We’ve come a long way when it comes to news about December 18th’s Avengers: Doomsday. From seeing a whole bunch of names on chairs to learning that Cap and company were coming back, the info keeps on rolling.

And with the news, we also got a new poster from former visual development director Andy Park, as well as a brand-spanking-new trailer featuring Doctor Doom and everything. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the X-Men, The Avengers (Both old AND new), and The Fantastic Four whoop Doctor Doom’s behind. However, one team is notably absent from the trailer, and that’s the one from my favorite Marvel movie, Eternals.

Which, you know, really bugs me, since if the Eternals were ever coming back, it likely would have been for this extravaganza. Let’s talk.

Look, I Get It. Nobody Likes Eternals Except For Me

Okay, I get it. When most people rank the MCU movies, Eternals always lands somewhere near the bottom, if not THE bottom. And, yeah, I’ve heard all of the complaints: “It should have been a TV series rather than a movie.” “There were just too many characters,” and, the most common of all, “It’s just so BORING.”

However, even after a rewatch, I still consider it my favorite MCU movie. I’m eternally hoping that we’ll see Thena, Sersi, and Kingo again (even though it probably would be in Kumail Nanjiani’s best interest to stay away from Marvel this time, for mental health's sake anyway). I just love these characters. I don’t think Eternals should have been a TV series, and I feel that the film did a great job of managing so many characters. But, most importantly, I don’t find it BORING. I find it ambitious, engaging, and artistic, and I always wanted more of it from Marvel.

So, to not see any hint of them on this new concept art or in the trailer just really upsets me. Especially since I know Marvel still remembers that they exist.

I Mean, Hello. They’re Referenced In Captain America: Brave New World

Another Marvel movie that I know people don’t like, but I enjoy, is Captain America: Brave New World, which I would actually rank higher than the first Captain America flick. Now, something that surprised many a longtime MCU fan is that Eternals were actually referenced in a major way in the fourth Captain America movie, as we actually got to see what happened to the Celestial, Tiamut, with Celestial Island.

That tells me that Kevin Feige still remembers Eternals. Now, I understand that the Russo brothers probably don’t care about Eternals since they have their own vision in mind, plus they also have the X-Men to bring into the fray.

However, I just can’t shake the feeling that Eternals should have at least SOME kind of presence in this movie, which actually brings me to my last point.

Eternals Would Be Really Cool In Avengers: Doomsday, So Am I Being A Fool For Still Holding Out Hope?

There’s still a lot we likely don’t know about Avengers: Doomsday, even with everything they’ve shown us thus far in the trailer. So, am I being foolish for believing that perhaps the Eternals MIGHT make an appearance in this movie somehow?

I mean, I never thought I’d see Thor: The Dark World ever referenced again, but it played a prominent role in Avengers: Endgame.

So, could the Eternals also be hidden away in this movie somewhere and we just don’t know about it yet? I guess only time will tell.

Like millions of people around the world, I spent five hours watching Marvel slowly roll out all those Avengers: Doomsday names in March 2025, and like a lot of people, I was bummed a few of the biggest MCU stars, including Ryan Reynolds, didn’t have a chair. While it may be true that we will see more additions as we work toward the release of the upcoming Marvel movie, I was shocked by some of the names left out of the excruciatingly long cast announcement.

That said, here’s a list of some of those beloved MCU actors I really hope we see when the Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday opens on the big screen in May 2026. It’s a long list (no, not as long as that video), so let’s get started…

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds, who has played Deadpool since the Fox days, has made a habit of teasing his return to the MCU ever since the release of Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024. I totally thought we’d see his name on one of those chairs in that seemingly endless lineup, which is why I’m so bummed the wise-cracking, R-rated, and lethal hero wasn’t included.

In an ideal world, Reynolds’ return would also include the likes of Dafne Keen, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Garner, and Leslie Uggams (you can’t have Deadpool without Blind Al).

Tom Holland

With the Spider-Man 4 release date so close to the Avengers: Doomsday rollout, it would be shocking if Tom Holland doesn’t show up in the massive crossover film a few months before his new Web-Slinger adventure. The highly in-demand actor seemed like a shoo-in to be included in the gargantuan list filled with all his MCU buddies. There are rumors that Holland won’t be in the next Avengers film, but I’m not totally convinced at this point.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has been a part of the MCU since he showed up in Tony Stark’s house and revealed himself as Nick Fury way back in Iron Man. Since then, he’s popped up in all of the Avengers movies, so I was a little saddened and surprised by his omission from the absurdly long cast list for Doomsday. I mean, Fury is still alive on the Marvel Cinematic timeline after the events of The Marvels.

Chris Evans

Even though his version of Captain America retired during the Avengers: Endgame ending, Chris Evans has reappeared in the MCU (Johnny Flame in Deadpool & Wolverine), so I wouldn’t be shocked if some character played by the franchise mainstay shows up by the time it’s all said and done. Evans has been cagey about a possible return in the past, but not seeing his name on the back of a chair is a little disheartening, if I’m being honest.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo has been one of my favorite MCU actors ever since he took on the role of Bruce Banner/The Hulk in 2012’s The Avengers. He’s been there for all the major moments in the franchise since then, but now I’m starting to think his iconic character won’t be saving the planet, galaxy, universe, or multiverse with his old buddies next summer. This can’t happen. I mean, who’s going to give Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man an extra taco?

Benedict Cumberbatch

Is Benedict Cumberbatch bringing back Doctor Strange (third eye and all) for Avengers: Doomsday? I don’t know because the longtime Marvel staple wasn’t included in the longest line of chairs I’ve ever seen. The actor’s comments about his return to the MCU have been all over the place, with his most recent comments to Business Insider in January 2025 making it sound like he could possibly return.

Don Cheadle

Though the Armor Wars project seems to be up in the air, I thought Don Cheadle would for sure be a part of the upcoming Avengers movie. James Rhodes has been a part of the franchise since the very beginning, and Cheadle’s version of the character has had a part in three of the four crossover films to date.

Brie Larson

Another big name missing from the “Infinity Scroll of Chairs” was Brie Larson, whose Captain Marvel has long been one of the strongest heroes in the entire MCU. We last saw her in The Marvels back in 2023, so she’s due for a return at this point. The same can be said about co-stars Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani, who play Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan, respectively. I’d be shocked if they didn’t appear.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye has had one of the craziest journeys in the MCU over the years. The underrated Avenger has been through it all, and I’ll be bummed if he’s not part of Doomsday next year. He famously wasn’t part of the Avengers: Infinity War cast, so maybe, just maybe, we’ll see him in Avengers: Secret Wars in a few years.

Charlie Cox

With Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdoch very much a part of the MCU again with the recent arrival of Daredevil: Born Again, I will be shocked if the actor doesn’t appear in Avengers: Doomsday. His name is on the rise (both the actor and character), so his absence could be felt a great deal.

Also, I would love to see Cox’s Defenders co-stars like Mike Colter, Finn Jones, and Krysten Ritter have some kind of role in what appears to be the biggest Marvel movie in years.

Halle Berry

Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and several other major players from the original X-Men movies were all announced for Avengers: Doomsday, but there was one actress whose absence really bummed me out: Halle Berry. Whenever the music would change and the camera would pan to the right, I kept hoping to see the Storm actress listed on a chair, but it never came.

The same can be said about Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, and Hugh Jackman, three other major names from the franchise who are oddly missing from the cast list.

The Guardians Of The Galaxy

Though Dave Bautista and Pom Klementieff seem to be finished with the MCU after the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the rest of the actors should still be in play moving forward. With Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, and Vin Diesel being major parts of the last two Avengers movies, it will be odd not to see them in the upcoming Doomsday. I really hope that changes, as I’d love to see that ragtag group of space scoundrels save the day again.

The Eternals

After Captain America: Brave New World referenced Eternals earlier in the year, it felt like maybe this oft-forgotten MCU movie would be getting some attention again. However, none of the actors from the 2021 epic were included in the Avengers: Doomsday rollout. I guess we’ll have to wait longer to figure out what’s going on with the group played by Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Barry Keoghan.

Other Marvel Stars I Want To See In Avengers: Doomsday

On top of all these names and various groups, I would love to see even more actors from the Marvel Cinematic Universe show up in Avengers: Doomsday. From longtime staples like Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Hayley Atwell, and Scarlett Johansson (nobody stays dead forever, right?) to other fan favorites played by the likes of Benedict Wong, Dafne Keen, Lupita Nyong’o, Awkwafina, and Danai Guirara to actors introduced in post-credit scenes like Brett Goldstein and Charlize Theron, there are just so many familiar faces that could show up.

Will any or all of these actors show up in Avengers: Doomsday or its sequel? I really hope so.

Very minor spoilers for Prime Video’s Citadel lie ahead.

Amazon Prime Video has released a number of major titles since its conception, and Citadel, which premiered at the end of April, is now a part of that roster. The espionage series is one of the most ambitious productions the streamer has ever produced, as it was shot in various places across the globe and features major set pieces. At the center of it all, though, are its two leads – Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Both certainly know how to act, but they’ve also become quite adept at performing action sequences. Those skills apparently shone through while they worked on the drama series, according to one of its stunt coordinators, who also says they did “nearly all” of their own stunt work. 

James Young has worked with a lot of actors in his time, as he’s collaborated with dozens simply through the various Marvel Cinematic Universe films he’s done. Of course, each star brings something different to the table so, when I had the chance to speak to Young about his Citadel work, I couldn’t help but ask him what it was like collaborating with its main stars. The jovial stunt expert had nothing but good things to say about his colleagues while discussing how he and co-coordinator Don Theerathada felt out the actors’ skill sets early on: 

Those who’ve used a Prime Video subscription to stream Citadel surely know that the stars had to take part in some physically demanding scenes. The opening scene of the pilot alone exemplifies that perfectly, as their characters, Nadia Sinh and Mason Kane, get into a serious brawl on a train. There’s also that cabin fight that sees Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Nadia going toe to toe with a brute. Speaking of Chopra Jonas, the stunt coordinator had even more praise to heap on her: 

The actress has been getting it done for quite a while now and seems to be truly committed to her craft. For instance, what you may not know about the Matrix star is that she even suffered a concussion while performing a stunt for her ABC drama, Quantico. Co-star Richard Madden is no slouch either, though, as you can see by his vast body of work. I had the chance to speak with him recently, and he explained that he’s learned a lot from doing stunts. Though that it must not be easy to take on all of that wear and tear, James Young suggests that the Eternals star usually gung ho when it comes to his work:

The seasoned stuntman summed both of the actors up as “brilliant” and, based on all of the work they’ve done, I’d say that’s definitely a fitting assessment. I also asked James Young if he could tease anything about this week’s season finale, and he’d only say that it’s “shocking, as it should be.” Still, I assume that Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are going to get some sweet action-heavy moments to close things out. And if the show is renewed for a second season (and their characters survive this latest installment), they’ll likely have even more stunts to perform in the near future.

New episodes of Citadel hit Amazon Prime Video on Fridays as part of the 2023 TV schedule.

Citadel, the latest Amazon Prime series to grace the 2023 TV schedule, has been making fans out of viewers looking for some action in between James Bond movies. And, funny enough that kind of excitement has carried over into the world of the 007 rumor mill, as stars Richard Madden and Stanley Tucci have made the day of fans hoping for their potential casting in the legendary franchise. And of course, a couple of martinis being involved only fanned the flames further. 

A video shared on Instagram shows Madden and Tucci sharing a drink, potentially in celebration of their streaming series making its recent debut for those with a Prime Video subscription. Watching the video shared below, you can see how the friendship between the men is so comfortable that even an awkward silence is comedy gold.  

While there were some that picked up on Citadel’s co-stars having a bit of a time trying to come up with “dialogue” for their post-drink reaction, James Bond wound up finding his way into the conversation rather easily. As Richard Madden has been a strong competitor in past 007 betting odds, it’s rather hard not to have a conversation about espionage or martini adjacent activities without imagining him in that fabled tuxedo.

Commenters confirmed as much, as most reacted with tons of love and best wishes for not only Madden, but also Stanley Tucci, when it came to landing Bond series roles. Though as you can see from the sampling we’ve picked out for display below, there was a lot more than simple adoration for these actors at work: 

• rob.harris.125: “I don’t know what drinks look like, but if that’s Richard Madden drinking a Martini that’s been shaken, not stirred……imma hit the roof with excitement.”
• kbond88: “New Bond and Q?!”’
• mjrdooley: “Yaaaaaaaaasss!! The world IS ready for the first Gay JB!”
• requiemandbeyond: “Two very handsome men”
• jesse.donovan: “This was hot…”

That’s what happens when you take a part in a spy thriller like Citadel, happen to be a dapper gentleman who looks good in finely tailored suits, and sits down for drinks with Stanley Tucci. Although the suggestion of The Devil Wears Prada vet becoming the new Q is another fun thing to consider. The chemistry between these two isn't just a fluke either, as CinemaBlend's Erik Swann got to capture Tucci's funny reaction to Richard Madden's big takeaway from his stunt work on the Russo Brothers produced action/adventure. 

It makes sense, as if Ben Whishaw’s latest speculations turn out to be correct, the post-Daniel Craig James Bond era will need a new quartermaster to go with the new face of 007. Then again, casting Stanley Tucci and Richard Madden might be too much for the world, or Prime Video, to take on, especially with Citadel already renewed for Season 2 and Bond 26 intended to go into production in 2024.

Reeling it back into the gun barrel of the present, Richard Madden and Stanley Tucci can currently be seen in Citadel. The first two episodes have premiered on Prime Video, with weekly installments keeping the fun going for viewers who love lavish spy dramas, and untrustworthy spies trying to save the world. As for drink recommendations, let the lads in the video above steer you to what you should be toasting when you get started.

Stories about amnesiac spies — such as the Jason Bourne movies, the 2015 action-comedy American Ultra, or the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led sci-fi classic, Total Recall — are almost too common these days. However, the new, action-packed, romantic Amazon Prime original TV show, Citadel, has such exciting and acclaimed talent from both behind the camera — Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo serve as executive producers — and in front of it that you will likely forget about the familiar elements of its plot pretty quickly. Speaking of the talent in front of the camera, let’s dive into who plays whom in the Citadel cast and refresh your memory about some of the most notable, previous roles on their resumes so far.

Richard Madden (Mason Kane)

As Mason Kane — a man whose past as an elite secret agent was wiped from his memory years earlier — we have Richard Madden, whose previous modern action thriller credits include 2016's The Take and the hit Netflix original miniseries, Bodyguard. 

However, the Scottish actor is better known for period dramas, like his stint in the Game of Thrones cast, his charming portrayal of the prince in Disney’s live-action remake of Cinderella, and his brief, but pivotal, cameo in the Oscar-winning war drama, 1917. Madden also played Elton John’s former manager and lover, John Reid, in Rocketman and became a part of the MCU when he joined the Eternals cast as Ikaris.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Nadia Sinh)

Nadia Sinh — a fellow amnesiac recruited back into the titular agency as Kane’s partner — is played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who last played a special agent in her breakout American TV role on ABC’s Quantico. 

On the big screen, the former Miss World pageant winner has leant her voice to Disney Animation’s 2013 movie, Planes, played the villain in 2017’s Baywatch, starred in a few Netflix original movies, like 2021’s The White Tiger, which she also executive produced, and appeared in the Matrix Resurrections cast as Sati. After starring in a parody of rom-coms called Isn’t it Romantic in 2019, Chopra Jonas would later appear in a real 2023 rom-com called Love Again — in which her real-life husband, Nick Jonas, makes a cameo.

Stanley Tucci (Bernard Orlick) 

Playing Kane and Sinh’s former boss, Bernard Orlick, is the multi-talented Academy Award nominee (for 2009’s The Lovely Bones) Stanley Tucci, who, like Madden, is also part of the MCU, having played Dr. Erskine in Captain America: The First Avenger and again in a voice role on Disney+’s animated anthology for the What If…? cast. 

The extremely versatile and vastly underrated actor behind countless great performances has done everything from earnest biographical dramas (such as the 2016 Best Picture Oscar winner, Spotlight), to light comedies (like The Devil Wears Prada, alongside his sister-in-law, Emily Blunt), and even dystopian young adult novel adaptations (he stole the show from the Hunger Games cast as Caesar Flickerman).

Lesley Manville (Dahlia Archer)

As the British Ambassador to the United States, Dahlia Archer, we have Academy Award nominee (for 2017’s Phantom Thread) Lesley Manville, who revealed in an interview with Deadline that, despite her major role on the series, she will not be watching Citadel as she “can’t watch violence.” 

Many of her most notable credits are far tamer than the action-thriller title — such as Robert Zemeckis’ animated A Christmas Carol adaptation from 2009; Disney’s dark, live-action reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent, and its sequel; Netflix’s The Crown (on which she plays Princess Margaret), and her charming performance in the title role of 2022’s Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

Osy Ikhile (Carter Spence)

Before he was cast as Citadel agent Carter Spence, Osy Ikhile made his major motion picture debut in the small part of a “CIA Jet Agent” in the fifth installment of the Mission: Impossible movies franchise, 2015’s Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. He would then go on to appear in larger roles in films like Ron Howard’s retelling of the story that inspired Moby Dick, In the Heart of the Sea; a reimagining of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic ape man, The Legend of Tarzan; one of the best episodes of Black Mirror (“U.S.S. Callister”); and many video games, including Hitman 2 and and Jurassic World Evolution. 

Ashleigh Cummings (Abby Conroy) 

As Abby — the wife of “Kyle Conroy,” the name Kane has gone by since his memory wipe — we have Ashleigh Cummings, who (like many other Australian-raised actors) is known for her stint on the long-running soap opera, Home and Away, which she followed up with more notable TV credits that include the period noir series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (starring The Babadook’s Essie Davis in the title role) and the Joe Hill novel-inspired horror TV series, NOS4A2. 

She also played the victim of one of Australia’s most infamous abduction cases, as depicted in 2016’s Hounds of Love, starred in Amazon’s adaptation of John Crowley’s The Goldfinch in 2019, and, more recently, starred in the 2022 mystery thriller, Vide Noir, which was developed as a companion film to Lord Huron’s third studio album of the same name. 

