Photography: Getty Images

WE SPEND A LOT of time thinking about James Bond ’round these parts. You might be shocked to learn that there is no exact science to this. Sure, you can look at an actor’s past work, or their red carpet looks, or their gym regimen. Mostly it’s vibes-based – most good decisions in life are, FYI – but sometimes we get news that could lead to a more informed opinion. I know, we’re surprised, too.

With the announcement that Denis Villeneuve has been hired as the new director for the Bond franchise, we can err a little more towards science. The French-Canadian auteur has an extensive, often delightful filmography (in two languages!) and has worked with many a skilled actor, from Benicio del Toro to Amy Adams. However, one up and coming movie star leaps to mind when it comes to the casting of a new James Bond: Timothée Chalamet.

The French-American actor, who broke out in Call Me By Your Name, has worked with Villeneuve on two blockbusters: Dune and its sequel, Dune: Part Two. Both films were huge, winning audiences and critics alike. And that was by no means a done deal: previous Dune adaptations have crashed and burned.

Photography: Chia Bella James

So we know that Villeneuve and Chalamet (sounds like a well-established Champagne company to us!) work well together and the brushstrokes of the Dune narrative are not dissimilar to Bond. A brilliant but troubled warrior rises up against a nefarious villain and his army? Check. Gadgets and gizmos galore? Check. Beautiful girls? Check. Okay, he’d need a haircut. And we’d probably have to trace his roots to someone British for the optics. But can you imagine? And not for nothing, Chalamet is one of the few bankable movie stars left: audiences turn out for him, whether it’s a Wonka origin story or a Bob Dylan biopic.

But let’s return to the vibes. You cannot deny that Chalamet would bring an irresistible energy to this role. He can smirk like a teenager caught red-handed. He can win the hearts of girls and guys. He can do the action stuff, as anyone who has seen the beautifully orchestrated Dune can attest to. Okay, I’m not sure we have seen too much of the suave confidence that we associate with Bond – that ordering of a martini with a flick of the hand thingy – but I am sure Chalamet could tackle that challenge. He certainly brings that elegance to a red carpet, with a welcome note of surprise.

But my main argument is: why the hell not? This part of Bond – the unknown – is the most exciting part for fans (bar actually, you know, watching the thing). It’s a time when you get to dream big and imagine what a new Bond could be or represent. As you may recall, Daniel Craig wasn’t the most obvious or popular choice, but look how well that turned out: here was a gruff, brooding Bond that said something about how we live now.

There are, I imagine, a few ideas/problems/crises with modern masculinity with which our new 007 may have to grapple. Who is better-equipped for the job than Chalamet? A modern man, with modern sensibilities. And he can sing!

This story originally appeared on Esquire UK.

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