13 replies to this topic

[Double-0 Six]

I don't tend to think much about these "Next Bond" threads, but I wondered what everybody thought of Ioan Gruffudd as a potential Bond.

I've attached a picture of him in case you don't know who I'm babbling on about. Also see this page on the IMDB: http://www.uk.imdb.com/name/nm0344435/

His name keeps cropping up as a potential candidate, but the common argument against him is that he's too young. However, I was thinking about that - by the time Bond 22 comes around (assuming 2007 for that), he'll be 34, which is close to the right age and will give him enough time to do at least 6 films.

The argument for him is that he's "famous" but not well-known enough to bring the baggage of other roles with him, he's a decent actor, he's British, and he looks like Bond (from most angles).

What do you think? For or against?

[crashdrive]

Against. He's too short to play Bond at 5'11. A Bond actor is usually 6'1 or 6'2.

[Double-0 Six]

He can wear high heels.
Or the rest of the cast could kneel down.
Or they could film him only from below.
Or Q could equip Bond with the latest "box to stand on" technology.

Seriously, I don't think that's too much of a problem. I'd rather have a good actor than somebody a few inches taller, and there are countless ways of hiding his height if necessary.

(hope that doesn't sound like I'm knocking your opinion)

[Tarl_Cabot]

No, nine and niet! Hugh Jackman wins again...Seriously, how about an unknown? If I were Mike and Babs I would scout the SAS. I'll bet there's at least one ruggedly handsome guy who's leaving soon who's SAS credentials give him immediate action star credibility/mystery that would be easily marketable. He'll just need a few months of a crash course in acting. Let's face it, 90% of playing Bond is how he looks, moves and sounds(voice).This Ioan guy looks like a sissy.

[crashdrive]

I do think an actor should be around 6'1. But apart from that, I don't think Gruffudd is that good a choice. He just looks too young to play Bond. Perhaps he will look more appropriate in his 40s, but not when he's 34. He has hardly aged the last five years. On top of that, he just doesn't look like a Bond actor. I don't think he's handsome enough. He doesn't look like a seducer. Also he lacks toughness I think. In my eyes Gruffudd is still a boy and not untill I see him play a man can I seriously consider him to play Bond. His height still bothers me though. I doubt he'll ever be a serious contender.

[Tanger]

No. Just not the right sort of guy. IMO, he's slightly too wimpy. At least that's the way he comes across sometimes.

[License To Kill]

Iaon looks like the guy on Blues Clues.

[BONDFINESSE 007]

butler for me thank you, butler for the next bond, thats the ticket

[ChandlerBing]

I can't even pronounce the guy's bloody name, how the hell can he possibly be Bond?

[Double-0 Six]

According to the IMDB, his name is the Welsh version of "John Griffith" and is pronounced "YO-an GRIFF-ith".

I agree that you'd have thought he'd go for a more commonly known spelling, given his profession.

[Jaelle]

Well I liked Ioan very much in the Horatio Hornblower series, and also in Great Expectations. And he apparently impressed Hollywood casting agents with his brief Titanic appearance. But for Bond? I'd be willing to consider him, but he would need heels or something to make him look taller. I think he's a good-looking young fella. But he wouldn't be my first choice for Bond.

[Simon]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Against. He's too short to play Bond at 5'11. A Bond actor is usually 6'1 or 6'2.

5'11" too short.

Hell, where were you in this thread;

http://forums.comman...?threadid=11248

[Triton]

I go back and forth on the idea of casting him as James Bond. For the most part, I don't want him to get the James Bond part because I would like him to do more Horatio Hornblower series for television. There are several Hornblower books that still have not been adapted for television.

[Bondian]

I can imagine him playing bond, killing everyone and shouting "is there anyone alive"?.
He could play James Bond but as EON are very selective ( yes, I turned them down ) I wouldn't of thought he'd be given the chance. I agree with Tarl_Cabot that they should cast an unknown who would be Bond, not another famous Actor who is portraying him. Bond is a Spy, no one should be able to recognize him from anything else because he works for the Secret Service. Look at George Lazenby he did a pretty good job as Bond but because of several problems and due to the fact that Sean returned in DAF he could of been the best Bond ever.