BRITISH GQ – What makes a good James Bond? British? Of course. Scottish? Even better. Can he play brutish but vulnerable? It worked for the last one. Does he look sharp in a tux? See above. But what about a wry, natural humour? Because we haven’t seen that for a while. And yet far from the troubled action man he built for Bodyguard – and even further from the princes and pretty boys that was almost his typecast – it’s his knowing wit and bone-dry quips that explain why Richard Madden is odds-on to make Double-O status. Oh, and guess what? He even drinks Vodka Martinis
Our January/ February cover star, Richard Madden is the man of the moment. From Game of Thrones, through to hit BBC drama Bodyguard and of course, those James Bond rumours. Read an exclusive extract from the interview and download to read the full interview now on digital edition.
Richard Madden lets out a groan when he clocks the question that’s coming.
So, I begin, the Mail On Sunday reported last week that you’re set to be offered…
And that’s when I hear it: the pained expression of the young British actor being forced to talk about speculation that they might be the next James Bond – a sort of hazing initiation for those who’ve done the Donmar.
“My first reaction,” says Madden, “is always the same reaction, which is the papers make up a story on a Sunday so they can discredit that story on the Monday so they can sell papers on both days.”
Sure, I say, but at the same time, the bookies aren’t making Jonah Hill the current favourite to be Britain’s favourite super spy, are they?
“They aren’t, no, but this is what happens with all these shows, like Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager. Then there’s the next one. I’m the next one. Everyone just loves the rumour mill on that topic. I’m just the current one. There’ll be a different one next week.”
All of which is pretty hard to argue with. But still, I say, nice to be mentioned all the same.
“Lovely. I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I’m very flattered and thankful. It’s a really brilliant thing to be in.”
Just for the record, then, you wouldn’t rule it out?
“I don’t want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that’s the curse of that. If you talk about it, you’ll curse it.”
He will admit, however, that he is a big Bond fan.
“Yeah. I love the movies. I’ve read all the books.”
You’ve read all the books?
“Yeah.”
Download to read the full Jan/Feb issue with Richard Madden now
