing a long-standing challenge in the series. Butler’s comments came during an interview that highlighted his Austin Butler James Bond stance and his willingness to explore a darker role within the Bond universe.
Butler Upholds the Tradition of a British James Bond
Austin Butler dismissed any notion of portraying James Bond as an American, underscoring his belief that the role should belong to someone native to the UK. He acknowledged he could adopt a British accent but described the idea as “kind of sacrilegious,” reflecting how much the Bond films mean to him. Butler’s refusal to take on the 007 mantle aligns with the character’s deep-rooted British identity, which he feels is essential to preserve.
I don’t think that would be a good idea. Because I’m American. I could do an accent, but I think it would be kinda sacrilegious. Those movies meant so much to me. But I think, yeah, it’s gotta be somebody who is from your home country.
—Austin Butler, Actor
This is not the first time Butler expressed this view; he previously called the idea “crazy” during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Despite ruling out the lead role, Butler remains interested in taking part in the Bond franchise by embracing a villainous character, which could bring fresh energy to the series’ antagonists.
Similar Views from Former Bond Producer Barbara Broccoli
Austin Butler’s perspective mirrors the stance of former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who also stresses that James Bond should remain a British figure. According to reports, Broccoli supports diversifying the role across factors such as race and sexual orientation but insists the next 007 must be a British man, preserving the franchise’s traditional foundation.
Broccoli has told friends that she doesn’t have any qualms with casting a nonwhite or gay actor, but does believe Bond should always be played by a man, and should always be played by a Brit.
—Barbara Broccoli, Former Bond Producer
Despite Broccoli’s position, the franchise has shifted to new stewardship under Amazon, which now holds full creative control. This transition introduces the possibility of broader casting choices, including the potential for a non-British actor to take on the role, though such a change remains uncertain. For now, Butler’s openness to playing a villain offers a different avenue for his involvement in the franchise.
Addressing Bond’s Villain Problem with Butler’s Potential Role
The James Bond series has often faced criticism over its depiction of villains, particularly throughout the Daniel Craig era. While Mads Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre was well-received, subsequent antagonists such as Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld, Javier Bardem’s Silva, and Rami Malek’s Safin have fallen short of audience expectations. Austin Butler’s interest in playing a villain could mark a turning point, potentially revitalizing this element of the franchise.
Butler’s performance as Feyd-Rautha in Dune 2 showcases his ability to command a formidable presence opposite strong leads, suggesting he could deliver a memorable Bond villain. With Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune 2, reportedly set to helm the next Bond film, there is a realistic chance for Butler to bring this compelling villainous character to life.
If Butler assumes this role, successful writing and direction will be crucial to ensuring he matches or surpasses the impact of previous Bond antagonists. This potential casting choice not only addresses a persistent weakness in Bond films but also allows a fresh dynamic that might captivate audiences.
As the franchise evolves, Butler’s stance clarifies his respect for Bond’s heritage while signaling his readiness to contribute in a critical capacity. The prospect of him portraying a villain introduces enthusiasm for the next chapter of the series, highlighting how new talent and evolving creative control could influence Bond’s future.
