For Henry Golding, taking on the famed role of James Bond may be more of a nightmare than a dream.
“I think that’s every actor’s kind of nightmare,” The Old Guard 2 actor told People at the film’s Los Angeles premiere this week. His comments on the famed movie character came after Denis Villeneuve was named the next director of the franchise, the first from Amazon MGM Studios.
“But at the same time, [you’re] also wanting to kind of add something new to a franchise,” Golding added. “Why can’t they bring out more agents or more OO’s? I think that would be so much more fun, because there just isn’t the restraints and the expectation.”
The Crazy Rich Asians star added, “Maybe I’m just a pussy. I don’t know. But I think I would love it so much more if there wasn’t that overhanging cultural pressure.”
Following the news of Villeneuve being named the next James Bond director, there’s been speculation about which actor will take on the titular role. As for now, it’s merely known that Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve’s artistic partner and wife, will serve as an executive producer alongside Amy Pascal and David Heyman.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” Villeneuve said in a statement Wednesday. “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.”