Butler says American can't play Bond, open to villain in Bond 26

Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler has ruled himself out of the running to portray James Bond in the next installment, saying it would be sacrilegious for an American to play the iconic British spy. He also indicated he would consider a villainous role in the same project, which will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and produced as part of a new strand for the long-running franchise.

Butler spoke during a recent interview in the United Kingdom, noting his admiration for Villeneuve but insisting the role should go to someone from England. “Would I play James Bond? I don’t think that would be a good idea because I’m American,” he said, adding that he could do an accent but that it would feel inappropriate for the character’s heritage. He acknowledged his affection for the Bond films but stressed that the role “got to be somebody who is from England.” Still, he left open the possibility of contributing to the film in a different capacity, specifically as a villain, saying, “Villain? That would be alright. I’d do that.”

The comments align with similar sentiments voiced by other actors who have been linked to the part in recent weeks, underscoring the ongoing debate about whether the...