Richard Madden is reportedly the top choice to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond, and it's all because of his recent feat, after starring in the highly successful BBC/Netflix series "Bodyguard." But if the actor will take on his new role as Agent OO7, there's a slim chance he will be able to do the show's second season.
An unnamed producer for "Bodyguard" revealed to the Daily Mail that they are not sure of Madden's return in the second season. His decision hinges on whether or not he would be Craig's replacement in the long-standing Bond franchise.
The report also stated that Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has had talks with Madden about taking on the iconic role. The production company has been preparing for Craig's replacement since the actor expressed that the upcoming, but still untitled, James Bond 25th movie would be his last outing as Agent 007.
Madden, however, hasn't confirmed if he's been touch with Broccoli. He spoke to GQ last November about those Bond rumors. The actor said that while he's quite flattered and pleased that his name is on the list to take over for Craig, there's nothing substantial about these buzzes. He's also said that pretty sure that other names will come up on the list of potential James Bond replacements because that seems to be the trend these days.
The actor also remains hopeful that BBC/Netflix will renew "Bodyguard" for a second season. Madden told Digital Spy, after winning at the National Television Awards for his role as the bodyguard David Budd, that he cannot wait to read the new script.
"Bodyguard" creator Jed Mercurio has not yet written anything for the new installment though. For now, talks of a potential season are still just conversations on where could they take the show next.
Meanwhile, another star from "Bodyguard" has confirmed that she's likely not going to be in the second season. Pippa Haywood (Chief Superintendent Lorraine Craddock) told Radio Times that she doesn't expect to be asked back.
Her character was outed as the person behind the assassination of Home Secretary Julia Montague (played by Keeley Hawes) in the first season of "Bodyguard." She was also the person who set up Madden's David Budd to stand as the bodyguard for Montague because, as someone who suffered from PTSD, he was the perfect fall guy to commit a terrible crime.
"Bodyguard" season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix. The show was originally released on BBC last September 2018.
