Austin Butler recently spoke about his involvement with the upcoming James Bond franchise during an interview in the United Kingdom while promoting Darren Aronofsky’s new movie Caught Stealing. Addressing speculation about his potential casting in Denis Villeneuve’s Bond 26 reboot for Amazon MGM Studios, Butler expressed his views on the possibility of playing James Bond or a villain in the film.
Butler Rejects Idea of Playing James Bond, Open to Villain Role
The actor ruled out the idea of portraying 007, calling the casting of an American in the iconic British spy role “sacrilegious.” Butler explained that his American nationality would make it difficult to authentically represent Bond, whose character he holds in high esteem. Despite declining the lead role, Butler showed enthusiasm for the idea of taking on a villain’s part in the film.
No calls as far as that goes. Would I play James Bond? 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 kind of sacrilegious. Those movies meant so much to me. I think it’s gotta be somebody who is from your home country.
— Austin Butler, Actor
A villain? That would be alright…I’d do that,
— Austin Butler, Actor
Butler’s Previous Collaboration with Denis Villeneuve
Austin Butler’s relationship with Denis Villeneuve dates back to their work together on Dune: Part Two, where Butler portrayed Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the ruthless cousin and adversary of Paul Atreides. This prior collaboration strengthens the possibility of Butler joining the Bond project in a significant supporting role, given Villeneuve’s direction of Bond 26.
Potential Supporting Role and Industry Connections
Earlier reports hinted at Butler’s involvement in other major films, such as Michael Mann’s rumored Heat 2 at Warner Bros., though confirmation is still pending. Butler also stars in the mobster thriller City on Fire, directed by Matt Ross and produced by David Heyman, who has been selected alongside Amy Pascal to co-produce Bond 26 for Amazon MGM Studios.
Butler’s connections to both Heyman and Villeneuve suggest he might appear in a supporting capacity in the Bond reboot. One possibility could be a refreshed take on Felix Leiter, Bond’s American CIA counterpart, a role traditionally played by older actors such as Jeffrey Wright in the Daniel Craig era. Alternatively, Butler’s openness to playing a villain fits well with his ability to embody complex antagonists.
Next Steps for Butler and Upcoming Film Release
Fans can expect to see Austin Butler in theaters soon with the release of Caught Stealing scheduled for August 29. Meanwhile, speculation about his exact role in Bond 26 will likely continue as production progresses, with his established rapport with the creative team making a potential villainous casting a realistic prospect.