Roland Møller (Anders Silje/Davik Silje) 

The roles of twin brothers Anders and Davik Silje — who are also top agents for Citadel’s rival agency, Manticore — are both played by Roland Møller, who has previously shown skill at playing a bad guy opposite Charlize Theron in 2017’s Atomic Blonde and opposite Dwayne Johnson in 2018’s Skyscraper. However, the Danish actor has shown his softer side in roles like an average civilian in the 2018 Liam Neeson-led action thriller, The Commuter, and an ex-con trying to make good in one of the best non-horror movies on Shudder, A Bluebird in My Heart.  

Caoilinn Springall (Hendrix Conroy)

As Kane and Abby’s daughter, Hendrix, we have Caoilinn Springal, whose name is pronounced “kay-o-lin spring-all”. The young actor made her acting debut at 7 years old in Netflix’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama, The Midnight Sky, alongside star and director George Clooney, in 2020.

Nikki Amuka-Bird (Grace)

Also appearing in the Citadel cast in the role of Grace is BAFTA-Award nominee (for the 2016 TV movie, NW) Nikki Amuka-Bird, who is probably best known to U.S. audiences for her roles in M. Night Shyalmalan movies — namely Old and Knock at the Cabin. Before then, the Nigerian-born, U.K.-raised actor had a recurring role on the hit British crime drama, Luther, opposite Idris Elba, appeared in the Wachowskis’ 2015 sci-fi epic, Jupiter Ascending, in 2015, and would poke fun at the sci-fi genre with a starring role on HBO’s Avenue 5.

Even before Citadel hit its official premiere date on the 2023 TV schedule, the action-packed series had already been renewed for a second season by Amazon. Looks like we might be seeing more of this talented, butt-kicking ensemble and — you know what? We are here for it… as long as we don’t forget about them.

Amazon Prime Video’s Citadel, one of the biggest titles on the 2023 TV schedule, aims to take viewers on a globe-trotting adventure that’s filled with exciting action sequences. As a result, a number of the show’s stars were called upon to do stunt work. Leading man Richard Madden certainly did his fair share, with the first episode even giving him some intense-looking moments. The 36-year-old star has done his fair share of stunts over the years, so it should come as no surprise that he’s learned a thing or two in the process. He actually just revealed the greatest lesson he’s learned from the work, and his co-star, Stanley Tucci, had a funny reaction. 

At this point, Richard Madden, who’s been open about body expectations and more in the past, has done his own stunts on several high-profile productions. He, for example, got physical with dangerous gold-chasers in the historical limited series Klondike, a show he says was more demanding than Game of Thrones. The star also did wire work in Marvel’s superhero epic Eternals. Because he has so much experience under his belt, I couldn’t ask the 36-year-old Madden about the physical aspects of his roles while chatting with him and Stanley Tucci during Citadel’s press day. I specifically asked about the most invaluable nugget of knowledge he’s picked up, and his answer couldn’t have been more direct: 

If you’re someone who exercises regularly, then there’s a fair chance that you know the importance of stretching. It’s definitely not a good feeling when you’re engaging in rigorous physical activity and your joints begin to tighten up. (As someone who used to do a lot of running and still works out, I know that all too well). But if you’re in Richard Madden’s position, stunts can still be tricky regardless of how you warm up. The Bodyguard actor was very vocal about the filming challenges he experienced with Eternals, as he didn’t have that much fun with the flying scenes he had to perform as Ikaris. What he had to do in Citadel was arguably even more intense, and you can get a taste of that by checking out the trailer below:

Another person who’s well aware of the importance of keeping one’s self limber is Stanley Tucci, and he agreed with his colleague’s sentiments on performing physically demanding material. And in true Tucci fashion, he dropped a quip about his own work: 

I can definitely appreciate the 62-year-old star’s honesty and will add that he doesn’t miss a beat in Citadel. As the witty Bernard Orlick, he guides Richard Madden’s Mason Kane, as he embarks on a dangerous mission that will take him to different corners of the globe. Along the way, he’ll cross paths with Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Nadia Sinh, an old comrade. It should also be mentioned that Madden and Chopra Jonas excel during their fight sequences and, after hearing the former’s comments, I imagine that there was plenty of stretching done on the set. 

You can see the fruits of their labor by grabbing a Prime Video subscription and streaming Citadel when it drops its first two episodes on April 28.

In a world where shows get canceled left and right, taken off streaming services altogether and jump from one platform to another, now we’ve added some unlikely renewal news into the mix. Amazon Prime announced that it would be renewing two of its originals, A League of Their Own and Citadel. However, for the remake of the Penny Marshall classic, this renewal news is bad because its second season will be shortened, and for Citadel it’s grand news because Season 1 hasn’t even premiered yet. Overall, both renewals are unique, and a little confusing, so let's break it down.

A League Of Their Own Will End With A Shortened Second Season 

A League of Their Own series got surprising and disappointing news about its second season. THR reported that the remake series will come to a close with Season 2, and it will only be four episodes.

The queer take on Penny Marshall’s classic film has been in negotiations for months, and according to the article the showrunners, Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson, who is also a lead on the series, ended with a deal that A League of Their Own will conclude with Season 2 and it will be half the length of its first installment. According to the article, the A League of Their Own cast had to sign new deals too since Season 2 will only be four episodes, and it’s been reported that Amazon and Sony are still closing on the deals. 

Amazon and Sony Pictures Television have reportedly gone back and forth to lower the show’s licensing fee from Sony. Sources said that Graham and Jacobson were working really hard to get a Season 2 renewal for their beloved series, and Sony ended up giving Amazon a reduced licensing fee. However, the streamer wanted to cut costs on the show, which may be why Season 2 will only be four episodes. 

Citadel Quickly Got Renewed For Season 2

Citadel hasn’t even premiered on Amazon Prime yet, and the streamer has already renewed it for a second season, THR reported. The series led by Bodyguard’s Richard Madden and Quantico’s Priyanka Chopra Jonas and created by The Russo Brothers is on the 2023 TV schedule for an April 28 debut, and we already know that another season is on the way. 

This series has been in development since 2018, with the goal of becoming a massive, global “event series,” as Amazon Studios boss Jennifer Salke said. Citadel already has an Indian adaptation in the works at Amazon, and it’s possible that this show will become a very important franchise for the streamer. 

The report also mentioned that this series is on track to be the second-most-expensive series at Amazon, only behind Rings of Power, as they’ve reportedly spent $200 million on the show. 

While we still haven’t seen Season 1, the second season will see David Weil return as the showrunner, and Joe and Anthony Russo are expected to direct a few episodes. Based on how swiftly the show got renewed, it seems like it might have the potential to become one of Priyanka Chopra Jonas’, Stanley Tucci’s and Richard Madden’s best projects. However, we won't know that for sure until we see the first season, and either way, we know we'll get Season 2.

Overall, it’s exciting that we’ll get to see these two shows again, but I’m a bit shocked about how things shook out. A League of Their Own came out last summer and this news comes seven months later, meanwhile, Citadel got renewed before we’ve even seen a single episode. Although the world of streaming has been mixing things up with how they release and renew shows, so I guess this news about these Amazon Prime shows fits the precedent that’s been set by companies like Netflix and HBO Max. 

It’s unclear when the second seasons for both these series will come out, however, you can watch A League of Their Own’s first season right now and Citadel starting April 28 on Prime Video. 

For some time, Richard Madden has been making moves in the entertainment industry, taking on some big and exciting roles, particularly the last decade. I’m talking about Eternals, Game of Thrones, and so much more of amazingly awesome projects. 

But for Marvel fans who might have just been introduced to the actor through Eternals now streaming on Disney+, let me take a moment to introduce you to the best Richard Madden movies and TV shows that are available to rent or stream right now - and all of which I think you should consider checking out as soon as you’re done reading this article. 

Bodyguard (Netflix)

The first miniseries on this list, Bodyguard focuses on a war veteran who is suffering from PTSD. Now that he is off the field, he works for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of the police department in London, and taking on this job sends him on the most intense mission of his life when he’s assigned to protect the home secretary. 

Richard Madden actually won a Golden Globe for his performance in the miniseries. Bodyguard is probably one of the best displays of Madden’s abilities as an actor, because it not only shows he is excellent in dramas and thrillers, but can be an action star if need be. It’s one of the best miniseries on Netflix you can watch. 

Stream Bodyguard on Netflix. 

Cinderella (Disney+)

In this Disney live-action remake of the classic movie, Cinderella tells the story of the titular character, Ella, who is locked away in a tower by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. However, one night, where she goes to a ball under the guise of magic, changes her life forever. 

I mean, it’s Cinderella, you know the story by heart at this point. Richard Madden, however, plays the prince in this, otherwise known as Prince Kit. And wow, was he the perfect casting. I mean, when you think of Prince Charming in real life, I can’t think of many other people that quite fit that description other than Richard Madden. Just look at those baby blues. You can’t resist them. 

The live-action Cinderella is one of Disney's best live-action remakes so far, and I could re-watch it again and again. The costume design alone has me hooked. 

Stream Cinderella on Starz. 
Rent Cinderella on Amazon.

Bastille Day/The Take (Netflix)

Bastille Day (otherwise known as The Take in North America), is the action thriller you’ve been waiting for. Starring both Idris Elba and Richard Madden, this movie tells the story of a CIA agent that teams up with a pickpocket, using their talents to take out a possible terrorist organization in Paris, France. 

While it’s not the most original action film, I think Bastille Day has a lot going for it between the two main characters. Both Idris Elba and Richard Madden play well off each other and create a fun banter that makes the movie entertaining to watch, and the action is surprisingly enthralling as well. Who doesn’t like to watch some excellently choreographed gun fights?

Stream Bastille Day on Netflix. 
Rent Bastille Day on Amazon. 

Game Of Thrones (HBO Max)

Arguably, Game of Thrones is where most of us known Richard Madden from. This uber-popular HBO series tells the story of Westeros, and more importantly, the Iron Throne, which several people are trying to get now that Robert Baratheon, has died. Now, the whole entire country - as well as in the Essos - is in the great game, and everyone else is just pawns. 

For the first three seasons, Richard Madden played Robb Stark as part of the Game of Thrones cast, a key character and a super big role for the young actor at the time. Following his role on the show, his career really took off.

Robb Stark is an honorable character with plenty of badassery to boot, and I could never picture anyone else but Madden playing him. It was even nicer when Richard Madden and Kit Harington (who played his adopted brother, Jon Snow on the show) got to reunite again while filming Eternals together. 

Stream Game of Thrones on HBO Max. 

Klondike (Amazon Prime)

Next up, we have the historical drama miniseries, Klondike. This show is all about the gold rush of the 1890s, and the possibility of becoming rich. While it follows several characters and their search for fortune, we focus on one in particular, and that is Bill Haskell and his friends, who head up to Yukon, Canada in search of their own gold. 

Richard Madden played Bill Haskell in the series, alongside a very talented cast. While the Discovery Channel isn’t known for making scripted series - they’re usually amazing in documentaries, as you can imagine - Klondike is an entertaining experience, and Madden is one of the reasons you’re drawn in with his compelling performance of Bill. The cinematography is also fantastic as well. 

Stream Klondike on Amazon Prime. 

Medici (Netflix)

Moving on, we have another great historical drama, Medici. This series follows the story of the real-life Medici family, who were the people who were in charge of the Pope’s money during the famed Renaissance period in Florence, Italy, moving through their journeys as a family in a different point of their lives each season. 

At first, I had only heard of this show because of my love for Vikings, and read that it’s a good show to watch if you like Vikings. Now, after watching it, I can confirm I might like it just as much. While it is a drama, I had never known anything about the Medici family and this series tells you so much, albeit with a dramatic twist. Richard Madden starred in the first season as Cosimo de’ Medici, the head of the family, and man if you thought his acting was great in Game of Thrones, wait until you see him in this. He is stellar. 

Stream Medici on Netflix.

Ibiza (Netflix)

Of course we’re going to have a couple of independent films on this list as well, and that includes Netflix’s original film, Ibiza. This romantic comedy follows a group of women who travel to Barcelona for a business trip. However, while they're there, one of them finds romance - and this in turn leads to a crazy adventure. 

Richard Madden plays Leo, the main love interest of this film, and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I love the man’s acting skills but damn is he handsome. His looks paired with his acting talent make him the perfect choice for a romantic comedy like this, and his and Gillian Jacob’s chemistry together as the main couple not only make you laugh but make you want to root for them to succeed despite serious long distance between them. 

Stream Ibiza on Netflix. 

Rocketman (Amazon Rental)

Next, we have Rocketman, a musical biopic movie about the legendary singer, Elton John, from his beginnings in the music industry to his personal life, to everything in-between, all paired with a brilliant soundtrack of some of John’s hits. 

Richard Madden portrays John Reid, a famous singer and manager of both John and the band, Queen, and who was the lover of Elton John for some time. I feel like in many of Madden’s roles, he often plays similar characters, which isn’t a bad thing at all. He’s super good at playing historical and fantasy/action roles, but I think he really transforms in Rocketman and shows just how awesome of an actor he really is. 

If you enjoy Rocketman, be sure to check out some other entertaining musical biopics as well. Or read a bit about some of the behind the scenes facts about Rocketman which show just how much work truly went into this film. 

Rent Rocketman on Amazon. 

Electric Dreams (Amazon Prime)

Moving on, we have the science-fiction anthology series, Electric Dreams. This TV show features a new cast every single episode, and tells fantastical science-fiction stories that are all based on Philip K. Dicks works, with each episode diving deep into worlds unknown and far off. 

Richard Madden starred in the first episode of the series, playing Agent Ross in an episode about a world where some portion of the human race has developed telepathy. And let me say if science-fiction is your thing, this is the show for you. Madden is excellent in his role on the show and again shows his ability as an action actor, but the rest of the series is so good that I wished it got a second season. It’s definitely an awesome anthology show that you should stream now. 

Stream Electric Dreams on Amazon Prime. 

1917 (Showtime)

Another historical film on this list, we take a look at 1917. This critically acclaimed movie tells the story of two soldiers who are sent on the terrifying and deadly mission to deliver a message in hopes of stopping their men from walking straight into a grizzly end. 

Richard Madden plays Lieutenant Joseph Blake, and while he was only in the film for a short bit, his role was memorable for his emotional performance in the ultimate climax of the movie. And can I just say 1917 is a perfect example of what amazing casting should be like, because Richard Madden, and the actor who plays his brother, Dean-Charles Chapman - those two could be brothers in real life in my opinion. Perfect casting. 

1917 has some super cool behind the scenes facts, with how intricately shot it is and how beautiful its scenery is. Seriously, check it out if you haven’t.

Stream 1917 on Showtime. 
Purchase 1917 on Amazon. 

Eternals (Disney+) 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been expanding greatly with all of the new Marvel movies, and Eternals was one of the biggest. This film tells the story of the legendary Eternals, an alien race that is sent to protect the humans from an ancient enemy called the Deviants. However, it’s soon revealed that there’s far more to this and not everything is black and white. 

While the Eternals cast was huge and had so many amazing actors, Richard Madden is one of the leads, portraying Ikaris, the leader of the Eternals. Madden, in his first superhero gig ever, did an awesome job portraying the almost Superman-like character in the MCU, and not only provided some awesome acting but some really cool flying scenes too - even if Madden didn’t quite enjoy filming them. 

Regardless, I genuinely enjoyed The Eternals as I’m sure you did too, and will gladly re-watch it again because it features all these amazing actors, including Madden. I’m all here for Phase 4 of Marvel, and that includes these crazy strong aliens. 

Stream Eternals on Disney+. 
Buy Eternals on Amazon. 

With all these fun options, there are so many shows and movies you could binge now. Or maybe you just want to re-watch The Eternals - that’s completely okay too. Whatever the case, I’m sure you’ll have a great time enjoying the best of what Richard Madden has to offer.  

James Bond certainly knows how to defeat the odds, and frankly, so do the people that are supposedly in line to play the character. No Time To Die’s home video release only marks one more step closer to the eventuality of a new 007 being named. The bettor’s market apparently has celebrated that event in its own way, as Venom: Let There Be Carnage star/perennial Bond favorite Tom Hardy has been knocked off the top spot yet again. This time, it’s another Marvel hero who’s done the job, as Eternals’ Richard Madden has surpassed the previous favorite. 

Where Do The James Bond Odds Stand Currently?

It wasn't too long ago  that Tom Hardy once again found himself sitting pretty at the top of the heap. This only reinforces something that fans and spectators alike should know about the 007 betting odds, as it can all change with just a spin of the wheel. Thanks to US-Bookies, here’s what the new, Madden-friendly standings look like: 

• Richard Madden - 3/1
• Tom Hardy - 4/1
• Henry Cavill - 5/1
• Idris Elba - 6/1
• Regé-Jean Page - 8/1
• Jamie Bell - 10/1
• James Norton - 11/1
• Tom Hopper - 12/1
• Sam Heughan - 16/1
• Cillian Murphy - 22/1
• Lashana Lynch / Mahershala Ali - 25/1
• Callum Turner - 28/1

Yet again, it’s not the names that are changing in the big James Bond horse race, but rather the standings. Richard Madden’s resurgence only proves that, as his previous 4/1 showing yielded a drop backwards, only to come back to the top. Though if you’re really keen on Henry Cavill’s chances, his third place standing is a welcomed sight to see, keeping The Witcher star very much in the conversation he’s hoping to be a part of. Rounding out the top five is Idris Elba and Regé-Jean Page, both of whom have also seen their share of ups and downs, but remain in the thoughts of the public. But if you thought the picks closer to the top were interesting, wait until you see the scrum of actors tied at 33/1 odds to become the new 007!

The 33/1 Gang

33/1 odds aren’t exactly the most promising, that’s a given. That being said, the pack of actors that seem to have found themselves in a nine-way tie in this slot are an impressive mix of previously tipped names and surprises. These are the thespians who are tied for the back of the pack: 

• Tom Holland
• Damian Lewis
• Dan Stevens
• Jack Lowden
• Jack O’Connell
• Jamie Dornan
• Jodie Comer
• Oliver Jackson Cohen
• Tom Hiddleston

What’s worth noting initially is that according to the data set that these odds come from, Tom Holland in particular has had a meteoric rise. Previously slated at 80/1, it’s assumed that the record-breaking performance of Spider-Man: No Way Home has sent his chances skyrocketing. It’d be more exciting if the MCU gig, as well as his potential commitments to Uncharted’s franchise, weren’t standing in the way; and it’s doubtful that there would be room for all of that on the young actor’s plate. 

