Richard O'Brien to be the next James Bond?

By Jim Leap
Wellington
Last updated on June 22, 2025

So, why not a 83-year-old James Bond from New Zealand?

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Is O'Brien set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in May 2025. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Richard O'Brien.

UPDATE 22/06/2025 : 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 Wellington wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Richard O'Brien become the Seventh James Bond?

O'Brien’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for O'Brien now is – what next?

Three reasons Richard O'Brien would be good for the James Bond franchise

It would clarify that Bond is a rotating identity: If M can be a woman, why can't James Bond be a 83-year-old ?
No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as O'Brien.
It would give Richard O'Brien a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

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

Twitter was flooded again Saturday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Richard O'Brien for James Bond.

“His name is O'Brien. Richard O'Brien!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) June 21, 2025

“He was perfect as Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) June 21, 2025

“A James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) June 21, 2025

“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: O'Brien has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) June 21, 2025

Rumors about Richard O'Brien 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 Richard O'Brien should be the next James Bond?