Ken Watanabe to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Tokyo
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 65-year-old James Bond from Japan?
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Is Watanabe set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in October 2024. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Ken Watanabe.

UPDATE 02/11/2024 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Every man, at some point in his life, wishes he could be James Bond. And with the news that Daniel Craig may well be out as 007, there are a whole bunch of actors from London to Tokyo wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Ken Watanabe become the Seventh James Bond?

Watanabe’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Godzilla (2014), Inception (2010) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Watanabe now is – what next?

Three reasons Ken Watanabe would be good for the James Bond franchise

  1. It would clarify that Bond is a rotating identity: If M can be a woman, why can't James Bond be a 65-year-old Japanese?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Watanabe.
  3. It would give Ken Watanabe a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Watanabe To Play James Bond' Rumor had the internet in a frenzy

Twitter was flooded again Friday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Ken Watanabe for James Bond.

“His name is Watanabe. Ken Watanabe!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) November 1, 2024
“He was perfect as Ken Iwamura in Memoirs of a Geisha, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) November 1, 2024
“A Japanese James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) November 1, 2024
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Watanabe has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) November 1, 2024

Rumors about Ken Watanabe stepping into the role's next iteration have been floating about for a while now. He is characterized by being smooth, slick, handsome, rugged and charming. These are definitely the characteristics needed to play James Bond. Don’t you agree?

Do you think Ken Watanabe should be the next James Bond?

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