Another surprising entry is Downton Abbey veteran, and star of this year’s sci-fi dramedy I’m Your Man, Dan Stevens. For someone who seems suited for the post, there doesn’t seem to have been that much talk surrounding the man’s chances, at least in recent years. 33/1 puts him on the map, much as it does The Last Duel’s Jodie Comer. Though in the case of Comer, the repeated insistence that a female James Bond doesn’t have to happen makes her odds even more miraculous.

Betting around the next James Bond is only going to get more intense, as 2022 is supposed to be the start of the search for the next face of the franchise. Who knows what'll happen between now and whenever that hunt will start. In any case, No Time To Die is currently available on home video, whether you're a physical media fan or a digital loyalist. 

Marvel Studios’ Eternals introduces some powerful new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The team of cosmic beings includes heavy hitters like Angelina Jolie’s Thena and Don Lee’s Gilgamesh. Of course, one character that seems to have delighted audiences with his powers is Ikaris, played by Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden. His vast abilities have even caused some to compare him to Henry Cavill’s Superman from Man of Steel. And according to director Chloé Zhao, that’s not actually a coincidence, as the film rubbed off on her in a major way.

Like many directors, Chloé Zhao is a massive movie fan, having studied different forms of filmmaking. It should come as no surprise that she’s a particularly big fan of superhero movies, and she’s seen quite a few of them. That includes Zack Snyder’s 2013 take on the last son of Krypton. During a recent interview, when she was asked if the iconic DC Comics character influenced her approach to Ikaris, she shared some keen thoughts: 

When you really think about it, the director’s comments to French entertainment news outlet jeuxactu.com make a lot of sense. Ikaris and Superman may not be exactly the same, but they are alike in key ways. Both have similar abilities (super strength, flight, heat vision/energy beams, etc.). They’re also extraterrestrial figures who take their duties on earth very seriously. And of course, despite the fact that they’re god-like beings, they both retain a sense of humanity. This is nicely played out by the actors who portray them, of course. 

What’s also cool is that Chloé Zhao actually gets somewhat meta about this comparison in Eternals itself. By now, some have probably seen the TV spot in which Ikaris is referred to as Superman, though he astutely points out that he doesn’t wear a cape. But with his powers, he definitely fits the bill, and you can get a taste of the character’s massive feats by checking out the trailer below:

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel proved to be a polarizing piece of work when it first hit theaters in 2013. Some argued that the director broke new ground with his take on Clark Kent’s origins by showing a more realistic take on his upbringing and his first encounter with mankind. Others believed that the movie’s tone was too dark and that it lacked character development. Though people have warmed up to the film somewhat over the past few years, its merits are still heavily debated.

Still, the fact that Chloé Zhao referenced the film for her own work is a testament to the movie’s legacy. Personally, I’d now be curious to hear Zack Snyder’s thoughts on Zhao’s new superhero flick. 

But you can check out the Oscar winner’s work for yourself by seeing Eternals in theaters now. And if you’d like to revisit or watch Man of Steel for the first time, you can do so by streaming it on HBO Max.

With Eternals, Marvel Studios has delivered a cosmic epic spanning thousands of years, which includes plenty of action and raw emotion. Amid all of that though, it also gave Game of Thrones fans a sweet reunion between co-stars Richard Madden and Kit Harington. Viewers were likely glad to see Robb Stark and Jon Snow share the screen again, but how was it for the actors themselves? Well, Madden recently opened up about their recent collaboration by sharing some jokey thoughts. 

The two stars worked together for three seasons of HBO’s acclaimed fantasy series, so one would imagine that the two have great rapport. Of course, such a bond theoretically means the two can throw playful jabs at each other here and there. This certainly seems to be the case judging by Richard Madden’s humorous assertion that reteaming with his old colleague was “terrible”:

Based on the actor’s recent video interview with co-star Gemma Chan for IMDb, this was actually far from the case. He went on to share some positive thoughts on working with Kit Harington again. The actor also recalled one specific night of shooting that was particularly fun for him: 

There’s really nothing like old friends getting together, is there? And having such a reunion take place on a massive movie set had to be even more surreal. As those who’ve seen Eternals probably know (and as Richard Madden has confirmed in the past), the Game of Thrones alums don’t have much screen time together. Nevertheless, you can’t help but love the fact that they did get some time to enjoy each other’s company during the production. 

What’s probably most interesting about this reunion is the connection between the actors’ Eternals characters. Richard Madden portrays the powerful Ikaris, who was the longtime lover of Sersi, played by Gemma Chan. Meanwhile, Kit Harington plays Dane Whitman, who courts Chan’s character in the present. And it’s all even more ironic given that both stars have actually been friends with Chan for years. To some, that may seem awkward, but the comfort that all three have with each other may have actually made it easier for them to play out those relationships. 

I don’t know about you guys, but I’d definitely be down to see the pair of Game of Thrones actors share the screen again. But while you wait for any word on that front, you can check out their work in by seeing Eternals in theaters now.

Marvel’s Eternals cast members including Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Don Lee and Academy Award-Winning writer/director Chloé Zhao chat with CinemaBlend about their action-packed adventure. Find out what the Eternals were doing in the 7000 years prior to the events in film, what other Marvel heroes they think their characters would get along with, some behind-the-scenes stories about Deviant goop, flying, Celestials and so much more!

Video Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:16 - The Eternals Cast Pick Which Marvel Heroes Their Characters Would Get Along With
• 01:49 - How The Eternals Cast Prepared To Play Characters With 7000 Years Of History
• 06:13 - What The Eternals Were Doing During The Infinity Saga, According to Chloé Zhao
• 07:01 - Gemma Chan and Salma Hayek on Filming Scenes With Arishem The Celestial
• 09:29 - Why Richard Madden Hated His Flying Scenes
• 10:20 - Lauren Ridloff on Developing the Look of Makkari’s Super-Speed
• 11:26 - How Kumail Nanjiani Felt About Getting A Face Full of Deviant Splatter While Filming
• 13:02 - Lia McHugh on the Incredible Number of Languages She Had to Speak For Eternals
• 13:44 - Barry Keoghan on Why He Loved Working With Oscar-Winning Director Chloé Zhao
• 14:32 - Major Changes Chloé Zhao Faced During The Production of Eternals
• 15:19 - Why Making Eternals Was ‘Therapeutic’ For Angelina Jolie
• 16:20 - Why Marvel’s Eternals Features Multiple DC References, According To Chloé Zhao

In a reality far more awesome than this one, an actor being hired to be the lead in a superhero movie would see them get the actual powers of their character and create all the necessary effects naturally… but that’s sadly not the way things work in our universe. If a blockbuster has a protagonist who can fly, that means not just using computer-generated visual effects, but also stringing performers up in uncomfortable wire work. It’s not a part of the industry that you generally hear too many positive things about, and one individual very much not bucking the trend is Eternals star Richard Madden.

The new Marvel Cinematic Universe film stars Madden as Ikaris, the only member of the titular team who can fly – and while the ability looks pretty badass on the big screen, actually filming it evidently had the effect of reducing the actor’s confidence to zero. I had the chance to ask him about his experience last month during the virtual press day for Eternals (as captured in the video above), and he was definitely not shy about sharing his honest feelings. Said the actor,

Flying is actually one of two special powers exhibited by Ikaris, as the character also has the ability to fire heat rays from his eyes – but it seems that wasn’t an aspect of the performance that gave Richard Madden as much trouble.

Clearly the new Marvel star felt self-conscious about how he was appearing whenever he took to the sky, but he did try and combat it with some practice. Answering a follow-up, he added that he would work on his posture and positioning regularly as a means of negating his more negative feelings, saying,

The good news for Richard Madden is that he was surrounded by a crew full of experts in their craft, and they very much had Madden’s image in mind when depicting him flying as Ikaris. The star may have felt odd when he was actually on set filming the sequences, but it’s rendered beautifully in the finished blockbuster.

Fans will be able to discover this for themselves in just a few short days. Co-starring Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Lia McHugh, Don Lee, Barry Keoghan, Kit Harington, and Salma Hayek, Eternals will be arriving exclusively in theaters everywhere this Friday, November 5 – and be sure to look out for more from my interviews with the stars and director Chloé Zhao in the coming days here on CinemaBlend.

Just last month, Bond fans said goodbye to Daniel Craig’s 007 in the No Time To Die ending, after a prolonged wait for the movie’s release. Since we learned that James Bond would see its first passing of the torch in over 15 years, audiences have been putting together some potential candidates for who could embody the martini-sipping Brit next. One of the favorites to take over the mantle has long been Richard Madden, who stars in this weekend’s Eternals. So, obviously, he was asked about the potential role once more. 

Richard Madden gave the kind of answer that has the right stuff to be immortalized through reaction gifs for years to come. While the Game of Thrones actor was promoting his Marvel debut, he was asked if he would like to play James Bond in the future. Check out what happened, which was posted to Twitter: 

A member of Richard Madden’s team can be heard saying ‘we’re going to move on from that’ just moments after the question being asked. Madden swiftly walked away from the unseen person. Hey, sometimes silence is louder than words. Madden most certainly has been asked about this many times before and he’s under no obligation to answer questions about it again. 

It was just in 2019 that the actor was probed about the possibility of playing Bond. At the time, he called the idea “flattering” but “just talk,” claiming there would be another actor in the ring next week. Richard Madden is certainly among a long list of candidates who have caught the eye of fans, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, and Sam Heughan. 

It’s a funny moment to watch go down, but also a reminder that recycling the same question over and over on actors who don’t have a say in the roles they’re being fan cast in can also be exhausting. Richard Madden remained respectful as he simply walked away from the question. The way in which this went down has me believing that he half expected it to come up as he walked the Eternals red carpet. 

Who the next James Bond will be is constantly being bet on by the US-Bookies, most recently with The Umbrella Academy's Tom Hopper on top, with Richard Madden in second place, and Tom Hardy in the third spot. These bets may have little to do with what will actually happen when the 007 producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson decide to cast the next actor for the role. Most recently, Wilson said this: 

When Pierce Brosnan hung up the role with Die Another Day, it took three years before Daniel Craig was chosen to begin a new Bond era with 2006’s Casino Royale. It could be years folks! Perhaps with the internet so eagerly awaiting the answer, they’ll decide sooner rather than later, so the big actors in the running can finally stop finding new ways to answer the Bond question. Until then you can see Richard Madden in Eternals, in theaters on November 5. 

There’s a lot riding on Marvel’s Eternals being a tremendous success. One of the main factors working in the ensemble film’s favor is the obvious Game of Thrones connection. Casting both Robb Stark (Richard Madden) and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in the same film could help bring box office success. It's been quite some time since the two actors shared the screen and, of course, fans seem excited about the reunion. The same is apparently true for the actors, as Madden revealed what it was like teaming with Harrington for the superhero film.

The reunion between the two stars will be a nice treat after Robb Stark was killed during the seminal “Red Wedding." Since then, the friendship between the two has remained strong, despite the fact that both stars have done other work over the past few years. On seeing his old co-star again, Richard Madden said:

That sense of familiarity seemed to comfort the actor while filming the Marvel epic. Unfortunately, it appears he and Kit Harrington won’t have much screen time together. Harrington plays the supporting role of Dane Whitman, while his colleague plays the powerful Eternal Ikaris, so it makes sense that they wouldn't really interact much. But the two friends might cross paths in the future if the Ikaris-Sersi-Dane Whitman love triangle rumors are true. All in all, it's great to know both actors still carry on like friends and hop right into a scene without any problem. Yet Harington wasn’t the only friend the Rocketman alum shared the screen with.

Richard Madden also knew co-star Gemma Chan long before they became millennia-spanning lovers. Madden admitted to Entertainment Weekly that he and Chan knew each other for a decade due to their friend circle and common occupation. Despite the two stars being actors, Madden recalled he and Chan never speaking about work during their downtime. With two friends in his corner, Madden surely had a great experience on the set.

Such a sense of comfort is especially invaluable when filming a movie as big as this. This is certainly a nice calm for the actor, who currently may or may not be keeping up with his fluctuating odds of becoming the next James Bond. But ahead of that we'll see how the interactions between the GoT stars and the rest of the Eternals cast hits when it arrives in theaters on on November 5.

In the realm of Marvel Comics, there are household names (Spider-Man, The Hulk, Captain America) and there are fringe characters that comic readers know, but your friend who’s casually interested in the MCU might not. There we find heroes such as Moon Knight, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Ms. Marvel and the Eternals. Marvel hopes that by the end of this year, the entire movie-going audience both knows and loves the Eternals, similar to the way that crowds embraced Simu Liu as the martial arts expert Shang-Chi. But for the moment, Marvel isn’t too worried with the team flying under the radar, and here’s why. 

A long, long time ago, CinemaBlend traveled to London to visit the set of Chloe Zhao’s Eternals, a movie that has been delayed just as many times as the blockbusters that finally are reaching theaters now. Eternals was supposed to be the second film in Marvel’s Phase Four, and the first original swing by the studio after the prequel story Black Widow. Things changed, projects shifted, and Eternals finally is ready to reach multiplexes beginning on November 5. 

When sitting down with Nate Moore, Marvel Studios VP of Production & Development, on the Eternals set, we brought up the idea that audiences don’t really know the team, and he was quick to explain why that anonymity doesn’t really worry the company, as a whole. Moore said:

Nate Moore goes on to use perhaps the most famous actor-character combination in the MCU so far, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, to prove his point. When Marvel kicked off the MCU with Iron Man in 2008, Downey was a struggling actor, and no one knew the Iron Man  character. But Jon Favreau made a good movie, and the pieces all fell into place. Moore’s confident that the MCU model will prop up a new team in Eternals, and that audiences will trust enough in the studio as a brand to take a leap of faith and snag a ticket. 

In addition to Eternals, Marvel and Sony also have Spider-Man: No Way Home arriving in December, and a slew of sequels hitting in 2022. Stay up to date with all of the Upcoming Marvel Movies by using our handy guide.

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is bringing in a slew of new characters over the course of Phase Four. This includes the incredibly powerful Eternals, who are officially set to enter the franchise via their eponymous film later this year. Of course, while new characters are entering the MCU, others have left within the past few years like Avengers leaders Captain America and Iron Man. So could someone like Richard Madden’s Ikaris swoop in to help guide Earth’s Mightiest Heroes forward? Well, Madden has some diplomatic thoughts on the prospect.

The first trailer for Eternals featured an end tag that referenced the Avengers. During a meal, the cosmic beings discussed the team, specifically who might lead them now that Tony Stark and Steve Rogers are no longer in the picture. Richard Madden’s Ikaris suggested that he could possibly lead them, which was met by a chorus of laughter from his fellow Eternals. Richard Madden, however, was a bit more thoughtful when he spoke to our sister site Total Film (via Twitter’s @CreamOrScream) about that chances of it happening:

While Richard Madden isn’t sure if it’ll actually happen, he doesn’t seem to shoot down the idea completely. As he mentions, Ikaris is a good leader and could likely bring his vast knowledge (which he’s amassed over thousands of years) to any Avengers team. And there’s also the matter of his extraterrestrial abilities.

Ikaris, like the other Eternals, has been on Earth for over 7,000 years, and was sent to the planet to protect humans from the Deviants. Though they all have extraordinary powers, Ikaris is arguably the most powerful of the group. Not only can he fly but he has superhuman strength and the ability to shoot cosmic energy beams from his eyes. You can get a taste of what he can do by checking out the latest trailer down below:

Considering how important Ikaris is to the Eternals, there’s a firm chance he won’t end up leading the MCU’s next iteration of Avengers. That job will likely go to new Captain America Sam Wilson or even Carol Danvers. You can check out the Avengers’ previous exploits by streaming the films on Disney+, which you can sign up for using this link.

Even if Ikaris doesn’t end up joining the Avengers, it doesn’t mean he still won’t fight alongside the heroes at some point. One would assume that the Eternals and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will team up down the road. And if (or when they do), it could be a sight to behold.

Eternals releases in theaters on November 5, 2021.

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Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently in full swing, both on the big and small screens. And with Shang-Chi in theaters and breaking records, the next movie set to arrive is Oscar winning director Chloé Zhao’s Eternals. The cast is full of household names, including Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden. Although the Robb Stark actor recently dropped an F-bomb over Eternals’ filming challenges.

Chloé Zhao assembled an outstanding, diverse cast for Eternals. Game of Thrones fans were thrilled to learn that Kit Harrington and Richard Madden would both have roles, with the latter actor playing the extremely powerful hero Ikaris. But this came with some difficulty, namely because of the extensive wire work required of Madden on set. As he put it,

Touché. While Richard Madden will no doubt make flying look badass and easy, actually doing the work is an uncomfortable experience. Stretch that discomfort over days or weeks, and it makes sense that Madden might be physically drained from his time in the MCU.

Richard Madden’s comments come from a long interview with Wonderland about his career. Obviously his upcoming role in Eternals was part of the conversation, where the actor got real about the reality of shooting as Ikaris. Too bad flying isn’t quite as magical as it looks on the big screen.

The MCU has found its streaming home on Disney+, although Eternals is expected to hit theaters exclusively. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

As the trailers for Eternals show, Richard Madden’s character Ikaris has a number of superpowers. He’s shown flying into battle, as well as using some badass laser vision. Smart money says the hero will get into plenty of action, which means more time for Madden in his wire harness.

While Richard Madden no doubt dealt with some grueling filming challenges during his time on Game of Thrones, his work on Eternals is set in a very different fictional world. Rather than riding horses and getting into a medieval war, this time he’ll be facing terrifying new creatures and protecting the denizens of Earth.

As previously mentioned, Richard Madden isn’t the only familiar face in Eternals. He’s joined by the talents like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan and others. The ensemble is Marvel’s most diverse cast yet, introducing the MCU’s first gay superhero and first deaf hero.

Eternals is set to arrive in theaters on November 5th. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

It wouldn’t be a normal business day in the world of entertainment if the betting odds surrounding the next James Bond didn’t take an interesting turn. And recent events have definitely brought some interesting fortunes to light, as recurring 007 contender and Game of Thrones vet Richard Madden has seen his chances slashed in half. But this is Daniel Craig’s successor we’re talking about here, and Madden’s improved odds still see him facing off against Tom Hardy and a couple other perennial favorites.

