Reports of pop star Harry Styles being in contention for the role of James Bond have emerged, and fans of the film are not happy.
On Saturday, film industry outlet Variety reported that Styles “has had discussions” with execs about taking on the role of 007 in the upcoming instalment of the franchise, with his name revealed among other contenders including Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult and Theo James.
The news quickly spread online, with fans criticising the pop star’s minimal acting experience, despite his previous roles in films like Don’t Worry Darling, Dunkirk, My Policeman, and the Marvel film Eternals.
“Love Harry to the core but he’s not James Bond,” one X user wrote.
Others said he “doesn’t have the range” to play Bond and that “nobody wants to see his acting”.
“I love Harry but let’s be so real for a second; Harry Styles as Bond just feels wildly unserious,” another added.
A fifth noted that “James Bond has a certain look to him and Harry isn’t that.”
Styles, Pattinson and Hoult, are new contenders for the role, with previous reports claiming that the pool had narrowed down to three actors: Josh O’Connor, Jack Lowden and Callum Turner.
Some of the actors listed above have received support from former cast members and other actors. Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond in four films from 1995 to 2002, recently shared his support for Turner saying he would be “so strong” in the role.
Meanwhile Lowden was backed by his Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman, who said his “fingers were crossed” for the actor as the screen tests and auditions continue.
Casting details have been kept under wraps, with the only details revealed being Denis Villeneuve as the director, Peaky Blinders Steven Knight as the scriptwriter, and its projected release in 2028.
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