Shekhar Kapoor wants John Abraham as next James Bond: ‘Why does Bond have to be a white British man?’ |

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has pitched John Abraham as the next James Bond, questioning why 007 had to be a “white British man”. Speaking to Variety India, Kapoor praised Abraham’s effortless charisma and fine screen presence, saying that he could provide a “fantastic bond” if producers dare to take the franchise international.

It is in speculation Daniel CraigAs a successor to 007, the filmmaker Shekhar Kapur He believes the discussion should not be limited to Britain, or even the West. According to Kapoor, John Abraham Craig has the screen presence, poise and effortless charisma to reimagine Bond for a new generation, just as Craig redefined Ian Fleming’s iconic spy nearly two decades ago.

Shekhar Kapur Why Bonds Should Reflect ‘Global Reality’

Now with a new casting hunt underway, Kapoor feels the franchise has found itself at a similar crossroads. While talking to Variety India, he said, “I was reading reports that Aeon Productions is currently looking for the next actor to step into the tuxedo”. “And I thought to myself: Why does James Bond have to be a white British man? Why are we still stuck in that post-colonial paradigm? Why can’t the next iteration of the world’s greatest spy reflect our global reality? Why can’t he be Indian or Japanese?”

Shekhar Kapur chose John Abraham as his natural choice

For Kapoor, John Abraham stood out as a natural choice. “When I was running through the international options, John Abraham immediately crystallized in my mind,” he said. “He naturally projects an incredibly rare, effortless coolness. He is profoundly humble, and whenever he directs a frame on screen, he maintains a completely detached composure.”

Shekhar Kapur says John Abraham can provide a ‘fantastic bond’

According to the filmmaker, these traits reflect what has traditionally defined Bond on screen: not just physical presence, but a quiet, understated confidence. “If the producers have the guts to take the franchise international,” added Kapoor, “John Abraham can provide a phenomenal bond.”