Betting agency Coral (via The Scottish Sun) recently announced that the Eternals star’s odds shifted from an 8/1 to 4/1 chance that he’ll be the next man in the tuxedo. It’s an interesting twist of fate, as roughly around this time last year, Richard Madden was sitting at a 6/1 standing alongside Loki star and fellow frequent flyer on the winds of Bond rumors, Tom Hiddleston. Truly showing how the tides have turned, Madden’s likelihood of ordering a martini on screen have fluctuated, in the face of several front runners maintaining higher standings.

Three other recurring favorites, James Norton, Tom Hardy, and relative newcomer to the James Bond race Regé-Jean Page, have recently bottlenecked at a 3/1 standing according to Ladbrooks (via Asumetech.) For Norton and Hardy, this is pretty much second nature, as the respective of McMafia and Venom: Let There Be Carnage have been in that rarified air for some time. But for Page, whose recent departure from Netflix’s Bridgerton saw fans speculating he may be jockeying for a job at MI6, his maintained presence towards the top is still pretty new.

And then, of course, there’s the subject of other contenders like Outlander’s Sam Heughan popping up in the news every now and then. Whether it’s through audience polls favoring his chances, or his own deepfake showing just how much of a dead ringer he’d be for Roger Moore, Heughan is still making his own noise to keep himself in the running. Though, at the moment, it sounds like Richard Madden’s odds are at a better point in the race.

While it’s easy to get excited about the next James Bond that’ll fill the tuxedo after Daniel Craig departs after No Time To Die, it needs to be said that EON Productions won’t be making those decisions for some time. As Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s 007 empire is more concerned with releasing the 25th James Bond film into the world, we won’t see a choice made in the matter any time soon.

Pertaining to the matter of Richard Madden’s odds to become the next Bond, James Bond, even the actor himself has taken a bit of a hands off approach in the past. Flattered to even be a part of the conversation, Madden’s laissez-faire attitude has allowed him to stick around in this very circle for quite some time. And he’s even landed himself roles like that of Ikaris in Chloe Zhao’s Eternals, which we’ll get to see debut in theaters on November 5th. Depending on how well the reception for this upcoming Marvel movie happens to land, there’s a chance that Richard Madden’s hands may be tied by contractual obligations, much like past 007 Pierce Brosnan. Sit tight, folks, because this race isn’t over yet.

Despite a gutting lack of fresh Marvel movies since summer 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, this year is shaping up to be a major year for the MCU between Black Widow, Shang-Chi and six original Disney+ series starring some major leads. And 2021 is set to conclude with Chloé Zhao’s Eternals, and we finally got our first trailer for the movie on Monday. The long wait proved to pay off in hype since it just broke a major record for Disney and Marvel.

The Eternals trailer dropped on Monday following a short tease from Marvel three weeks prior during a promotional video encouraging fans to return to theaters this summer and fall. In the first 24 hours of the trailer making its way online, it reportedly racked up a stunning 77 million views globally. Those numbers have sent the Eternals debut soaring to become the biggest online trailer drop for a Disney Marvel movie since the 14-month COVID-19 pandemic, per Deadline.

For Walt Disney Studios, the trailer beat out the 24-hour viewer count for February’s Cruella trailer, which had garnered 71 million views in the same time period. Eternals also apparently bested the WandaVision first look that aired during the Emmys in September, though it could not compare to Disney+’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s 125 million, though those numbers included its Super Bowl broadcast.

Eternals also did better than the latest Black Widow trailer that came out in April to 70 million views, and certainly did better than the introduction to Marvel’s other 2021 origin movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. This early record is a great sign for the success of Eternals, especially since the comic book characters are relatively unknown by mainstream audiences. Check out the first Eternals trailer below:

Even if many of us might need to read an explainer or two about who the Eternals are in anticipation of the fall release, the title has garnered interest over the past couple of years. Not to mention Chloé Zhao, the director behind the most recent Best Picture winner Nomadland, helmed the movie. Also, Eternals stars some major names, including Angelina Jolie as Thanos’ cousin Thena, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Gemma Chan as Sersi and Game of Thrones’ Stark brothers Richard Madden and Kit Harrington reuniting for Marvel roles of Ikaris and Dane Whitman, respectively.

Even though the trailer certainly leaves a lot of questions about the Eternals, it also gives us an idea of what the movie actually is and drums up some excitement about a new dawn for the MCU. Unlike other Marvel movies, this one will apparently take place across thousands of years, including ancient times. The movie stars an impressively diverse cast who have apparently lived on Earth and shaped its history throughout time. On November 5, we’ll learn exactly why they’ve decided to move out from the shadows.

The first three Phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s history have been driven by the assembling of one key team: The Avengers. Once that team defeated Thanos, its members have spread to the wind. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) has passed, as has Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). Captain America (Chris Evans) lived a full life. It’s time to pass the baton. But to whom? Well, the first official trailer for Chloe Zhao’s Eternals suggests that a new team has been with us this entire time… and for centuries before that. They are, as their name suggests, eternal. And their introduction is about to flip the MCU on its ear. Watch the new trailer above, and then we will discuss.

The Eternals don’t have the household recognition of the Avengers, but that doesn’t make them any less compelling. Introduced by comic-book legend Jack Kirby, The Eternals are an immortal alien race who have been living our planet for the better part of 7,000 years. The Eternals were created by the Celestials, God-like creatures who also introduced an evil counterpart to the Eternals: The Deviants.

Eternals has the star-power in its cast to lure a wide audience beyond the Marvel faithful. Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harrington, Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan and Richard Madden populate this cast of exciting superheroes, who will open up a new corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a similar fashion to the way that James Gunn’s original Guardians of the Galaxy introduced cosmic storytelling that has since powered sequels like Thor: Ragnarok and origin stories such as Captain Marvel.

On top of the A-list talent in the cast, I could easily see a number of curious audience members coming to see Eternals because it’s the follow up film for Chloe Zhao, who just a few weeks ago collected the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for her incredibly touching and contemplative drama, Nomadland, with Frances McDormand. Zhao is, at once, a brilliant but fascinating choice to take on a superhero blockbuster. Nothing on her resume suggests that she’d even be interested in comic-book storytelling such as this, but maybe that only proves that Eternals will be unlike any Marvel movie we have seen to date. That’s one guaranteed way to keep the future of the MCU feeling fresh.

There are two MCU movies that will arrive in theaters before Eternals opens, and that’s Black Widow (July 9) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3). But it was finally time to pull back the curtain on Eternals to show off the film’s tone, look, scope and themes. We’ll continue to track any new information that drops regarding this movie, and you should bookmark our Upcoming Marvel Guide to stay up-to-date on all of the latest Marvel Studios happenings.

Prestige war dramas from acclaimed British filmmakers can often seem like a dime a dozen. While the stories they tell are certainly important, as it's always good to remember the wars and battles that define our countries and world, it can be hard to stand out compared to many other dramas in this packed genre.

To the credit of Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Jarhead, Skyfall), 1917 most certainly stands out. Shot as though it were one long, arduous continuous take (well, technically two, but let's not get into technicalities), this sweeping, exhilarating drama adamantly aims to make you feel as though you're caught in the action with these hapless and often helpless soldiers, experiencing each and every little moment of intense panic and dismay as our young protagonists hustle vigorously for their lives, particularly as they attempt to share the message that might save their country and finally put a long and tension-filled war to rest in the midst of heated panic.

Receiving 10 Oscar nominations at this year's Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and walking away with three wins for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Mixing, it can be easy to forget how much the acting makes such an intensely visceral movie like 1917 work. (For all its nominations, the actors were overall ignored.) Certainly, in a commendable cast that includes both up-and-comers and established talents, this high-grade ensemble shouldn't ultimately be ignored. Now that it's been nearly a year since the movie made its way into theaters, what's the 1917 cast up to now? Well, let's take a look and find out!

George MacKay (Lance Corporal William "Will" Schofield)

As our central protagonist, Lance Corporal William "Will" Schofield, the solider who must travel to great lengths to send the message that might save the lives of thousands, George MacKay serves as our guide throughout this long, expansive wartime action-drama-thriller. While this leading role in this Oscar-winning prestige movie was certainly the actor's most well-known role, MacKay has been demonstrating his talents in a number of projects in the past few years. Most notably, he was seen in Captain Fantastic, Hulu's 11.22.63, The Outcast, Johnny and the Bomb, Tsunami: The Aftermath, Pride, Marrowbone, Ophelia, Sunshine on Leith, How I Live Now, Defiance, and Hunky Dory.

Most recently, George MacKay played the lead role in True History of the Kelly Gang and starred in Nuclear and the mini-series, Ataraxia. He also just filmed a role in Wolf and he's currently in production for Netflix's Munich.

Dean-Charles Chapman (Lance Corporal Thomas "Tom" Blake)

Playing the part of Lance Corporal Thomas Blake, i.e. Tom, who's ordered alongside William Schofield to deliver the all-important message to Colonel Mackenzie, Dean-Charles Chapman plays the second most prominent role in 1917, and a tragic one to boot. Best known for his role as Tommen Baratheon in Game of Thrones' final three seasons, Chapman was also the title role in West End's production of Billy Elliot: The Musical and he appeared in Into the Badlands, The White Queen, The Revolting World of Stanley Brown, Cuckoo, Before I Go To Sleep, Man Up, Will, Casualty, The Commuter, Blinded by the Light, The King, Breathe, Glue, Ripper Street, and Fungus the Bogeyman.

Most recently, Dean-Charles Chapman played the lead in Here Are the Young Men, alongside Anya-Taylor Joy and Travis Fimmel, earlier this year. He doesn't have any additional titles coming up at this time.

Colin Firth (General Erinmore)

In the role of General Erinmore, the commanding officer who sends our two small-scale soldiers on their very perilous mission seen throughout the film, Colin Firth played a key expository role in 1917's opening moments. An Oscar winner for The King's Speech, the English actor is also known for the Bridget Jones trilogy, The English Patient, Love Actually, Shakespeare in Love, the Kingsman movies, A Single Man, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Mary Poppins Returns, 1995's Pride and Prejudice, 1997's Fever Pitch, and the Mamma Mia movies. Firth was recently seen in The Secret Garden earlier this year.

Next, Colin Firth stars in Supernova, which comes out in the U.S. in January of next year. He'll be seen in Mothering Sunday next year as well. And he'll go from WWI to WWII with the upcoming war-based drama, Operation Mincemeat, which is expected to come out next year, too.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Colonel Mackenzie)

As Colonel Mackenzie, the commanding officer whom Will tells his urgent life-or-death message, Benedict Cumberbatch plays a small-but-critical role in this movie's rousing climax. Best known for playing the title role in BBC's Sherlock, Doctor Strange in the MCU, Smaug in The Hobbit franchise, and Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, the Oscar nominee is also prominent for The Imitation Game, Patrick Melrose, Parade's End, The Fifth Estate, War Horse, The Current War, 2018's The Grinch, The Last Enemy, and 12 Years a Slave.

Most recently, Benedict Cumberbatch starred in The Courier, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Its wide release comes in February. His other upcoming roles include Prisoner 760, The Power of the Dog, and Louis, which are all expected next year. And he's reprising the role of Doctor Strange in MCU's Spider-Man 3, which is now filming, and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.

Mark Strong (Captain Smith)

In the role of Captain Smith, a British officer who offers some world-weary advice to our traveling soldiers, Mark Strong is one of a series of starry cameos seen throughout 1917. An accomplished British actor with several prominent roles in his resume, Strong is best known for the Kingsman movies, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Kick-Ass, Sherlock Holmes (2009), Stardust, Zero Dark Thirty, The Imitation Game, RocknRolla, The Eagle, The Guard, The Young Victoria, Body of Lies, Sunshine, Revolver, Fever Pitch (1997), Syriana, Tristan & Isolde, Robin Hood, Grimby, Green Lantern, Our Friends in the North, Low Winter Sun, Temple, and Shazam! He also narrated Who Do You Think You Are? and voiced a role in Netflix's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

Next, Mark Strong stars in Disney's Cruella, which is slated for May 2021. He'll also play Captain Thomas Wade in the video game, Squadron 42.

Andrew Scott (Lieutenant Smith)

As Lieutenant Smith, an experienced war veteran who gives our lead characters some key bits of advice, Andrew Scott provides a charismatic turn in Sam Mendes' 1917. The charming Irish actor is best known for playing Jim Moriarty in BBC's Sherlock, for which he won a BAFTA, and the Priest in the second season of Fleabag. His other notable credits include Black Mirror, Modern Love, Band of Brothers, My Life in Film, Longitude, Locke, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Spectre, Victor Frankenstein, A Dark Place, Saving Private Ryan, Pride, Jimmy's Hall, John Adams, and Denial.

Most recently, Andrew Scott was seen in Three Kings. He also returns for a new season of His Dark Materials. His latest projects include Ripley, which he'll also produce, The Pursuit of Love, Oslo, and the short film, Cognition. Additionally, Scott lends his voice to an animated adaptation of Heart of Darkness.

Richard Madden (Lieutenant Joseph Blake)

Playing the part of Lieutenant Joseph Blake, the older brother of Will's companion, Lance Corporal Thomas Blake, Richard Madden's cameo provides an emotional coda to 1917's long and harrowing journey. Primarily best known for his role as Robb Stark in the first three seasons of Game of Thrones, the Scottish actor later gained notice and acclaim for his lead role in the BBC mini-series, Bodyguard, which resulted in a Golden Globe win for Best Actor — Television Series Drama. He was also notably seen in Disney's live-action Cinderella remake and last year's Elton John biopic, Rocketman. His other credits include Medici: Masters of Florence, Bastille Day, Sirens, Hope Springs, and Barmy Aunt Boomerang.

Next, Richard Madden stars in Marvel's upcoming The Eternals, which is scheduled to hit theaters on November 5th, 2021. He's also slated to star in the new drama mini-series, Citadel, alongside Priyanka Chopra.

Claire Duburcq (Lauri)

In the role of Lauri, a French woman with a baby whom our always-on-the-go protagonist temporarily bunkers with during a briefly quiet moment in the action, first-time actress Claire Duburcq made her screen debut in Sam Mendes' award-favorite war drama. Gotta say, this intense movie certainly isn't the most... stress-free film to kick off your acting career, though it's certainly a notable debut nonetheless. When your first movie is one of the most award-recognized movies of the year, you're bound to get some notice as your career advances forward. Nevertheless, it's still very early in Duburcq's career and 1917 is the only thing American audiences have seen her in thus far.

Earlier this year, Claire Duburcq made her acting follow-up with the drama film, Gold for Dogs, which premiered at a few film festivals. She currently doesn't have any additional roles lined up in the near future.

Were you a fan of 1917? Who was your favorite character or cast member? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below!

As we crawl another week closer to the formerly planned fall release of No Time To Die, the ever continuing quest to find out who the next James Bond will be is also progressing. Though there’s a lot of time on the clock, considering the 25th 007 film and Daniel Craig’s final outing filling the iconic tuxedo has been pushed out to next April, just as some folks think they’ve got the next hot tip on the potential streaming future for No Time To Die, they seem to think that Tom Hardy is absolutely going to be the next Bond. It’s a possibility that’s even harder to deny with the betting odds in his favor.

But, as any fan will tell you, you can always bet on 007 odds being a rollercoaster of fortunes and emotions. To that end, it’s time once again to update the CinemaBlend Betting Lounge with a new look at the top 10 actors who feel like they could be the fresh face of the EON Productions produced franchise. This time around you can thank OddsChecker for the statistical magic we’re about to jump into. For those of you who are serious betters in the James Bond betting circle, we wish you the best of luck.

Lashana Lynch

Despite the fact that franchise producer/EON Productions powerhouse Barbara Broccoli has repeatedly said that James Bond will never be a female character, there’s still some ladies that wind up in the conversation no matter what. According to the odds you’ll find on OddsChecker, one such woman is No Time To Die star Lashana Lynch, who makes up the very bottom of the top 10 field. While that may sound like an insult, it’s anything but, as her character in the upcoming movie is a 00 agent, and could very easily have the 007 number assigned to her by time the film starts. One has to wonder if there’s a reduced odds payout for partial credit in that very technical respect.

Aidan Turner

We’ve previously seen Poldark star Aidan Turner turn up in the betting field for the next James Bond, as he’s been a perennial favorite for the job. With just enough notoriety to be a constant fixture in the running, but enough of a low profile to allow for some leverage in EON Productions’ favor, should they try for a long term contract, Turner has solid footing towards the back of the pack.

Chris Hemsworth/Michael Fassbender/Cillian Murphy

It wouldn't be a James Bond betting pool if you didn’t have Michael Fassbender or Cillian Murphy in the mix. Much like Henry Cavill before them (more on him in a second), these two have quite the history with being whispered about as a new on-screen 007. They’re currently sitting quite pretty at even odds with a newer prospect who’s come up in the ranks: Thor: Love and Thunder star Chris Hemsworth. While we’re thinking the Australian actor's Marvel gig will keep him out of the tuxedo for some time, or at the very least the next cycle of Bond films, it’s still interesting to see these three all tying for the same role.

Henry Cavill/Jude Law

Depending on who you talk to, Henry Cavill feels like one of those safe and much wanted leads when it comes to the world of James Bond. And much like Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan before him, Cavill is one of those candidates who came close to nabbing the role previously only for one factor or another to get in the way. Though, strangely enough, Jude Law is also a holdover from the Casino Royale days of casting rumors, as he was a prime candidate for the Bond honors himself back in the pre-Daniel Craig days Though, if we were to slip any skin into the game with either of these two (who presently stand at even odds), Cavill would have to be our pick. No offense to Law, but he feels more like a delicious choice for a Bond villain rather than a 007.

Tom Hiddleston/Jack Lowden

Here’s an interesting pair for you to consider in sixth place, as both Loki star Tom Hiddleston and Jack Lowden, known for his roles in Dunkirk and Fighting with My Family, are evaluated to be at the same standing. As Hiddleston is another veteran of betting odds past, he’s another usual suspect come home to roost. But Lowden’s fortunes have risen quite high in recent months, as his name has started to circulate more frequently. This could be a promising sign, especially since Jack Lowden isn’t bound by any long term contract gigs that we know of, and he’s young enough to serve a long stretch as 007 if he chooses to go that way.

Idris Elba

From here on out, it’s nothing but the usual suspects, as some favorites for the role of James Bond are just too hard to shake. While some feel that the undeniably cool Idris Elba has aged out of the role of 007 at 48 years old, there’s obviously a lot of people that still want him to be the first James Bond of color. You don’t wind up this high up in the betting odds as long as Elba has without strong fan support, and that’s something that has to factor into the decision making process for the next lead in this historic franchise.

