James Bond: 10 Realistic Choices To Be The Next 007
2. Sope Dirisu
Sope Dirisu could make for a truly intriguing iteration of Ian Fleming’s infamous spy. Sope is undoubtedly only at the start of a blossoming career, so it’s understandable his name won’t be on many people’s mouths and minds to be the next James Bond, but it only takes a small glimpse at the actor’s showreel to see why his name is floating around Britain’s beloved MI6 agent.
Dirisu headlined Netflix’s chilling yet poignant horror His House alongside the superbly talented Wunmi Mosaku, but Sope’s work in Gangs of London has earned him his deserved plaudits. Bafta nominated and with a third series set to come in the future, the show is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It’s brutal, foul-mouthed and downright despicable, but it's quite literally bloody fantastic and Sope showcases qualities befitting a very different kind of Bond than we’ve seen before.
His character exhibits Bond’s emotional complexity and depth that blurs the lines between right and wrong, yet you can't help but root for him, which is a credit to the 32-year-old’s acting chops and range. It’s Sope’s stunt work, though, that really catches the eye. Whether he has a weapon at hand or simply his fists at the ready, you’d hedge a safe bet he’s coming out of a fight on top. Though he may be an outsider for the role, Dirisu should almost certainly be on the shortlist and sit near the very top of it.