Ever since Daniel Craig announced that he would be returning as James Bond, casting news for Bond 25 (due out in 2019) has been rather quiet. That all changed today.
In a bit of a shocker, Christoph Waltz revealed, during a live Italian TV broadcast, that he won’t be appearing in Bond 25 as Blofeld. Or, at least, that is what he seemed to be revealing. When asked if he would be in the film, Waltz said:
"“No, I’m sorry. I’m really sad, but that’s the tradition, that there is a new (actor)… Sorry. I would’ve liked to.”Live Feed James BondStarved for news, outlets guess Richard Madden is new James Bond after innocuous videoWinter is ComingMarvel star Aaron Taylor-Johnson a "frontrunner" to play James BondWinter is ComingNow that he's Superman again, Henry Cavill has no time to play James BondWinter is ComingHow Pierce Brosnan blew his audition to play BatmanWinter is ComingPierce Brosnan doesn't care who plays James Bond nextWinter is ComingWhoever plays James Bond next is making at least a 10-year-commitmentWinter is Coming"
While this is certainly breaking news, Bond fans almost have to take it with a bit of caution. EON tries to be secretive about not only its casting plans but almost anything else about its Bond productions. For Spectre, Sam Smith plainly lied when he said he was not performing the theme song. Turned out, of course, he was. So it is possible that Waltz is not being truthful here, as well.
But what is mostly puzzling about the response is his suggestion that he is or will be replaced out of “tradition.” Is Waltz suggesting that a new actor is portraying Blofeld for Bond 25? And that this is being done strictly because Blofeld has always been a new actor? Or is he suggesting that Blofeld will not return until after Bond 25, Daniel Craig’s final film? Quite possibly the latter. But this also suggests that he knows what is in the works for Bond 26 and thereafter. How and why would he?
Certainly, there will be more to come on this developing story. Check back for more news and updates.