Sam Heughan

Outlander’s Sam Heughan is another one of those huge successes that swept the public off its feet in short and swift order, only to land his Scottish self in the ranks of most popular Bond-worthy actors. It only helps his chances that he’s already been cast as a spy that was designed to take down the 007 mythos in comedic fashion, as his role in The Spy Who Dumped Me gave fan art creators a break by putting him in a tuxedo. Could this high ranking dreamboat bring James Bond back to Scotland? Time will tell.

James Norton

Previously this summer, when we took a look at another set of betting odds pertaining to who could be the next James Bond, McMafia star James Norton was the top ranking contestant in the 007 sweepstakes. But like a bad night at Casino Royale, Norton’s fortunes have been dashed to a certain extent. He’s still hanging out in the top three, at least according to this set of odds, and there is the added advantage that should James Norton get the role of Bond, he’ll be able to fall back on being very familiar with his character’s name for his entire life.

Richard Madden

While we’ve seen Richard Madden in recently notable roles such as one of the Stark kids in Game of Thrones, and as his star is about to potentially rise yet again with his part in Marvel’s new Eternals film, the six episode series Bodyguard helped put this Rocketman star into heavy rotation on the 007 circuit. Basically playing a James Bond style character in that particular show, Madden continues to be in high contention when it comes to the betting odds to the next Bond, which at the very least could net that particular series a second season. That is, if Richard Madden doesn’t end up winning the role of James Bond after all.

Tom Hardy

Still coming in at the top of the food chain is Venom star, Dunkirk actor, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy alum Tom Hardy. Folks are still pretty high on Hardy becoming the next Bond, and for the moment his odds reflect that rather nicely. With a wide variety of roles that could feed into the skill set needed to become 007, Tom Hardy isn’t a strange candidate, but he’s a bit too predictable for the honors. Still, should he be called upon, fans would be able to rest in knowing an established acting talent is in the driver’s seat, controlling the ejector seats.

Should the words of Barbara Broccoli maintain their hold, we’re probably not looking at any new James Bond casting news until No Time To Die has run its due course. One can’t blame Ms. Broccoli’s sentiment, as you can tell that she and her EON Productions family are all going to miss Daniel Craig once he leaves the series. Unless the streaming wars heat up to the point where Broccoli and company actually feel like it’s worth breaking tradition, you can expect No Time To Die to hit theaters on April 2, 2021. So keep a tab on your browser dedicated to CinemaBlend, as James Bond will return!

Anticipation for the release of No Time To Die is pretty high, as the film’s delay into November has only given James Bond fans more time to ponder just what sort of mysteries are waiting past the title song. But another, greater mystery that awaits for 007 loyalists is who exactly will take over the post of the franchise lead once Daniel Craig turns in his Walther PPK for the last time. In uncertain times like these, there’s only one place we can turn to get a hint as to what the answer to that question might be: the oddsmakers!

James Bond is known to be a gambler from time to time, so why wouldn’t we consult the data from oddsmakers like US-Bookies to see where the smart money is supposedly going? And believe it or not, fans aren’t over the concept of a female Bond, despite official statements basically writing this concept off. We’ll start with going over the top 10 placings in terms of the odds-on favorites, after which we’ll be running through the long shots that have some interesting names attached to their standings. It all adds up to a pretty exciting pack, mixing the expected with the shocking!

Damian Lewis (25/1)

Currently known for his leading role on the Showtime drama Billions, Damian Lewis’ past history with both Homeland and Band of Brothers also could have put the English drama star in the running for James Bond. The one factor that might keep him from landing the gig is age, as Lewis is currently 49, which is around the time a 007 actor would see themselves on their way out. For reference, Roger Moore was 58 when he left the franchise, and Daniel Craig is currently 52.

Chris Hemsworth/Paul Mescal (20/1)

On the other end of the spectrum, the 36-year-old Extraction star Chris Hemsworth and 24-year-old Paul Mescal, known for his role in Hulu’s Normal People, are both younger candidates tied for 9th place. Were the producers running the franchise, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, hoping to go with a popular, yet relative unknown, Mescal is the way to go, especially as the youngest candidate in the field. Hemsworth, on the other hand, almost feels like an instant disqualification in this pair, as his Marvel experience has probably driven up his salary demands, and the potential Extraction franchise is probably his Bond gig for the time being.

Henry Cavill (16/1)

A past favorite of fans and oddsmakers alike, Henry Cavill was previously touted as a strong candidate back in the days that saw Daniel Craig take the crown for Casino Royale. Those who saw and enjoyed The Man From U.N.C.L.E. are probably still holding out hope for this prospect, and to be certain, it could still happen if Justice League's Superman willed it so. Those of you looking for an age check, Cavill is currently 37, which keeps him in the game.

Jamie Bell (12/1)

Rocketman’s Jamie Bell would be a fine pick for James Bond, as he has the cred from both TV projects like Turn: Washington’s Spies, as well as his extensive film career stemming back to his debut as young Billy Elliot. His relative youth among these 007 candidates also plays rather well. However, there’s just one potentially big catch: he’s already signed on to be a potentially important part of Paramount’s budding franchise stemming from Michael B. Jordan’s Without Remorse. Bell may already have a pre-emptive clause in his contract from that Tom Clancy adaptation that’ll keep him in that particular wheelhouse, which would be less than ideal for his potential tuxedo fitting.

Idris Elba/Cillian Murphy (10/1)

If Idris Elba and Cillian Murphy aren’t perfect examples of actors who have been suggested to play James Bond for quite some time, then such a concept doesn’t exist. The 47-year-old Elba and 44-year-old Murphy are mainstays, Elba particularly, in the race to find the next Bond. But as an expert has written the Thor actor out of the part due to his age, and Cillian Murphy isn’t too far from that mark himself, their potential casting may sadly be too late.

Aidan Turner (9/1)

Best known for his role on the TV series Poldark, Aidan Turner has had experience playing a lovelorn warrior of great speed himself in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy. Perhaps this, along with his handsome looks, is what has landed Turner in the fifth place showing amongst these other potential James Bond actors. He can be seen next in the TV series Leonardo, in which Aidan Turner will be playing Da Vinci himself; but if that doesn’t pan out, this could mean some good things for a potential opening on her majesty’s secret service.

Tom Hardy/Michael Fassbender (8/1)

At 42 and 43, respectively, Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender are two more people that, while being familiar and bankable names, are a little on the older side of the James Bond dream casting spectrum. Their familiarity and potential franchise gigs probably put them further out of the realm of possibility, but fans seem to be willing to bet they’ll get the gig. So if I had to choose, Fassbender would have the advantage, as not only is the Alien franchise’s future in question, he basically played the role as Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

Tom Hiddleston/Richard Madden (6/1)

Having a familiar face certainly helps when it comes to James Bond fans looking into potential hires. While a producer might be motivated to avoid Tom Hiddleston and Richard Madden in the casting game, both occupy a sweet spot where they’re still in their 30s and are recognizable enough to draw a crowd, but still primed to take their stars further. The edge goes to Madden in this case, as he’s 33 to Hiddleston’s 39, and the latter actor’s commitment to Disney+’s Loki series will probably get in the way of any more immediate talks.

Sam Heughan (5/1)

As fast as you can say the word Outlander, Sam Heughan’s name seems to come up in any sort of talk surrounding any potential future 007 action. Part of that is because the man himself has been pushing for the throne himself, but honestly, it’s hard to not see him as a high ranking contender. Even in the higher age range at 40 years old, the man has the looks and the attitude needed to play James Bond, and he is very comfortable with action and emotion as Scottish heartthrob Jamie Fraser. Plus, it helps that the idea kind of took shape in people’s heads after his tuxedoed appearance in The Spy Who Dumped Me, so this isn’t a total surprise.

James Norton (2/1)

At 34 years old, with a resume that includes parts in TV shows like Doctor Who and McMafia, as well as films such as Rush and Little Women, James Norton has an interesting balance of anonymity and familiarity. All of those facors have probably led to him being the odds-on favorite for James Bond at this particular moment in time. While this could change drastically between now and the time of a formal announcement, it’s probably still a good idea to keep an eye on where Mr. Norton’s career takes him in the near future.

Other Notable Candidates

Towards the back of the James Bond candidate pack is a rather interesting assortment of players. With some pretty wild picks, a couple of veterans to the Bond franchise and a previous contender who got pretty close to the job in the running up to Daniel Craig’s hiring, all of these actors are too good to leave out. So let’s get started, moving through three distinct groupings:

The 50/1 Gang

There are six candidates who sit just outside of the top 10 standings, with 50/1 odds tipping them as the next 007:

This is where those Bond franchise veterans we discussed earlier lie, as both Spectre’s Andrew Scott and No Time To Die’s Rami Malek are both suggested as sitting in this category. Should either of them be cast, it’d be the first time a Bond villain would go on to play the lead role in film. Though it should be noted that Die Another Day villain Toby Stephens eventually went on to play James Bond in a series of BBC radio adaptations. So never say never on this concept!

In the younger end of the pack, both John Boyega and Timothee Chalamet are in the 50/1 range of landing the role. If I to pick a favorite in this subsection, I would say that Boyega would be the victor, as his Star Wars franchise experience gives him the functional advantage. Rounding out this group are Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch, with McGregor returning to potential contention and Cumberbatch riding the wave he’s recently become accustomed to. McGregor is the clear favorite out of these two.

The 00-Women Gang

Betting fans of the James Bond franchise haven’t given up hope on a female Bond being cast in the future. Though as you can see, most have heeded the words of Barbara Broccoli, by not putting too much stock into this prospect. Still, with candidates like these, it’s hard not to get excited about this big “what if”:

Now, if anyone in this pack was going to get the gig, I side with the betters in Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer landing the post. Between the cultural success of that show, as well as her upcoming appearance in the Ryan Reynolds film Free Guy, it’s a potent martini of qualifications that would make history in its own right. Provided, of course, there’s some sort of in-house reversal over at EON Productions.

The Long Shot Gang

Last, but not least, are two contenders that, while being qualified in their own ways, are less than likely to become the next Bond:

Even in such an unlikely grouping, the favorite is clear as Harry Styles is an acting talent tested enough to be considered a possibility, and he’s young enough to do a longer stint in the franchise than Will Smith could potentially. Also, Smith’s an American, so that probably docks some additional points off the top.

Again, all of these odds could change at the drop of a hat, and fans shouldn’t count any of those top candidates out too early on in the race to become the next James Bond. Until that would-be successor has been named, Daniel Craig is still our 007 for the moment, and we’ll get to see him in his final franchise outing on November 20, when No Time To Die sets its sights on the box office.

The Elton John biopic Rocketman was easily one of the best films of 2019. I could write an entire book on how Taron Egerton not receiving an Oscar nomination for this role was one of the Academy’s biggest crimes in recent history. Did they not see how much Taron gave to that role? He was robbed of his moment to shine at the Oscars, but his supporting cast also deserved more recognition as well. Rocketman’s supporting cast includes Jamie Bell (also really needed a best supporting nomination), Bryce Dallas Howard, and Richard Madden.

Even if the Academy decided to snub Rocketman and the cast in most of the major categories, it doesn’t take away from the film’s success and brilliance. Most of Rocketman’s cast are accomplished and rising stars with pretty impressive current and future role credits. They will continue to build their resumes with entertaining, thought provoking, and award deserving roles.

Taron Egerton (Elton John)

In Rocketman, Taron Egerton plays the lead role of the musical legend Elton John. It’s really a film that relies heavily on Egerton’s performance to carry it through, and he more than succeeds. After Rocketman, he voiced a character named Rian in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, the continuation series of Jim Henson’s classic. Egerton also provided the voice for Moomintroll in the series Moominvalley.

Taron Egerton plans to continue his voiceover work by returning to the world of Sing and reprising his role as Johnny in the sequel. Sing 2 is now scheduled for a December 22, 2021 release. Egerton joins an all-star cast that includes James McAvoy and Michael Sheen in the audible production of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel The Sandman. The first part of the multiple parts drama launches on July 15, 2020. Taron Egerton is also rumored to be in-talk to play Seymour in the Little Shops of Horror remake.

Jamie Bell (Bernie Taupin)

Jamie Bell plays Elton’s life long platonic partner and collaborator Bernie Taupin. Bell co-stars alongside Michael B. Jordan, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Luke Mitchell in Without Remorse, an adaptation of Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name. It’s about a U.S Navy SEAL who seeks vengeance after his girlfriend is murdered. The film is scheduled for an October 2, 2020 release.

Jamie Bell voices the character of Danny in the animated film Cranston Academy: Monster Zone. The film is about a 15 year old who accidentally opens a portal with monsters from another dimension. Cranston Academy: Monster Zone was released in Portugal in March 2020.

Richard Madden (John Reid)

Well known for playing Robb Stark on HBO's Game of Thrones, Richard Madden plays Elton’s former lover and manager John Reid in Rocketman. He’s essentially the movie’s biggest villain, besides Elton’s parents of course. Also in 2019, Madden had a small role in the Oscar nominated film 1917. He plays Joseph Blake, the brother of one of the main protagonists Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman).

Richard Madden then signed on to join the Marvel Universe in The Eternals. He plays Ikaris and co-stars with Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, Kit Harington, and Angelina Jolie. The Eternals is set to hit theaters on February 12, 2021. In 2020, Madden signed on to co-star in the Amazon series Citadel, opposite Priyanka Chopra.

Bryce Dallas Howard (Sheila Dwight)

Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elton John’s very cold, brutal mother Sheila Dwight. After Rocketman, Bryce Dallas Howard followed in her famous father’s footsteps by taking the director’s seat in a few projects. She directed The Mandalorian episode 4, “Chapter 4: Sanctuary.”

Bryce Dallas Howard also directed a documentary called Dads, which she helmed alongside her father,Ron Howard. It explores contemporary fatherhood, and includes celebrity appearances by Will Smith, Jimmy Fallon, Neil Patrick Harris, and others. It’s set to premiere on Apple+ on June 19, 2020. She’s also set to reprise her role as Claire Dearing in Jurassic World: Dominion.The film is currently set for a June 11, 2021 release.

Gemma Jones (Ivy)

Gemma Jones plays Ivy in Rocketman. She’s Elton’s grandmother and one of the few kind people in his life. Jones will appear in the romantic drama starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan Ammonite. She plays a character called Molly Anning. In 2019, Gemma Jones played Aunt Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack, and she is set to appear in the British comedy-drama Cold Feet.

Steven Mackintosh (Stanley Dwight)

Steven Mackintosh plays Elton’s equally, if not colder, father Stanley Dwight. Mackintosh appears in the film The Postcard Killings. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Famke Janssen, and Cush Jumbo star in this film about a New York detective investigating the death of his daughter. It had a limited release on March 13, 2020. His next project is the currently untitled Bridges/Goldstein Project. It’s a sci-fi series set 15-years in the future. It’s a series of six stories about finding your soulmate, and the lengths people go to to love and be loved.

Tom Bennett (Fred)

Tom Bennett plays Sheila’s boyfriend Fred, a character that actually comes off decently in comparison to Elton’s parents. Tom Bennett appeared in episodes of Thanks for the Memories, Red Dwarf, and After Life. He only appeared in one episode of After Life, which is the Ricky Gervais Netflix comedy.

Charlie Rowe (Ray Williams)

Charlie Rowe plays Elton and Bernie’s first music producer. He introduced Bernie and Elton. Charlie Rowe appears in the upcoming Peacock min-series Angelyne. The series is based on the Hollywood Reporter's article about Angelyne, a billboard star. It stars Emmy Rossum as the title character.

Tate Donovan (Doug Weston)

Known for his roles in Argo, Hercules, Damages, Friends, among others, Tate Donovan plays Doug Weston, the owner of the famed LA nightclub Troubadour. Elton and Bernie meet him on their first major gig. Tate Donovan appeared in the movie The Nomads in 2019. He also has two upcoming films Worth, which premiered at the Sundance film festival in January. It also stars Michael Keaton, Amy Ryan, and Stanley Tucci.

Donovan is part of a major ensemble cast to appear in the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, which stars Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Forest Whitaker, and Mary J. Blige, among others. It’s set for a January 15, 2021 release. Tate Donovan has a recurring role in the CBS series MacGyver.

Relive the magic of Rocketman, and the great performances by the cast, by streaming it now on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

In 2015, after three decades away from the franchise and despite a difficult production with two leads that did not get along, 70-year-old director George Miller delivered a legitimate action masterpiece with Mad Max: Fury Road. Since then we’ve been eagerly awaiting news to hear when Miller would once again return to the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Well according to a new rumor, George Miller may have found his new leads for another Mad Max movie.

Warner Bros. and George Miller are looking for new leads for the next Mad Max film and they may have their eyes on Jodie Comer and Richard Madden. That’s according to Geeks WorldWide, who report that the pair of actors are at the top of the want list to star in a Mad Max prequel film titled Mad Max: Furiosa. The report also states that George Miller would return to direct and that production is expected to begin late this year in Australia.

This should be treated as a rumor for now, and the report states that Jodie Comer and Richard Madden are wanted for the film, not that they have officially signed on. So we should take this rumor with a grain of salt for the time being and shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves thinking that Mad Max: Furiosa starring Jodie Comer and Richard Madden is a done deal. That said, this rumor is certainly something worth considering.

According to the rumor, Jodie Comer is being sought for Mad Max: Furiosa to play none other than Imperator Furiosa herself. As a prequel film, Comer would play the younger version of Charlize Theron’s instantly iconic character from Mad Max: Fury Road. It is unknown whether Charlize Theron would return would return as the older Furiosa or not.

Actress Jodie Comer’s career has taken off recently thanks to her breakout role as childlike assassin Villanelle on the TV series Killing Eve, for which she won an Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy. She also just had a cameo appearance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as Spoiler Alert! Rey’s mother. Later this year she will prove her action chops on the big screen opposite Ryan Reynolds in Free Guy.

If this rumor bears out and both actors sign on, Jodie Comer would join Mad Max: Furiosa opposite Richard Madden. The report states that Madden would star in Furiosa as a handsome man with a huge forehead wound crudely stitched together with chrome staples.

First breaking out as the Young Wolf Robb Stark on HBO’s Game of Thrones, Richard Madden has gone on to star in the series Bodyguard and Dexter Fletcher’s Elton John film Rocketman. Later this year Richard Madden joins the MCU as Ikaris in The Eternals.

