Why Denzel Washington Would Have Been The Best 007
Denzel Washington is easily one of the best actors of our time. His charm and smile light up a room, yet he captivates us as an audience because of his portrayal in the theater.
He’s 59 years old, but you wouldn’t know it. He’s played everything from a football coach in “Remember the Titans” to a dirty cop in “Training Day,” a performance that would land him his one and only Oscar as a Best Actor.
It’s hard to believe, but Denzel has never been in a movie that had a sequel. Think of all the big actors you love. They almost all have relied on the success of movie series such as Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Matt Damon in the Bourne movies, Brad Pitt and George Clooney in the Oceans movies, etc. Half of those movies themselves are supported by other big name actors and actresses.
But not Denzel. He’s had his share of good cast members, but that’s not what pulls people into his movies. Just having the name “Denzel Washington” on the movie is a guaranteed success. Not that there haven’t been a few questionable movie roles, but 9/10 times you’re still going to enjoy a Denzel movie.
While promoting his new movie “Equalizer,” which has been a hit at the box office and attained top notch reviews, Denzel decided to have an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit. Fans asked him about everything from whether he was a dog or cat guy (he’s a dog guy) or how he looks half his age (he credits a great gene pool) to whether or not he would want to play Mr. 007.
His response to the latter sparked a little bit of a frenzy. The next thing you know #DenzelIsBond is trending and the world loved it.
However, in an interview with Mario Lopez on EXTRA, Denzel explains that he was kidding (much to our disappointment). This isn’t the first time the thought has been brought up to Denzel, though. Back in the day before Daniel Craig took over as Bond, Jamie Foxx thought Denzel would be perfect for the role.
However, as we see, that never panned out. In a roundtable discussion with many of the great actors of today, Denzel explains that the time has passed and that he’s become too old for the role now. It makes sense, but Daniel Craig really doesn’t look that much younger (if at all) than Denzel despite a 13 year age gap.
OK, maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but Denzel would have made a great James Bond and here’s why:
More Than Just Top Notch Acting
Name a movie flop that starred Denzel … don’t worry I’ll wait. Basically, there aren’t any. Sure, he’s had some lighter roles and some scripts that weren’t always the best, but Denzel used his acting skills to heighten the movie, and its success.
He has a lot of experience in action movies with guns, fight scenes, etc. The “Equalizer’s” character is even described as Bond-like. He’s proven he can handle a gorgeous gal as Bond Girl after co-starring with actresses such as Eva Mendes in “Out of Time,” Whitney Houston in “Preacher’s Wife” and Paula Patton in “Déjà Vu.”
If they were to put Denzel in a Bond suit and throw him on a billboard, people would flock to the movies. His name and face are a brand in itself. He has such a great and loyal fan base that any movie he stars in will make millions. He’s more than just an actor; he’s an experienced director as well, something that would add a little insight into the Bond movies and maybe bring a little something unexpected.
Diversity
Speaking of unexpected … wouldn’t it be great to get a Bond that’s not a British, white male? Apparently, Bond fans were up in arms about having Daniel Craig as a Bond because of his blond hair. I can only imagine what would happen if *gasp* a BLACK, American man played as James Bond.
Then again, we go back to how everyone loves Denzel Washington. So how could they get upset to have such a prolific actor have a shot at the role? And who knows, if they want to keep the whole British thing going, I’m sure Denzel could give his English accent a go, although that may be a little too much.
To our disappointment, Denzel Washington will never play James Bond. As you begin to wipe your tears away and throw away that tissue, we still have some really great actors that could still have their shot at the role.
At the top of my list? Idris Elba. Tall, dark, handsome and British – the perfect 007. His acting may not be on Denzel’s level, by any means, but he’s at the top of a few other people’s lists, too.
You have to admit, he does look quite dapper in a suit.