Statham is no stranger to big Hollywood franchises; he starred in the Meg, Crank, and Transporter series. He inherited the Expendables franchise from his co-star Sylvester Stallone, and he ed the Fast & Furious saga late in the game. But surprisingly, he’s never been in a Bond movie.

Throughout his career, Statham has made it clear that he’s a Bond fan. He starred in the Bond-adjacent larger-than-life spy thriller Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre and he played a hilarious parody of the 007 archetype in Paul Feig’s comedy blockbuster Spy. In an interview with Variety to promote The Beekeeper, Statham was asked if he was interested in appearing in a Bond movie, and the actor quipped, “I keep WhatsApping [Bond producer] Barbara Broccoli, but she doesn’t reply.” It’s about time the Stath made his Bond franchise debut.

Jason Statham In A Bond Movie Would Be Incredible (Regardless Of The Role)

Statham Would Be Perfect For 007, Another 00 Agent, A Villain — Anything

It would be amazing to see Statham in a Bond movie, regardless of the role. He’d be perfect for 007, mixing the self-aware, tongue-in-cheek wit of his Spy performance into his typically gruff, tough-as-nails action hero turns. Statham looks just as suave as Sean Connery in a tuxedo, he’s just as hilarious as Roger Moore in a comedic role, and he’s just as believably tough as Daniel Craig — he’s been a great choice to play 007 for decades now.

But even if the producers are hoping to cast someone younger as the next Bond, Statham would still be perfect for any other role in a Bond film. He’d be an ideal choice to play another 00 agent who collaborates with Bond on a dangerous mission, or even a hard-edged version of M who’s grown weary from his experiences in the field. Statham’s menacing turn as Deckard Shaw in Furious 7 proves he’d make a great Bond villain. Either way, Statham in a Bond movie would be awesome.

Jason Statham Would Fit The Bond Franchise Perfectly After Daniel Craig's Era

Statham Is Perfect For A Grittier Vision Of The Bond Franchise

After the absurdity of Die Another Day, Daniel Craig’s dark tenure in the James Bond franchise introduced the idea of a rougher, grittier 007. This helped the franchise transition into a more action-packed approach, and Statham would fit right in with that new style. Casino Royale put the Bond series more in line with gritty Statham movies like Safe, Parker, and The Mechanic; he’d be a perfect casting choice for the next era of the franchise.

Source: Variety