We’ve heard that Warner Bros. wants more Mad Max movies from George Miller and the director has said he has two more films in his head, one of them being a Furiosa movie. So this rumored Mad Max: Furiosa film isn’t coming out of left field. What is interesting though is the rumored casting.

Charlize Theron has stated multiple times that she’d love to come back and play Furiosa again. So it would be odd that Jodie Comer would be sought for the role instead. It’s possible Charlize Theron changed her mind, but I think the prevailing wisdom was that the actress would be returning to one of her most recognizable roles. It’s nothing against Jodie Comer, but I think that would be the preferred direction.

Perhaps it has to do with this rumored film potentially being a prequel. Jodie Comer is 18 years Charlize Theron’s junior and so Mad Max: Furiosa would be set well before Mad Max: Fury Road and rather than de-age the not at all old and completely stunning Charlize Theron, they decided to recast.

The more encouraging direction though would be a film that served as both sequel and prequel, showing Furiosa in the past and present, allowing both Comer and Theron to play her.

It’s a lot to think about, but for now it’s just a rumor. We’ll keep you updated though as we eagerly wait for George Miller to blow our minds once more. Check out our 2020 Release Schedule to see what’s headed to theaters this year and stay tuned to CinemaBlend for the latest movie news.

Richard Madden has been busy, as in super busy, and he's not slowing down any time soon. The actor has joined his first major TV show since the breakout hit Bodyguard. In 2018, the series proved popular with viewers and critics alike. Now, Madden is readying to come to TV in an exciting new series.

While fans keep hope alive for another season of Bodyguard, they can count on Richard Madden returning to their screens. Madden has signed on to star in Amazon Studios’ Citadel opposite Quantico’s Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The duo will lead the United States edition (also described as the “mothership” version) of the series from the Russo Brothers, known for their work in the MCU.

Citadel will also have local-language productions in Mexico, India, and Italy. There is not a whole lot more to go on than that. Amazon has not yet revealed character descriptions. Further details will hopefully be forthcoming as work on the series progresses. TVLine does refer to Citadel as a “spy thriller.” For now, news of Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ castings will have to suffice.

Richard Madden has discussed wanting to take on roles that are different from his Game of Thrones’ character, Robb Stark. Time will tell how much his part in Citadel fits that bill. News of the new TV show comes as Madden’s career has continued to skyrocket.

Since his time on Bodyguard, Richard Madden has been the subject of persistent Bond rumors. Bond, as in James Bond, rumors. It has gotten to the point even Madden’s TV dad, Sean Bean, weighed in on Madden taking on the iconic role. That said, there's more to Madden’s filmography than sheer speculation. He has been enjoying a sensational film career.

Last year, Richard Madden joined the cast of The Eternals in the role of Ikaris. He also starred in the Elton John biopic, Rocketman, as John Reid. Madden closed out 2019 with the release of Sam Mendes’ 1917, which recently earned a 2020 Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Hence, Madden’s career is only continuing to soar with this latest news.

Richard Madden’s casting marks yet another example of an in-demand actor balancing their time between film and TV. His new show is something to tide fans over as they continue to hope that the future still holds the possibility of Bodyguard Season 2. For now, Citadel sounds promising! He already has a fantastic co-star in Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

Citadel’s writers and executive producers will include Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg. On board as executive producers are the Russo Brothers, Patrick Moran, and Mike Larocca. As for the multi-national productions, that personally brings to mind Netflix’s Criminal, which had multiple installments set in various locales.

A premiere date for Citadel has not been set yet by Amazon, so stay tuned. Richard Madden’s upcoming series will presumably release well after this winter’s premieres. You can currently stream the first season and to-date only season of Bodyguard on Netflix, among other 2020 content.

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Oftentimes, one of the key factors that come with a great movie is excellent casting. There's a reason why Robert Altman said in 1977, "When casting's done, 90 percent of my creative work is done." For as much as editing, directing, producing, lighting, and a number of other factors play a hand in making a movie work, it's typically because the right people were cast in the right part that a film truly sings. Indeed, one of the main reasons why Star Wars is such an iconic franchise and has remained a cultural phenomenon is because George Lucas and his team cast the film almost flawlessly, though the story, the themes, the futuristic settings, the special effects and everything else obviously contributed to the success as well.

But what if the original Star Wars movie were made today? Obviously, that's not hard to imagine. We have even more Star Wars movies, shows, products and copious merchandise than ever before thanks to Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm. But if you'll indulge us for a minute, who would play these memorable, beloved roles from a galaxy far, far away nowadays in a re-telling? Who might be cast in the parts that cemented Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and the late, great Carrie Fisher into pop culture history? Who might play the parts that all we know so well?

With that in mind, let's speculate who might've been cast in the very first Star Wars movie, A New Hope, if they were made today.

Tom Holland As Luke Skywalker

Though he became a lot more mature and grounded in the recent films, Mark Hamill's winning performance as Luke Skywalker was the right mix of sincerity and innocence. He was the ingenu through which we could see this mystique fantasy space world personified through a warm lens, a young man with dream-filled eyes and a burning desire to see the galaxy beyond his humble quarters. The replacement actor would need to have a similar sense of sweet, earnest integrity, and such doe-eyed innocence can be seen through Tom Holland's likable Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

His guileless heroics, matched only by his boyish charms, make him a natural fit for Luke Skywalker. Tom Holland's demonstrated a charming emotional agility which would pay off handsomely in here, while also showing an introspective intelligence representing the depths of his persona. Trade Uncle Ben for Uncle Owen, and you're set. Plus, Peter Parker has already been to space, so it's not a big leap.

Runners-Up: Logan Lerman, Zac Efron, Daniel Radcliffe

Saoirse Ronan As Princess Leia

Known for her sharp wit, daring personality and fierce attitude, it's no wonder that Princess Leia Organa became one of the most beloved feminist icons in pop culture history. The character is determined and strong-willed, and she's always quick with a retort and to stand up to anyone who tries to belittle her. The star working today who can capture that same spark, filled with smart and resolve, is Saoirse Ronan. The exceptional young talent has proven herself in multiple roles that are layered and dynamic, showing her piercing wit with a fine sense of dramatic vulnerability. She would be a wonderful fit for Princess Leia. There's no doubt that the bright and talented actress knows what she's doing.

Runners-Up: Shailene Woodley, Billie Lourd, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, Elle Fanning

Richard Madden As Han Solo

Celebrated for his rogue charm and charismatic stride, Han Solo is a bad boy with a heart of gold (and a quick trigger finger). It's the role that turned Harrison Ford into one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, and for good reason. The character oozes captivating mystique and appeal. He certainly toes the line between good and bad, but ultimately follows his conscious and tries to do the right thing, even when it might cost him everything.

It's safe to say this part would be the hardest to recast by modern standards. It's hard to imagine anyone besides Harrison Ford in the role, even when we had Alden Ehrenreich in the role a year prior! Nevertheless, when it comes to capturing Ford's radiant on-screen presence, one actor who comes to mind is Richard Madden. He can play dashing and dangerous in equal measure, and he would have what it takes to play the scoundrel.

Runners-Up: Joe Keery, Ryan Gosling

Laurence Fishburne As Obi-Wan Kenobi

As the gentle, guiding mentor who serves as the father figure for Luke Skywalker to realize his known destiny, Obi-Wan Kenobi plays a pivotal role in the ongoing legacy of Star Wars. Once played by thespian Alec Guinness, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a thoughtful, looming presence throughout the series. You need a wise sage to play the part justly. Sure enough, Laurence Fishburne is a well-accredited actor who has excelled at playing roles where he guides the protagonist into their appointed prophecy. Notably, The Matrix showed he could provide the guiding force needed to make this series work.

Runners-Up: Bryan Cranston, Russell Crowe

Simon Pegg As C-3PO

As the prissy robot who often serves as the bumbling comedic relief in the original trilogy, C-3PO is the clumsy and fearful, but persistent droid who was one of the first characters we saw in this fantastic universe — and ultimately one of the most iconic and recognizable in its still-growing legacy. Anthony Daniels certainly made the role his own, and his voice talents matched with his mime capabilities allowed the character to come alive. When it comes to candidates for taking over the part, Simon Pegg is a well proven comedic talent who has the wide voice range and firm, as well as fine persistence to prove himself to be a noble fit for the supporting part. No need to reconsider.

Runners-Up: Tom Kenny, Hank Azaria, Bill Hader

Morgan Freeman As Darth Vader

An imposing and intimidating dark ruler, Darth Vader is one of the most instantly recognizable villains in cinematic history. A lot of that comes down to the signature look and smooth voice provided by James Earl Jones. The actor's pipes are among the best in history, and it's hard to find someone who can fit in those lofty shoes. With that, we can only turn to one of the other most famous voices in cinematic history: Morgan Freeman. While James Earl Jones is still alive and could theoretically still provide his voice to the part, much like he did with The Lion King (2019) earlier this summer, getting another actor involved would be a little easier. Therefore, when you need someone with a striking baritone voice, you turn to Morgan Freeman.

Runners-Up: Ralph Ineson, Ving Rhames, Tobin Bell

Khary Payton As Lando Calrissian

As one of the smoothest, coolest players in the galaxy, Lando Calrissian is an immensely charismatic character who developed a sizable fanbase upon being introduced in The Empire Strikes Back. Thankfully, Billy Dee Williams will be reprising the role in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker later this year, but when it comes to the possibility of casting someone else in this part, it's worth mentioning a slight out-of-the-box choice. Specifically, Khary Payton from The Walking Dead. The actor has the smile, the charm and the mustache-growing capabilities to pull off the part. While it's hard not to say Donald Glover, since he played the part quite well in Solo: A Star Wars Story, it's easy to see Payton providing the goods in the role.

Runners-Up: Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Michael Ealy

Naturally, it is a bit of a losing battle to try to figure out who could play the part by modern standards. It's a difficult endeavor doing the mental gymnastics of trying to figure out whether or not any of these actors would be who they are today if it were not for the impact of Star Wars' success, and in turn speculating on whether there would be any major butterfly effect-esque changes to their careers should Star Wars not be what we know Star Wars to be today. It is hard to know if the movie and, subsequently, the characters we love today, would be anywhere near what we know if it weren't for the brilliant ensemble.

In any case, this is simply a fun way to imagine what the cast of Star Wars might be like if it were made today. And you most certainly have your own thoughts on who should and shouldn't be in these iconic roles. If you have your own personal picks, be sure to sound them off in the comments below and explain why you landed on them.

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You can return to a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters on December 20, or do so even earlier when The Mandalorian premieres on Disney+ November 12. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for all the latest news on what the Star Wars franchise has in store. Don't forget you can also plan our your trips to the theater for the near future with our 2019 release schedule and 2020 release schedule.

Game of Thrones may be over, but House Stark reigns on! Between Maisie Williams co-founding a social networking app, Sophie Turner’s star-studded status as X-Men’s Jean Grey and wife to Joe Jonas, and Kit Harington and Richard Madden reuniting for The Eternals, Ned Stark has a ton to be proud of. He may not have been beside them every step of the way, but Sean Bean has happily witnesses the rise of his TV children. Now he’s endorsing Madden to be the next James Bond. In his words:

Such kind words for Richard Madden from Sean Bean! The actor has recently risen up the ranks in rumored new James Bond actors to take up the mantle, following Daniel Craig’s last hurrah with No Time To Die. Other names in the ring have included Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill. Madden does uniquely stand out since he hasn’t had the high-profile movie roles the others have had on the big-screen. Watching Superman, Loki or Venom’s Eddie Brock sip martinis wouldn’t make for as believable James Bonds, don’t you think?

Sean Bean also makes a strong case for Richard Madden’s acting chops to The Sun, detailing a balanced combination of skills needed for a James Bond actor. “Presence” being a key ingredient. Bean should know. He once played a Bond villain in 1995’s GoldenEye, opposite Pierce Brosnan.

Both Sean Bean and Richard Madden were important characters in Game of Thrones, but had unpleasant deaths early in the show's run. Ned Stark's death was a pivotal point later in Season 1, and Rob Stark's unfolded in Season 3. Since then, Bean has been actively turning down roles where he dies and Madden has enjoyed watching the HBO series as a viewer.

But with an upcoming role in Marvel’s Phase Four, Madden may be all booked up. The Robb Stark actor has just signed on to play Ikaris alongside Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Brian Tyree Henry and Kumail Nanjiani in The Eternals. Who knows, the superhero team could be the next Avengers!

Also, there’s no telling when another James Bond will be announced. Daniel Craig just wrapped No Time To Die, his fifth and final appearance as 007. The movie will tie up the stories from Skyfall and Spectre when it hits theaters in April 2020.

What do you think? Would you like to see Richard Madden play James Bond next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

With Richard Madden’s inclusion in the cast of Marvel’s The Eternals, he’s pretty close to the action when it comes to knowing who’s who in the film’s already star-studded cast. Not only is Madden reuniting with his former Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harrington, but there’s also an impressive cast that’s going to join the two of them on screen.

While Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry and many others are included in the already impressive lineup, there’s apparently some major firepower yet to come in the way of casting announcements. We know this because Madden couldn’t help but provide the following update on the progress on The Eternal’s production:

Despite having more knowledge of products such as The Eternals and Black Widow, Marvel Studio’s San Diego Comic-Con presentation clearly has left enough room for surprises to be dropped in the coming months and years that will flesh out Phase 4. Richard Madden’s remarks about this subject just after he’d won the Hugo Boss Most Stylish Man award only reinforce this assumption.

Naturally, anything that Richard Madden could have said during his interview at an award show co-hosted by British GQ was obviously limited, and his joke about Marvel snipers was a fun deflection of any further questions in that line. But just dropping the fact that more roles have yet to be announced has us wondering if The Eternals will have the most impressive Marvel Cinematic Universe cast ever.

Again, you’ve got the likes of Jolie, Chan and Henry, mixed in with Richard Madden and Kit Harrington, and in addition to other stars such as Salma Hayek and Kumail Nanjiani, this is already a pretty terrific gathering of talent. Then again, when your movie is titled The Eternals, and the story might explore the dawn of the universe itself, there’s plenty of room to bring more than a couple familiar faces along for the ride.

Naturally, the one big casting announcement that seems to be awaiting The Eternals’ future is whoever will be playing the character dubbed as the first openly LGBTQ protagonist in a Marvel Studios film. The male character, who will be married and with a family when they appear on the scene, will obviously be a sought-after role, as its marks an opportunity for representation in director Chloe Zhao’s big comic book movie.

We’ll see who these new big cast members turn out to be once The Eternals plays its cards, but they’ll undoubtedly hit the table soon. The film is set to hit theaters on November 6, 2020; so the start of production can’t be too far off. As soon as any updates are to be had, you’ll hear them from us here at CinemaBlend as they progress.

As Marvel has continued to build out the MCU, it has also expanded the types of characters represented onscreen. That will continue in Phase Four with The Eternals, which Kevin Feige confirmed at D23 would feature the MCU’s first major openly LGBTQ character. For Eternals star Richard Madden, who plays Ikaris in the film, this is ‘hugely important’, as he explained:

Based on his comments to ET, Richard Madden is a big supporter of Marvel introducing its first openly LGBT character in The Eternals movie. He doesn’t take this milestone for granted, either. The actor, who previously starred in Game of Thrones and The Bodyguard, views this as a significant and consequential milestone for that kind of representation onscreen and in this type of movie.

As Richard Madden noted, the diversity on display in Chloé Zhao’s Eternals won’t just be limited to it featuring the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first openly gay major character. Eternals has a stacked cast that includes actors of all different races and backgrounds. While white men have historically been the majority in superhero movies, with the Eternals that is not the case.

The Eternals’ cast includes actresses Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff and Salma Hayek, along with actors Dong-seok Ma, Brian Tyree Henry and Kumail Nanjiani. There are still plenty of white dudes though, with Barry Keoghan and, in a Game of Thrones reunion, Kit Harington joining Richard Madden in the movie. It’s a cast that, depending on where you live, might look more like the diverse array of people you see and meet everyday.

According to Richard Madden, getting people who look different than him onscreen in a movie like Eternals is important to the kind of diversity in filmmaking the industry has historically lacked. Representation aside, let’s be honest, that’s a really awesome cast and if you’ve seen any of the work of these actors, you should already know they each bring something fun and unique to the table.

Richard Madden views Marvel to be at the forefront of diversity in filmmaking and it's hard to argue with that. At least on the blockbuster front, Marvel and Disney at large have been pushing representation and diversity both in front of and behind the camera. That’s evidenced in lots of the studio’s Phase Four titles, from the Black Widow solo film from director Cate Shortland, to this movie and to Marvel’s first Asian superhero film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, coming from director Destin Daniel Cretton.

And although Eternals will feature the first major openly LGBTQ character in a Marvel movie, the studio has already made strides on that front. Joe Russo’s character in Avengers: Endgame was openly gay and we know that Valkyrie is another LGBTQ character that will presumably have her sexuality more explicit in Thor: Love and Thunder.

As far as Eternals’ openly gay character is concerned, we don’t actually know who it will be yet but Kevin Feige has confirmed he will be married and have a family.

The Eternals opens in theaters on November 6, 2020. Check out our guide to see when all the Phase Four movies are hitting theaters coming up.

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Marvel Studios formally announced Eternals (then officially called THE Eternals) as one of several upcoming Marvel movies during its San Diego Comic-Con panel in 2019. At that time, its release date was also set for late 2020, but now the film is one of the most anticipated 2021 movies fans are looking forward to. Plenty more updates regarding the fascinating Marvel film, starring Angelina Jolie, have surfaced since, and we will take you through all of them now, starting with when exactly it will finally hit theaters.

The Eternals Release Date Is Set For November 2021

At the aforementioned Comic-Con 2019 panel, it was revealed that Eternals was officially set to be released on November 6th, 2020, which felt like a pretty tight window at the time since filming would not even begin until the following September. Of course, shortly after production in England wrapped in early 2020, the pandemic forced Disney to delay the hotly anticipated release until the following February and then again to almost exactly a year after its initial set date. As of now, Eternals is officially set to hit theaters on Friday, November 5, 2021.

