The debate on who will get the keys to the Aston Martin has been raging ever since Daniel Craig put down his tuxedo. Amidst all these rumors, Craig once surprised everyone with a throwback suggestion of none other than Jon Hamm of ‘Mad Men.’
Nearly two decades ago, Craig suggested that Hamm had the absolutely perfect aesthetic to play ‘James Bond.’ This suggestion presented a unique and exciting idea for what could have been the world’s most famous spy film franchise. Here’s why Daniel Craig put his faith in Hamm years ago.
The Blueprint Of Mid-Century Suited Style
In a 2009 interview with Australia’s Herald Sun, Craig pitched Hamm as the ideal candidate for the film adaptation of Sebastian Faulk’s novel ‘Devil May Care.’ “Have you seen that terrific series Mad Men? It’s great, and I look at that guy [Hamm], and he’s got such a great look,” the British actor said. “If you’re doing the film of [Devil May Care], that look would be perfect. If you were doing a one-off film, I would say that’s the way you would go.”
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Craig’s reasoning was solely based on Hamm’s ability to embody the classic look of a mid-century gentleman in ‘Mad Men.’ Over seven seasons on AMC’s highly regarded series, the actor wooed everyone with both his persona and looks.
Every detail of his look—from sharp tailoring to slicked-back hair—made him the perfect candidate for playing the suave spy. Not only does he look the part, but the performance also won him three major awards. These included an Emmy and two Golden Globes.
Obviously, the primary obstacle to casting Hamm in a ‘Bond’ film is that he’s now 53. However, Roger Moore played the legendary spy until he was 58. In fact, Craig concluded his own stint in the role at 53. So, Hamm might have missed out on being cast for many years. His mature looks, charming presence, and seasoned charisma perfectly reflect the world-weariness that has long been a hallmark of the franchise.
In the same interview, Craig showed keen interest in a 1960s period piece. But he also pushed back on returning the agent in a Cold War setting, stating that ‘James Bond’ movies are all about progression, not retrospection.
The producers will always be looking to continue the evolution of their favorite spy and set every new film in a contemporary setting. For now, a one-off period costume movie will remain a dream for fans of the genre.
Who Could Play The Next James Bond?
Currently, producers at Amazon MGM Studios are working on a new ‘James Bond‘ movie. Details about the film remain under wraps, but the project did rope in an elite creative individual. Yep, sci-fi genius Denis Villeneuve, filmmaker behind epic films such as ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘Dune: Part Two,’ has confirmed his involvement in the project.
The filmmaker will co-create a new Bond film together with Oscar-nominated screenwriter Steven Knight. He’s the mastermind behind the crime drama series ‘Peaky Blinders.’
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Knight gave some updates on the progress of writing the script in his interview at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards. The writer admitted that although he’s strictly prohibited from discussing the script, he cannot conceal his excitement.
“It’s really, really good,” Knight said. “It’s going incredibly well. We’ve got the best people on it, and I really can’t wait for people to see it.” He clarified that the next movie will definitely uphold the best traditions of ‘Bond’ movies. It will pull it off with a complex plot and sophisticated cinematography.
As for the identity of the next James Bond, fans shouldn’t bet on Henry Cavill or Idris Elba. Why? Some recent reports claim that the producers are looking for someone considerably younger to play the iconic spy. Some popular candidates to replace Daniel Craig in the iconic tuxedo are Callum Turner and Jacob Elordi.
Even though Jon Hamm has never officially played in a Bond movie, the praise of Craig is definitely a reminder of the versatility of the iconic spy. No matter whether his successor is young or old, the blueprint of suaveness, elegance, and psychological depth of James Bond will always remain unchanged.
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