Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has confirmed she has auditioned for a role in the upcoming James Bond film - the first without Daniel Craig since 2006. Many fans have been left speculating whether this means she could be in the running to become the next Bond Girl.
Explaining how the audition came about, Wilson, 43, told Variety that she met Bond producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, to request clearance for 007-themed jokes ahead of hosting the 2022 BAFTA Film Awards. On her possible role in the new film, which will feature a new Bond, Rebel said: "What was really cool was getting to audition for Bond."
Although the Pitch Perfect star didn't comment on whether she was successful or not, she did stress the audition wasn't to be the actual new James Bond. Speculation is rife following news that Daniel Craig will be leaving the highly coveted role, with a long list of names rumoured to be in the running to replace him.
While no official casting reports have been made yet, Game of Thrones and Bodyguard star Richard Madden is currently a fan-favourite to take over. While Kick-Ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also reportedly in the running.
The Witcher's Henry Cavill, Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page and Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount have all also been suggested. Despite claims some have already done screen testing, Bond producer, Broccoli, says casting hasn't started and there isn't even a script.
There is also bad news for those who would love to see Rebel as a female James Bond, with Broccoli stating to The Hollywood Reporter: "I think it will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond.
"I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men's roles. I don't think there are enough great roles for women, and it's very important to me that we make movies for women about women."
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In 2021's No Time To Die, history was made with Lashana Lynch becoming the first female 007, igniting rumours of a potential spin-off featuring the scene-stealing star.
Speculation mounted further when Daniel Craig told the Radio Times: "There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour. Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?"
