Could the Duke of Hastings be the next 007? Well, his odds of taking in the role of James Bond very well say so.
Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page has definitely been catapulted to stardom after the successful premiere of Netflix’s new series. According to the streaming company, it has amassed 63 million households who have streamed it since its debut on Christmas Day. In fact, the new period drama has held the number one slot on the top 10 list in 76 countries.
While there’s undoubtedly a season 2 in the works for Bridgerton, it seems like there’s also another project that is in store for the male lead. After captivating the hearts of many ladies across the world, Regé-Jean Page has now emerged to be one of the top players of becoming the next Bond, James Bond.
According to British betting firm Ladbrokes, who has been tracking the speculations of who’s most likely to win and be the next 007, “the odds of British actor Regé-Jean Page replacing Daniel Craig as super-spy James Bond have considerably shortened following the success of Bridgerton.”
After all, every time a young dashing British actor attracts the international mainstream, they are immediately put on the list. Just look at the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy, people are also eyeing them being the next spy of the British Intelligence.
But in an interview of Variety with Ladbrokes representative Alex Apati, “what strengthens RJP’s chances somewhat more is that an announcement feels seemingly imminent [around] Daniel Craig’s replacement, so the timing of Bridgerton’s success may well have worked in his favor.”
The Near-to-Perfect Fit
It’s such a big declaration for any to say that Regé-Jean Page is the perfect fit for the role, so let’s just put him as the near-to-perfect fit. Last month, just before the release of Bridgerton, the actor tweeted with a caption “Regency, royalty. Shaken and stirred,” which clearly is a Bond reference.
Regency, royalty
— Regé-Jean Page (@regejean) December 16, 2020
Shaken and stirred.#Bridgerton pic.twitter.com/cSwnSpLQCy
Now, this has initially ignited speculation that we may be seeing him in the British capital wearing a sleek crisp tuxedo complemented by his OMEGA watch, no less. And comparing him to the other star vying for the role, the Bridgerton star should be thankful that the Netflix Regency Era show has been a perfect proof of his suitability.
Regé-Jean Page’s role as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, showed us how he can make a damaged man be alluring. Clearly, one of the shared features of the Duke and 007. The former’s backstory is compelling, offering not only a heartwrenching personal tragedy but also issues tied to racism—a concept that’s very much needed in our society following the Black Lives Matter movement.
But while starring in Bridgerton has only been his breakout role in the industry unlike other stars who have secured many box office breaking films, he has shown everyone his true talent in acting. He can balance this suave sophistication and mystery with his raw sexual energy. And not only that, but he has shown how good he is with hand-to-hand combat.
In the long run, whether he may land the acting job or not, we can say for sure that Regé-Jean Page has the tenacity, intelligence, and can exceedingly be cunning and diabolically independent like that of James Bond. But most importantly he embodies a “dark, rather cruel good look.”
