Henry Golding on James Bond rumours: ‘Why the hell can’t we have an Asian Bond?’
The Man with the Golding Gun, anyone? Or Goldingeye, perhaps…
Henry Golding admits that he would love to pick up his licence to kill – and, indeed, thrill – as the next James Bond.
In the Attitude October issue, out now to download and to order globally, the Crazy Rich Asians star addresses rumours that he is being lined up to play 007.
To be fair, the man often leaves us feeling shaken and not a little stirred whenever he hits the red carpet in a tuxedo.
Henry Golding, shot by Dennis Leupold at Hotel Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica, exclusively for the Attitude October issue, out now
“It does seem to be a question that always comes up. It was definitely from ‘Crazy Rich,’ maybe [the scene with] the white suit coming out the park,” Henry explains.
Daniel Craig will step down from the iconic role when No Time to Die – the 25th film in the franchise – hits cinemas (hopefully) in November.
As calls grow for casting directors to move with the times, Henry, 33, agrees that the world is ready for a non-white Bond.
“I’m Asian and everybody’s fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys,” he laughs.
Henry wears shirt by New & Lingwood, shorts by Ralph Lauren Purple Label, necklace by Cartier (Photography: Dennis Leupold)
“Isn’t it great that we’re having that conversation? Isn’t it great that people are like, ‘Ok, now it’s time, why the hell can’t we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?” he adds.
The British-Malaysian actor didn’t confirm that he’d been officially approached – but we think it’s worth putting your Moneypenny *groan* on.
“I don’t know… It’s an honour to even be in the conversation. It’s one of the greatest film roles ever, you’d be stupid to be like, ‘I don’t want to do that s***.’ F*** no, it would be the wildest ride,” Henry exclaims.
Henry wears shirt and shorts by Tombolo (Photography: Dennis Leupold)
He’ll next be seen in tender character study Monsoon, directed by Hong Khaou, about a young gay man named Kit who returns to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to find a resting place for his parents’ ashes.
So, a bit different from Bond then…
See the full shoot and interview in the Attitude October issue, out now to download and to order globally.
Subscribe now to secure your special edition The Boys In the Band double gatefold cover and get your first three issues for just £3.