The Eternals Are A Team Of Ageless Superheroes From Marvel Comics

Created by Jack Kirby in 1976, the Eternals are a band of humanoids considered an offshoot of the evolutionary process which created sentient life inside the Marvel universe. Once intended protect Earth, and they've gone to war with their counterparts, The Deviants. They are basically superhumans who can live for thousands of years without threat of disease or destruction, a mental bond that unites them, and other extraordinary feats like flight.

In short, they're the best of the best in many respects, but do have some limitations (obviously), which will likely be explored in Eternals. They have several years of history, but it sounds like the characters chosen to be at the forefront of this introductory tale range from a variety of generations. It's unclear how closely this story will follow the origins of the characters from the comics, or when we'll be introduced to the characters with respect to the current timeline of the MCU.

The Eternals Cast Includes Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, And More

The first to join the Eternals cast was Angelina Jolie as Thena before Oscar-nominated actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani got ripped to play super-powered samurai Kingo. From the Game of Thrones cast, we have Richard Madden as leading Eternal Ikaris and Kit Harrington as Dane Whitman, otherwise known as the Black Knight in Marvel Comics. Celebrated Latinx actress Salma Hayek stars as Ajak and Atlanta and Godzilla vs. Kong star Brian Tyree Henry is making history by playing the first openly LGBTQ+ Marvel movie superhero, Phastos.

Irish actor Barry Keoghan of Dunkirk fame plays Druig along with South Korean actor Don Lee of Train to Busan fame as Gilgamesh in Eternals. Fellow horror movie star Lia McHugh (The Lodge) plays the deceptively young-looking Sprite and Sersi is Gemma Chan’s second MCU role after playing Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel. The gender-swapped Makkari is also Lauren Ridloff’s second role in a comic book adaptation after appearing in The Walking Dead cast as Connie.

Chloé Zhao Directed Eternals

In September 2018, it was revealed that Chloé Zhao would direct Eternals, a Chinese-born filmmaker who had already earned a wealth of acclaim for her sophomore feature, The Rider, that year. Zhao was also in the running to direct Black Widow before the position was given to Cate Shortland, but Marvel was clearly impressed with her work, having only been known at the time for independent films, including her directorial debut, Songs My Brothers Taught Me.

Certainly, Eternals is a big leap for Chloé Zhao, or so it seemed until she became the second woman (and first woman of color) to win Best Director at the 2021 Academy Awards for Nomadland, which would also take home the top prize that night. It is also worth noting that Eternals will now be the third Marvel film directed by a female filmmaker, following 2019’s Captain Marvel and the upcoming Black Widow. That is certainly an exciting development, and it's hopefully a sign of what's to come with regards to a diversity of filmmakers directing these movies.

Ryan And Matthew K. Firpo Wrote Eternals

In May of 2018, it was revealed that cousins Ryan and Matthew "Kaz" Firpo were in talks to write the screenplay for Eternals. The related writers have only previously had their short film screenplays brought to life, which makes the prospect of them jumping on board to write this major motion picture all the more exciting. Although, it should be noted that their script for the war thriller Ruin would acquire a great deal of interest — most notably because Margot Robbie and Matthias Schoenaerts are currently attached to star with Assassin’s Creed helmer Justin Kurzel on board to direct.

Marvel’s Hype Video Gave Fans A First Look At Eternals

It is no secret that 2020 was a hard year for the theater industry and for cinephiles who consider the big screen a second home. Marvel Studios proved that the feeling has been mutual by releasing a Hype Video to encourage fans to have a safe, exciting return to traditional moviegoing which also included a sneak peek at Eternals and other upcoming Marvel flicks. While the combined two clips of footage only lasted mere seconds, viewers took note at how badass Angelina Jolie looks as Thena.

There are still a lot of details left unknown about Eternals at this time, which looks like it could be one of the best Marvel movies yet, such as when we will see the first trailer. But with the release date fast approaching (even if it's still over a year away), we should expect to see and hear more about this film and these characters in the months to come.

It’s not often that two music icons who rose to fame in the same era and have inspiring stories to tell get their turn at a big screen moment. Then there is Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. The two biopics have the common thread of having Dexter Fletcher behind the camera at one point or another, though they take two different stances on the stars’ sexual identities.

Bohemian Rhapsody was a massive success that both garnered awards attention and earned over $900 million worldwide, making it the highest grossing music biopic of all time. However, some had one gripe with the Queen celebration: how it censored and “straight-washed” Freddie Mercury’s sexual identity. The producers chalked the choices up to intending to tell the story to a wider audience.

As Hollywood passes the microphone over to the tale of Elton John in Rocketman, the movie has taken an an R-rated approach that doesn’t shy away from gay sex scenes and the musician’s past drug use, including the movie being framed around his stint in rehab. However, rumors had emerged prior about the studio’s intention to cut a nude scene between Taron Egerton’s John and Richard Madden’s John Reid.

Director Dexter Fletcher shot down the whispers, confirming that the movie would be loud and proud about all aspects of Elton John’s life. Now, Richard Madden is also speaking out about the importance that all aspects of his life be seen. In his words:

Why censor a life as bold as Elton John’s has been? In Richard Madden’s interview with EW, he said it would have been a disservice to the star if the love scenes he shot with Egerton had been cut. John Reid was Elton’s first manager and a lover of his for a time, and is an important part of the film’s story.

If discussions had been made over cutting the nude and gay content in Rocketman, the reason was certainly over the opportunity of reproducing Bohemian Rhapsody. The music biopic’s box office success could have certainly benefited from a PG-13 rating, but when you think about it, most Queen fans are over 18 years old, and the same goes for those of Elton John. Considering the target audience is mature enough to see an R-rated film, why not go that extra mile to do these legends justice - and the LGBT community they represent.

Rocketman has a bit of a disadvantage to Bohemian Rhapsody because it’s opening right as the summer movie season kicks off, while the Queen film had less competition to go in with. The upcoming fantasy musical will debut at $20 to $25 million behind with Godzilla: King of Monsters this Friday, tracking at $50 million. Rocketman has impressed critics so far, who seem to like it better than Bohemian Rhapsody overall.

Tonight’s the night, kids. Since 2011, we’ve been watching many individuals vie for the Iron Throne on HBO’s final episode of the drama Game of Thrones. Soon, we’ll have all the answers. However, if you know Richard Madden or happen to run into him while he’s doing press for Rocketman, don’t you dare spoil the ending for him.

The former Robb Stark actor is set to portray John Reid in the upcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman, and he’s currently totally swamped doing press for the upcoming flick. In fact, he told CinemaBlend that he’s so busy he won’t be able to see Game of Thrones wrap out its illustrious run live with many of the rest of the show's fans. He noted:

If Richard Madden stays off the internet, he should hopefully be fine, but given he was once the King in the North, I can just imagine some errant press person or stranger on the street accidentally spoiling the ending for him.

That said, it’s good to know that Richard Madden still cares enough about Game of Thrones enough that he confirmed to CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell that he will at least be attempting to avoid spoilers until he does have the time to sit down and watch the finale.

Because Richard Madden is no longer on Game of Thrones, he’s also in a unique position to be able to explain to the cast what to expect out of life after Thrones. Per the actor it's only good things to come...

For Richard Madden, those “lot of” things include a role in Netflix’s Bodyguard and the upcoming Rocketman, as well as gigs in TV series like Medici and Klondike not to mention Disney flick Cinderella. He really hasn’t pigeonholed himself into a particular type of role at all.

Given that HBO’s Game of Thrones' schedule is long and tiring, filming for a huge chunk of the year every year, actors that have been near and dear to the fanbase have not had a ton of time to take on other work, although of course they have done some other work during their time filming. Plus, many already have other projects in the works.

Sophie Turner will next be seen in Dark Phoenix while castmate Maisie Williams will also be in X-Men project The New Mutants when it finally gets a release. Lena Headey has been signed on for the female-driven action flick Gunpowder Milkshake. Emilia Clarke already filmed a rom-com with Henry Golding called Last Christmas set to release later in 2019. Peter Dinklage did voice work for The Angry Birds Movie 2. We could go on and on, but you get the gist.

Meanwhile, you can catch Richard Madden in action – hopefully after he’s caught the last Thrones episode – when Rocketman hits theaters on May 31. Game of Thrones’ finale airs on HBO tonight at 9 p.m. ET.

Now that the new Batman has been found in the form of Robert Pattinson (probably), it's time to turn to another pop culture icon with casting rumors: James Bond. Daniel Craig is reprising the role for the final time, but that hasn't stopped people from speculating on who will pay James Bond in the next movie. One of the most popular rumors has been Richard Madden, and while the actor is flattered by the speculation, he denied being up for the part.

Ever since Daniel Craig famously said he'd rather "slit his wrists" than make another James Bond movie after the release of Spectre, rumors have run rampant about who the next Bond could be. Names have included Tom Hiddleston, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba, but Richard Madden has become a recent favorite for the iconic spy.

Daniel Craig is evidently not slitting his wrists and will play Bond one last time in Bond 25, but after that it's anyone's game. Madden's name is once again popping up as a potential candidate, but the actor is (predictably) denying any intention to play the character.

Richard Madden might be an unfamiliar name to some, but fans will most likely recognize him from his work on Game of Thrones as Robb Stark. The actor also proved his action chops in the acclaimed BBC series Bodyguard, which helped add fuel to the James Bond fire. Madden can be seen in the upcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman, which premiered at Cannes this week to rave reviews.

Richard Madden was at Cannes this week promoting Rocketman, and it didn't take long for someone to ask him a James Bond question. One journalist told him that the odds of him playing James Bond increased 2-1, and the white suit that Madden wore on the red carpet certainly put James Bond in people's minds (via Variety). Here's what Madden said:

Well, he's not wrong that someone else will inevitably be the next rumor, but it's not like Richard Madden would be able to give any definitive answers if he were up for the part. However, Madden is also up for a lead role in Marvel's Eternals, which would presumably take up most of his time.

Thankfully, his Rocketman co-star Taron Egerton was there to have some fun with the situation. After Richard Madden gave his answer, Egerton starting humming the iconic James Bond theme, which got a good laugh from from Madden.

It's unclear who will play the next James Bond, but lets not put the cart before the horse. We still have to deal with Bond 25, which is slated to release in theaters on April 8, 2020. That's less than a year away, but you can keep yourself occupied with our 2019 movie release guide.

Two of the biggest pop culture topics of conversation right now are Marvel and Game of Thrones, thanks to the former delivering Avengers: Endgame and the latter airing its final season. Richard Madden was part of Game of Thrones once upon a time as Robb Stark, and now it’s looking like he could lend his talent to Marvel as well via The Eternals.

Richard Madden is currently in talks for a major role in The Eternals. The Wrap, which broke the news, didn’t provide any details about who Madden would play, but THR has heard that he’s being eyed to bring Ikaris to life. Since the Eternals were introduced to the pages of Marvel Comics in 1976, Ikaris has been one of the principal players of that property, so if Madden is cast in that role, he’ll certainly have a lot to do.

The former Game of Thrones star, who more recently starred in The Bodyguard and can be seen in Rocketman later this month, is the fourth actor to be associated with The Eternals. Angelina Jolie has reportedly been confirmed to play Sersei, Train to Busan actor Ma Dong-seok has boarded and Kumail Nanjiani has been in talks to join the cast.

Marvel didn’t comment on Richard Madden being in consideration, nor has it provided any official plot details about The Eternals yet. However, supposedly the movie will follow the love story between Ikaris and Sersei, meaning we’d be seeing Madden and Angelina Jolie getting quite cozy with one another.

Like the other Eternals, Ikaris is long-lived and boasts incredible power. His life force is augmented by cosmic energy, allowing him total control over his physical form, to the point he’s able to regenerate tissue, levitate, shoot cosmic beams and psychically scan minds less evolved then his own, among numerous other abilities. Outside of the comics, Ikaris’ only appearance has been in the video game Marvel Heroes, but if The Eternals is anything like Guardians of the Galaxy, then he and his fellow Eternals will skyrocket in popularity once their movie is out.

Although we’re still in the dark about what The Eternals will specifically be about, earlier this year, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige talked about how the movie could stretch across many millennia, just like the original Jack Kirby stories did. It could also give us more insight into Thanos’ background, and if some, if not most of The Eternals is set in the past, maybe the Mad Titan could even pop in!

Directed by Chloe Zhao, The Eternals doesn’t have an assigned release date yet, so keep checking back with CinemaBlend for that information and more updates on its development. For now, you can look through our Marvel movies guide to learn what else the MCU has coming down the pipeline.

Oh, my sweet summer children... Ten years ago, the future stars of Game of Thrones knew nearly nothin' about what was to come -- the good, the bad, the Hodor. Game of Thrones debuted on April 17, 2011, but the stars obviously had to tape the premiere first. Before doing that, they were cast in their roles and did a season premiere read-through. All told, it's been a full decade since they started this journey.

Richard Madden (Robb Stark) hasn't been with us since Season 3's Red Wedding, but he just shared a look back from before the filming of the very first episode, titled "Winter Is Coming." Here are Madden and fellow baby-faced cast members Kit Harington (Jon Snow) and Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) on the cusp of starting the great game.

Sophie Turner, who plays Robb and Jon's sister Sansa Stark, replied to Richard Madden's post with "Oh my god you’re babiesssss."

They really do look so much younger. It's like getting misty over a high school yearbook. Kit Harington's Jon Snow became famous for his hair, so much so that Harington's hairstyles were viewed as spoilers on Jon's fate. When Harington finished filming Game of Thrones and shaved his beard off, returning to his baby face, it was truly the end of an era.

Game of Thrones Season 8 is the final season and it only has six episodes. The first episode already broke viewership records, since the HBO series has just grown in popularity since it first arrived in 2011. This kind of popularity is pretty much unheard of, and it's fascinating to look into the eyes of the lads in the photo above and think about how much is to come for them. Like the shirtless scene they'd soon have to tape:

But seriously, think back to the series premiere and how much has changed for the characters -- and the actors.

Kit Harington met his future wife Rose Leslie (Ygritte) while filming Game of Thrones Season 2. In Season 8, Jon Snow has a new lady love in Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). He just gave up his title of King in the North, the title given to Robb Stark after Ned Stark was killed toward the end of Season 1.

Theon Greyjoy pledged his sword to his BFF Robb, then tried to impress his own father Balon Greyjoy by taking over Winterfell. That disastrous decision changed things for just about everyone. Now the Starks are back in control of Winterfell, thanks in large part to Lady Sansa, and the much-tortured Theon has been working to make up for his failings.

We last saw Jon in the Season 8 premiere, reeling from Sam's news that Jon is actually Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Jon was not happy to hear that. Meanwhile, Theon went back to save his sister Yara Greyjoy, after literally jumping ship to get away last season.

Robb Stark is many seasons dead, but Richard Madden will always be a Stark of Winterfell, so he's probably worried about what's to come on that front. Madden's career is very much alive; he had a huge hit with Bodyguard, which appears to be coming back for another season.

The cast is already finished filming Game of Thrones, but they are in nostalgia mode as they prepare for viewers to experience the journey they just completed.

Do you think both Jon and Theon will survive to the end? I wouldn't be shocked if Theon sacrificed himself, maybe even for a Stark, as a completion of his redemption arc. But Game of Thrones does like to subvert expectations so maybe nothing like that will happen at all. The final season continues Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.

Richard Madden has shared his thoughts on the expectations surrounding actors’ bodies as they get put on display in nude scenes. No stranger to doing those kind of scenes, the Bodyguard star has weighed in. He opened up on the atmosphere surrounding how male actors are supposed to appear in them.

It turns out that he has strong feelings about it. Richard Madden reveals what he thinks about what it projects, as well as sharing the regimen that he and his fellow male stars have undergone to look a certain way. As you might have already imagined, the pressure to present with a physical form can be intense. Madden told Vogue UK:

There you have it. Richard Madden also revealed to the magazine that he has had his skin pinched, as well as being made to wear restrictive costumes to create a certain aesthetic. He reportedly likened those wardrobe pieces to a corset. That disclosure indicates the pressure exists

Richard Madden discussing having to wear a specific costume is revealing in that it exists whether an actor’s clothes are on and off. This is not a pressure about shirtless scenes or those of a similar variety. In other words, this not just about having a 6-pack.

The Bodyguard star joins an increasing number of male actors who are giving voice to pressure men face in the entertainment industry. Last year, The Flash’s Grant Gustin fired back against those who had criticized his physique in his costume. Shazam lead Zachary Levi also hit out against body shamers in the lead up to the Marvel film’s release.

The pressure on male actors to appear in a particular shape is getting a greater spotlight. Whatever shape he is in, Richard Madden is an exceptional actor. Thankfully for Madden, buzz around Bodyguard has involved more than talk solely revolving around his body.

Whether Bodyguard will return for a second season is still open-ended. Earlier this year, Richard Madden asserted that his character, David Budd, needed a break. He cited all Budd had endured in Season 1. Madden did seem open to the possibility of continuing the series. Time will tell if a second season ends up coming together.

In the meantime, it does not sound like Richard Madden wants to stress out regarding his physique. As Madden's comments reveal, stress to conform to body expectations is something that leads to actors undertaking unhealthy habits. You do not get in good physical shape depriving yourself of food and overly working out.

Bodyguard is currently streaming on Netflix.

I do say, shots fired, sir! BBC boss Tony Hall recently mocked Netflix's notoriously mysterious viewing figures in a speech at the Media & Telecoms Conference. He compared the streamer's presented numbers for The Crown to the BBC's own drama Bodyguard.

If only everyone used the same data, this would be so much easier. Bodyguard was a huge hit for the BBC, giving it the best viewing numbers in over a decade. Netflix picked it up for outside the U.K. and Ireland.

Speaking of the U.K., the BBC told The Guardian The Crown figures Tony Hall referenced came from a national survey asking people in the U.K. if they had watched at least 15 minutes of an episode of The Crown. Not exactly the most official study, but that's what the BBC is going with -- and Netflix has yet to weigh in on the 7 million-over-17-months figures.

The Nielsens tried to jump in with some clarity in December 2017 after Netflix released The Crown Season 2. According to Nielsen data (via Deadline), The Crown averaged nearly 1.3 million total viewers and nearly 600,000 in the 18-49 demo. The total-viewer number lifted to 2.4 million for Episode 2. The average number of episodes streamed by viewers in the 18-49 demo in the first three days was 2.6, which is said to be on par with the opening weekend for Stranger Things Season 2.

