Is Eddie Redmayne the Next James Bond?
His Performance in The Day of the Jackal Might Just Make Him the Perfect Fit
Eddie Redmayne as James Bond? It might sound unexpected – but if The Day of the Jackal taught us anything, it’s that Redmayne can slip into a role with unnerving ease. His chilling portrayal of the elusive assassin was a masterclass in quiet menace, wrapped in tailoring sharp enough to make Q jealous.
Just like Layer Cake paved the way for Daniel Craig, The Day of the Jackal feels like Redmayne’s audition tape for 007. Gone is the affable, wide-eyed Redmayne of Fantastic Beasts. In Jackal, he’s cold, calculated, and unflinchingly stylish – which, funnily enough, sounds exactly like 007. If Craig’s Bond was all bruised knuckles and emotional baggage, Redmayne’s take could channel the razor-sharp charm of Connery or Brosnan – with just enough danger simmering underneath.
The Style Advantage
Let’s be real – half of Bond’s appeal is the wardrobe, and Redmayne already looks the part. In The Day of the Jackal, his character’s outfits feel like a love letter to quiet luxury. Imagine tailored blazers, sleek loafers, and a black turtleneck that screams espionage. He blends into every scene without vanishing – the mark of a spy who dresses for the job but never lets the clothes wear him.
Redmayne’s wardrobe, curated by costume designer Natalie Humphries, perfectly balances stealth with subtle flair. Each piece feels deliberate, reinforcing the idea that the Jackal is as precise about his appearance as he is about his targets.
Even off-screen, Redmayne brings the same energy. His red carpet looks (thanks to stylist Harry Lambert) hover just on the edge of Bond’s territory – bold but never loud, classic but always with a twist. And let’s face it – Bond needs to look just as sharp sipping a martini as he does dismantling an international crime syndicate.
Why It Works
Redmayne’s greatest weapon is his versatility. He can switch between vulnerable and lethal without missing a beat – exactly the kind of layered performance a post-Craig Bond needs. There’s also an unpredictability to him that keeps audiences guessing – and that’s essential for a character whose greatest strength is being one step ahead.
In interviews, Redmayne has hinted at his love for the genre. When asked about his influences while filming Jackal, he didn’t hold back:
"I love this genre. I grew up on all the Bonds – from Sean Connery right through to Daniel Craig’s brilliance.”
Translation? The man’s been training for this his whole life.
The Verdict
Could Redmayne actually be the next Bond? Time will tell. But after The Day of the Jackal, he’s made his case.