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The race to find the next James Bond continues, but one fan-favourite contender may already be out of the running. According to a new report, Tom Holland’s Marvel contract could prevent him from ever donning the iconic tuxedo and taking his martini “shaken, not stirred.”
Since Daniel Craig retired from the role following 2021’s No Time To Die, speculation has been rife about who will succeed him as the legendary British secret agent. From Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton to Henry Cavill and Regé-Jean Page, a host of names have been linked to the part.
One of the more surprising, but increasingly popular, fan choices has been Tom Holland, best known for his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 28-year-old actor once admitted that playing Bond would be “the pinnacle of working in our industry,” adding that it was a role any British actor would be “honoured” to take on.
However, it appears that dream may be off the table. A report from The Sun claims that Holland’s Marvel contract includes a clause preventing him from taking on roles that could “overshadow” his portrayal of Spider-Man.
A source close to the situation reportedly said:
“Tom can’t play two superheroes, it just won’t happen. The studio has been clear that Spider-Man must remain his defining role while he’s under contract.”
This would mean that, for the foreseeable future, Holland’s chances of becoming 007 are slim, especially with Marvel’s next Spider-Man instalment rumoured to start filming next year.
The news has disappointed fans who had championed Holland for Bond, arguing that his mix of charisma, agility, and acting range could bring a refreshing, youthful twist to the franchise. But others say the Marvel star’s existing commitments were always going to make the crossover impossible.
Meanwhile, other potential Bonds have also ruled themselves out of the race. Taron Egerton, star of Kingsman, recently told reporters that he doesn’t see himself in the role, saying, “It would be wasted on me.” And Glen Powell, the Top Gun: Maverick actor who has been touted as a contender, said he believes the next Bond should be “an authentic Brit.”
This will mark Tom’s fourth Spider-Man film, with his contract preventing him from taking on any role that could overshadow his work with Marvel - Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing/Marvel Entertainment/Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock
Despite the uncertainty, Eon Productions, the company behind the Bond films, has continued developing the next chapter in the iconic spy series. The 26th Bond movie will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Sicario, and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Knight has teased that the upcoming film will be “the same but different,” promising a reinvention of the franchise while staying true to its roots.
Fans are now left wondering who will finally inherit the license to kill. While Holland’s Bond hopes may be dashed, his career remains firmly on the rise, with several upcoming projects, including voice roles and smaller-scale dramas, in the works outside of Marvel.
As for the future of 007, one thing is certain: whoever takes on the role will have massive shoes to fill. But for now, it looks like the world’s favourite web-slinger won’t be trading his Spidey suit for a tux just yet.
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