Powell says Bond should be played by an authentic Brit, not a Texan

Glen Powell has made his stance clear: he should not be the next James Bond, and the role should go to an authentic Brit. In a recent profile, the actor emphasized that while he is flattered by fan buzz, the iconic MI6 agent belongs to someone who fits the tradition of the character. With Amazon MGM Studios moving forward on a new Bond film and Denis Villeneuve attached to direct, there is still no official casting announcement, and Powell’s comments add another chapter to a wide-ranging casting conversation.

Powell’s heaviest blow to the speculation came with a personal recall. “I’m a Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.” The actor went on to say that while he would welcome opportunities to work on high-profile projects, the Bond mantle should be reserved for someone rooted in the character’s long-standing cultural context. Powell’s stance resonates with other actors who have publicly paused or rejected the possibility, underscoring the weight and cultural resonance of the role.