Nicholas Winding Refn Describes Charles Melton as 'a Clear Choice' for the Role of James Bond - MovieMaker Magazine

      Nicholas Winding Refn claims that Charles Melton, the lead in his upcoming film Her Private Hell, is an “obvious” candidate for the role of James Bond when the next 007 is ultimately cast.

      The director of Drive and Neon Demon, who was considered to direct the 2015 Bond film Spectre, evaluated Melton’s potential as a 007 after we mentioned that while watching Her Private Hell, we felt Melton would make an excellent Bond.

      “Charles Melton would be a fantastic Bond,” the Danish director concurred. “In my view, he’s an obvious choice. First and foremost, he has an incredible look, which is essential for Bond. He must embody a highly charismatic hero. He’s an exceptional actor and a genuinely nice person. So to have all three qualities? I believe he could make a compelling James Bond.”

      It’s important to clarify that we brought up the idea of Charles Melton as James Bond, not Refn. So, if you disagree, you can hold us accountable, not him. Additionally, the notion of Melton as Bond was a brief topic during a more extensive discussion for a feature set to appear in the upcoming issue of MovieMaker.

      That being said, we sought Refn’s perspective due to his familiarity with both Melton’s work and the Bond franchise.

      Charles Melton as Private K in Her Private Hell. NEON

      Although there were talks of Refn directing Spectre, the fourth Bond film featuring Daniel Craig as the suave MI-6 agent, it ultimately didn’t happen.

      “I never turned it down. I was in talks with them, but it clearly took different directions,” Refn explained. The film ended up being helmed by Sam Mendes.

      Refn’s Her Private Hell is a visually stunning, atmospheric, and dreamlike film, marking his first project since 2016’s The Neon Demon. Since the release of The Neon Demon, he has produced two television series: Netflix’s Too Old to Die Young and Prime Video’s Copenhagen Cowboy.

      Alongside Melton, Her Private Hell features Sophie Thatcher, Havana Rose Liu, Kristine Froseth, among others. Melton portrays Private K, a G.I. on a mission to save his daughter from hell. He battles, contemplates, and captivates. He engages in numerous shirtless fights, with flashing lights around him.

      Just watch the trailer:

      Background on Charles Melton, Whom Nicholas Winding Refn Believes Would Make a Great James Bond

      Melton, who was previously a fashion model, appeared in Glee and American Horror Story: Hotel before gaining recognition for his role as Reggie Mantle on Riverdale.

      He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the 2023 film May December, and he excels in Netflix’s latest season of Beef.

      There is at least one potential concern for Bond purists: he is American, and until now, no American has portrayed the British secret agent on the big screen. (However, an American, Barry Nelson, did play Bond in a 1954 TV adaptation.)

      On the plus side, Melton has English heritage: his American father is of English descent, and his mother immigrated to the U.S. from Korea. If selected, Melton would also be the first Bond with Asian roots.

      For years, Bond enthusiasts have passionately debated who the next Bond ought to be, with names like Idris Elba, Callum Turner, Tom Francis, and many more being mentioned.

      Recently, Amazon MGM Studios, which owns the Bond franchise, announced that they are currently searching for a new Bond. The next installment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve.

      “The search for the next James Bond is underway,” the company stated. “While we don’t intend to comment on specific details regarding the casting process, we’re eager to share more updates with 007 fans when the time is appropriate.”

      You can find our complete Nicholas Winding Refn story in the next issue of MovieMaker, available on newsstands August 17.

      Her Private Hell will be in theaters on July 24, presented by NEON.

      Main image: Charles Melton as Private K in Her Private Hell.