Henry Golding Calls Playing James Bond ‘Every Actor’s Nightmare’ but Admits: ‘Maybe I’m Just a P—-’

As the search for the next James Bond intensifies, actor Henry Golding offered a candid and refreshingly honest take on the pressures of stepping into 007’s iconic shoes. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at The Old Guard 2 premiere in Los Angeles on June 25, the 38-year-old star described playing Bond as “every actor’s kind of nightmare.”

Golding elaborated, “But at the same time, [you’re] also wanting to kind of add something new to a franchise.” He suggested expanding the universe by introducing more agents or “more OO’s,” a move he believes would allow actors greater creative freedom without the heavy cultural expectations tied to Bond. “I think that would be so much more fun, because there just isn’t the restraints and the expectation.”

Yet, he admitted with a laugh, “Maybe I’m just a p—-. I don’t know. But I think I would love it so much more if there wasn’t that overhanging cultural pressure.”

The Weight of Bond’s Legacy

The character of James Bond, created by British author Ian Fleming in 1953’s Casino Royale, has been portrayed by legendary actors including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently Daniel Craig. Craig’s final appearance as Bond came in 2021’s No Time to Die, concluding a five-film run that redefined the franchise for a new generation.

Since Craig’s departure, speculation has swirled about who will next embody the suave spy. Earlier this week, it was announced that acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve will helm the 26th Bond film—the first under Amazon MGM Studios’ new creative control following their $1 billion acquisition. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are on board, but casting remains unconfirmed.

Current frontrunners rumored to take the role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, and Rege-Jean Page, among others.

Golding’s Thoughts on the Next Bond

When asked about the next actor to step into Bond’s tuxedo, Golding expressed enthusiasm: “I think whoever they’re going to choose, it’s going to be fun.” Though he declined to speculate on his own involvement, his comments reveal a thoughtful awareness of the challenges and opportunities the role presents.

What’s Next for Henry Golding?

Golding himself is gearing up for his next project, the sci-fi romantic drama Daniela Forever, set to hit theaters on July 11 and digital platforms on July 22. As for Bond fans, the wait continues—with no official release date yet announced for the upcoming film.

Henry Golding’s candid reflections remind us that behind the glamour of 007 lies immense pressure—yet also great potential. As the franchise embarks on a new era with fresh creative leadership, the world watches eagerly to see who will take up the mantle next.