Every so often, Netflix will reveal figures, if it's ready to brag about something -- from Bird Box to YOU. When it comes to how Bodyguard did on Netflix for viewers around the world, the streamer previously said (via EW) that Bodyguard, Baby, and The Protector were "each enjoyed by over 10 million member households in their first four weeks." According to EW, Netflix counts one user view for a series if 70 percent of one episode is watched by a single account. If everyone in your house uses the same account and watches the same show multiple times, that view is reportedly still counted as one.

At any rate, both The Crown and Bodyguard earned enough viewers to come back for more. The Crown Season 3 has completely changed its cast, which was always the plan, to show the royal family members in their later years. Newly minted Best Actress Oscar winner Olivia Colman is going from Queen Anne in The Favourite to Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown Season 3. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden has talked about possibly coming back for another season of Bodyguard.

The Crown Season 1 debuted in November 2016 on Netflix, with Season 2 following in December 2017. They skipped 2018 entirely but Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2019. Netflix has yet to release the exact date, but stay tuned. And keep up with everything that is currently airing on TV with our midseason premiere schedule.

Bodyguard has been a huge hit with critics and viewers alike. However, Richard Madden believes his character, Sergeant David Budd, needs a break before hopping into Season 2. Regarding a second installment of the hit series, Madden had this to say:

Given the enormous success of Bodyguard, it is tough to imagine those talks not resulting in a second season of the series. In the vein of what Richard Madden aptly told ET, everyone will have to see what happens. Characters can go through a lot in a single season and somehow resurface for a second installment of a popular series. So, there is cause to hope!

If Budd is called in for a second act, fans undoubtedly hope he and portrayer Richard Madden would answer it. Making the allure of Season 2 even more tempting is what took place at the Golden Globe awards.

Richard Madden won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series for Bodyguard. The win is bound to only add to the high-profile the series has already achieved for itself.

The actor has previously teased conversations relating to Bodyguard Season 2. Based on what Richard Madden is saying now, it may be a while before fans get to see it if it does indeed happen. He mentions the happenings of 2019 playing a role in the conversations that take place.

If these talks prove fruitful, it stands to reason that fans have a long wait in front of them. Realistically, it seems like 2020 would be the safest bet for a second installment to debut. Creating another season that matches the quality of its first takes time.

At one point, Bodyguard's first installment was running at an impressive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. You do not get that kind of quality without a lot of hard work and time to work on it.

Working on the series has allowed Richard Madden to shake things up where his roles are concerned. Having risen to great popularity with his role on Game of Thrones, the offers to play young princes have likely been voluminous. Madden's success should give his former co-stars a tremendous amount of hope regarding their post-Thrones career.

Richard Madden opted for a massive change of pace with Bodyguard, and it is paying off for him. Upon its release last year, the present-day thriller became one of the biggest British shows in a decade. Growing Bodyguard's audience following its initial release is Netflix picking up the six-part series. A move that has given subscribers a breezy binge to make their way through.

There are a lot of parties interested in seeing Season 2. If and when a second season of Bodyguard comes to fruition, viewers will be waiting to watch.

Bodyguard is currently streaming on Netflix. The series is among many shows the streaming giant has available, along with some new additions. There will be no shortage of new TV content awaiting viewers in the midseason.

Richard Madden is ready to change the game when it comes to his acting roles. As in: moving away from royal-centric characters like Robb Stark in Game of Thrones. Explaining the change of pace, Madden said:

Like many actors before him, Richard Madden is ready to take on a new host of roles than the ones he's been somewhat stereotyped as. Based on what he told WWD, Madden is a little "princed-out." With him having played a young royal on Game of Thrones and Disney's live-action Cinderella, among others, that is an understandable viewpoint.

Playing Romeo is one of those acting hallmarks that many younger thespians tackle during their time in the craft. Richard Madden is astute to point out how many Romeo-esque characters he has played during his career, specially portraying the Shakespearean lover for Kenneth Branagh's stage production. He certainly portrayed a version of Romeo with Robb Stark on Game of Thrones, too.

Like Romeo, it was a forbidden love that brought about Robb's end. He went back on his betrothal to a daughter of House Frey in order to marry the woman he truly loved, which changed everything. His actions set off the chain of events that would become one of the series' darkest chapters -- The Red Wedding.

House Stark has managed to recover in the wake of its most promising one-time leader's demise. Robb's Romeo-style decision almost spelled their ultimate doom, so from a fictional perspective, I get why the actor might not want to be responsible for such horrifying TV moments.

In the entire scheme of things, Richard Madden ended up playing Robb Stark for three seasons, longer than he'd stuck with many of his other princely roles. That gave him a chance to move on relatively quickly after the show caught on as a pop culture phenomenon. He'd recently opened up about the significant upside to playing the ill-fated character, too.

Considering the popularity of Robb Stark, it would make sense if Richard Madden grew content with taking on the same kinds of roles in various iterations. Of course, that evolutionary desire makes that hard for actors to stick with similar characters for the long run.

Thankfully for Richard Madden, 2018 opened the door to a major non-Robb Stark role. He took a seismic step in his non-young-prince transition with the hugely popular UK thriller Bodyguard. The actor got nominated for a Golden Globe for his critically-acclaimed performance in the show, which made its way to the U.S. via Netflix.

As for playing young royals, time will tell if Richard Madden leaves those roles behind completely. Since his departure from Game of Thrones, he has switched things up when it comes to picking and choosing the roles he plays.

In the excellent Netflix series Medici: Masters of Florence, he did play a prince type of character as Cosimo. But the variation there was that unlike Robb Stark, Cosimo was also portrayed in the later years of his life, adding depth to the performance. It is a difference that offered Madden the chance to try something new in the form of something familiar.

Find out if Richard Madden takes home the Golden Globe for Bodyguard when the award show airs on Sunday, January 6, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. As for Game of Thrones, it is among the many shows set to return during the midseason. The epic series' eighth and final season will premiere in April 2019 on HBO.

Being killed off of a popular show is not every actor's career highlight. However, Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden has found the bright side to no longer starring on the series. His reason is an interesting one. In a recent interview, Madden said:

It sounds like Richard Madden is as pumped as the rest of Game of Thrones' fans to watch the final season, thanks to no longer knowing what is coming in the script. When you think about the potential downsides to starring on Game of Thrones, not being able to enjoy watching it is not typically one of the first things that comes to my mind. So, what Madden shared with THR is enlightening.

Like many actors before and after him, Richard Madden experienced a deadly end at the hands of Game of Thrones' narrative. His character, Robb Stark, was killed off in Season 3 during one of the show's most infamous episodes. It is hard to believe that "The Rains of Castamere" aired five years ago. Yes, it happened half a decade ago. Now, Madden has moved on to Netflix's Bodyguard series.

In another twist, Game of Thrones has now been on the air for longer than Robb Stark was initially a character on the show. Robb Stark was killed off in the series' 29th episode overall. The Season 7 finale marked the show's 67th episode. So, 38 episodes have passed since the "Red Wedding" changed Game of Thrones forever.

Game of Thrones served as the career breakthrough for many of its original stars. Richard Madden is among them. This year he received acclaim and recognition for his starring role on Bodyguard. (Something Robb Stark really needed in Season 3.)

Richard Madden's perspective on the experience of starring on Game of Thrones has had time to settle. It is a testament to his portrayal of Robb Stark that his presence can still be felt on the show so many seasons later. The actor recently opened up about how fans' reaction to his Bodyguard character and Robb Stark have differed.

Obviously, Robb Stark's death was one of the most traumatic moments of the series. It was not just Robb who died in the scene. His pregnant wife and his mother were also murdered. The lethal sequence marked a turning point in the series. It announced Game of Thrones would be breaking with expectations.

Ned's death made the anyone-can-die notion clear to this viewer. However, it was Robb's shocking demise that solidified it. Although the series is based on a set of books by George R.R. Martine, for TV-only viewers, these deaths were large shocks. Anytime we think a character is safe, remembering Robb Stark's fate serves as a painful reminder that Game of Thrones' fans have to remain on guard.

It is exciting to hear an actor express being a fan of a show they were actually on. Like many viewers, Richard Madden can now enjoy the twists and turns that undoubtedly await viewers in Season 8.

When he was on it, Game of Thrones was still operating off of George R.R. Martin's novels. Making spoilers an easier thing to come by. Now, the show's final twists will be holding viewers, like Richard Madden, in suspense up until the last moment.

Game of Thrones is among many shows returning in next year. The drama's eighth and final season will premiere sometime in April 2019 on HBO.

It's no secret that movie and TV sex scenes can be difficult for the actors who have to film them, but how often do we think about the emotional toll these scenes take on the families of those actors? Well, Bodyguard's Richard Madden is here to tell you that his family, anyway, is not here for it. The actor recently revealed that he's gotten quite the talking to from his mom about filming such scenes, especially where his nudity is involved, and not warning them before they watch the project.

Poor Mrs. Madden! How dare her son not warn her first about any rampant nakedness on his part in films or TV shows. Richard Madden should know that his parents will want to watch their son's work, and also that they would be surprised to see any of his personal bits suddenly show up on screen. How awkward, right? At least he wasn't watching any of these shows with his parents when the sexy nude scene showed up. I can only imagine how horrifying a situation like that would be for Madden and his parents.

Richard Madden stopped by The Ellen Degeneres Show to talk about his international hit, Bodyguard. And, while Ellen certainly understood how his parents would want to know beforehand that their son would be naked in something that they were planning to watch, she also made sure to mention that we see his butt in the Netflix series twice and even told Madden that he was very sexy in the role. If reassurance from Ellen Degeneres that the audience likes watching you in naked sex scenes isn't enough to keep you taking off your clothes on camera for years to come, I suppose nothing would be.

For the uninitiated, Bodyguard finds Madden playing a former war hero turned London Specialist Protection Officer David Budd while the character is tasked with watching over a powerful politician whose ideas he actually believes to be dangerous to the country. The six-part drama sees Budd tackling this philosophical conflict and trying to decide if he should continue to do his job as ordered, or try to stop the person he's supposed to protect.

The series, which originally aired in Britain on BBC One, was a massive hit there. A whopping 10.4 million people watched the premiere (after on-demand and delayed viewing were added to the totals), with the numbers for Bodyguard's entire run being so strong that the show quickly became the biggest new drama in the UK in a decade. This success, which was undoubtedly helped along by having former Game of Thrones star Richard Madden as the lead, led to Netflix picking up the show for distribution in the US, and Bodyguard landed on the site October 24.

Bodyguard picked up two nominations for the 2019 Golden Globes, Best Television Series - Drama and Best Actor In A Television Series - Drama for Richard Madden, so if you want to see what all the fuss is about (or just take a gander at his naked butt) you can check the show out on Netflix right now.

Tom Hiddleston may want to send his Marvel/Disney family a gift basket -- or make them all martinis. The recent confirmation of his new Loki series on the upcoming Disney+ streaming service appears to have upped his chances of being named the next James Bond after Daniel Craig. U.K. bookmaker Coral updated their odds, pushing Hiddleston closer to the top of the candidate list.

A Coral spokesperson shared their updated rankings with Express. They still have Bodyguard/Game of Thrones star Richard Madden in first position, which fits with the recent rumors that the producers have their eyes on him.

But now Tom Hiddleston is in second place, just ahead of Idris Elba -- a perennial speculation favorite, despite his own attempts to distance himself from Bond talk. Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Aidan Turner, and Jack Huston all made the list, too, below the top favorites. Henry Cavill is actually toward the bottom of Coral's rankings, which may or may not surprise you.

Most of those names have come up frequently as potential 007 successors, once Daniel Craig is done with the gig. Bond 25 is expected to be Craig's final James Bond film, so the game is afoot to find a replacement for Bond 26.

We know the next Bond will not be a woman, since one of the producers shot down that idea. But everything apart from that -- including these oddsmaker rankings -- has to just be filed away as speculation.

Tom Hiddleston is not a new name for this game, but -- interestingly enough -- when a poll of 1,000 U.K. fans was conducted a few months ago, Hiddleston only ranked third on the list. That particular poll named Idris Elba the favorite, followed by Tom Hardy, with the Loki actor in third. (Richard Madden didn't even make the top five.)

So maybe Tom Hiddleston getting himself back in the public eye as Loki really will help his chances at the Bond gig. He's not the only Marvel star getting his own series on the new Disney+ streaming service, but MCU fans are especially excited to get more Loki after the events of Avengers: Infinity War. Hiddleston recently rewarded those fans with a little tease of good things to come.

Meanwhile, the Bond world remains in flux. Cary Fukunaga is getting ready to direct Bond 25, after taking over for Danny Boyle. That film has a current release date of February 14, 2020. After that Valentine's Day, we may learn more about which star the Bond team truly fancies for Bond 26. (Watch Daniel Craig change his mind at the last minute and come back again.)

Richard Madden has come a long way since playing Robb Stark on Game of Thrones. The actor is currently the star of the successful series The Bodyguard, and fans worldwide are loving his performance as David Budd. Of course, folks were also quite fond of his portrayal as Robb Stark, but Madden said there's a difference between how David has been received versus Robb.

Richard Madden may be phenomenal in The Bodyguard, but even the most glowing future television performances will have trouble outshining Robb Stark's exit on Game of Thrones. Richard Madden seemed to acknowledge that in his interview with Variety, and notes that a lot of people are still broken up over the Red Wedding. While his portrayal in The Bodyguard may not be as tragic as Robb's fate, Madden's getting credit from audiences for his emotional performance as David.

Richard Madden added that he's been surprised by the response to The Bodyguard, which set records in the UK. The series gained massive viewership in a short amount of time and earned the title as the biggest British show of the decade. The drama has celebrated even greater success on Netflix and has been well received by critics and audiences alike. Madden spoke about the phenomena surrounding the program, and how the response has exceeded his expectations.

The success of The Bodyguard has left Richard Madden hungry for more episodes. Madden mentioned to other outlets like Digital Spy that he'd love to continue David's story in Season 2, although he's not sure how it would happen or whether or not it will. Madden noted Season 1 was easy to film due to the show's lack of notoriety. Should the series return for Season 2, folks will be paying closer attention and attempting to capture secrets during filming.

Curious audiences who have yet to check out Richard Madden's performance on The Bodyguard can do so right now on Netflix. For a look at other potentially great shows invading the air waves over the next couple of months, visit our fall premiere guide.

Richard Madden has made a name for himself in recent years thanks to a stint on HBO's Game of Thrones; however, not everyone recognizes the handsome actor by sight. In fact, recently a Netflix employee assertively stopped him from grabbing a water bottle when he was trying to find his way on campus while filming his new series The Bodyguard. After telling the story, Netflix decided to apologize to Madden with a fun gift, which you can see below.

Yes, that's a slew of water bottles branded with the Netflix logo that the subscription streaming service sent to its successful lead actor. If he keeps all of those water bottles on hand, he'll never need to ask another Netflix employee for permission to hydrate. Regardless, I at least hope whichever Netflix employee was on a high horse when he denied Richard Madden water at least feels a little chagrin about how he behaved.

Richard Madden revealed the cheeky Netflix gift on his Instagram Story, also revealing the note that Netflix sent along with the gift from the company.

The news comes shortly after Richard Madden appeared on KTLA's Morning News to talk about Bodyguard and other fun topics, including what happened in the Netflix building while he was heading to his interview at KTLA. Apparently, he wandered into the streaming service's building by accident, but thought he would go ahead and grab a water bottle while he was there, considering he worked for Netflix already. (And a very successful Netflix project at that!) Richard Madden said at the time about the incident:

Netflix is often a little bit saucy, especially with social media opportunities. The company has previously taken slight jabs at things like Roseanne's cancellation over at ABC. It even occasionally messes with its users in funny ways, like not-so-subtly poking fun at people who subscribe to the streaming service only to watch flicks like A Christmas Prince over and over again.

Now, that we've seen the fun follow-up between Richard Madden and his Bodyguard parent company, it looks like Netflix is also able to poke fun at its antics. More importantly, however, we know Richard Madden is now hydrated. That should come in handy if the James Bond team comes calling...

Bond... James Bond. It's a sought after role that many will chase, but few get to call their own. With Daniel Craig sending his tuxedo to the cleaners for good after Bond 25, it's, obviously, time to find a new super spy to protect the world in the name of the British crown. There's no shortage of names for the position, and thanks to some recent betting activity, there's a good list of folks that seem to be front runners and long shots. Though there are some surprises that don't have any money riding on them just yet.

Richard Madden

Madden is the apparent favorite in the betting world right now, and why wouldn't he be? Folks mostly remember him as the ill-fated King of the North, Robb Stark, from Game of Thrones, or his turn as Prince Charming in Kenneth Brannagh's live-action Cinderella. So, he can fight, as well as handle himself at a party.

Though, most recently, his name has been flying around as part of a hit British action/drama, Bodyguard, where he plays a law enforcement agent sworn to protect the Home Secretary. With a background in action, and a current gig that more than likely invokes Bond-ian comparisons on a regular basis, this could be a really good fit.

Sam Heughan

Sometimes, all you need to do is put on a tuxedo, and people will start saying you're the next James Bond. And that's exactly what happened to Sam Heughan, after he played a facsimile of 007 in this year's comedy, The Spy Who Dumped Me.

Best known for his role as Outlander's dreamy Jamie Fraser, he was even asked about playing the role at this year's New York Comic Con panel. Naturally, nothing definitive was said, but you could see in his face that Heughan has definitely thought about the possibility.

Idris Elba

Perhaps one of the most famous names attached to the next potential James Bond has been Idris Elba. A fixture of British television, thanks to the BBC's Luther, as well as an actor who's been in films far and wide, his is a name that's still hotly debated as next in line for a franchise martini.

While there haven't been any talks between Elba and Sony, with the actor even pegging himself as too old for the role, there's always been a fan contingent in his corner. If the right offer came along, we wouldn't blame him for never saying never again.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston's courtship with the role of James Bond was a sort of twofer. Not only did his lead role in The Night Manager land him notice as a possible replacement for Daniel Craig, it also gave series director Suzanne Bier some attention as a possible helmer for the franchise.

His participation may be dependent on whatever sort of Marvel contract Hiddleston has left. But, even if he was free and clear, he might be too typecast as the baddie (courtesy of his long-running stint as Loki in the MCU) to get that far in the running.

Tom Hardy

It wouldn't be a bad thing if Tom Hardy found himself cast as the next 007. The man has a wide breadth of credits and experience that would suit him well, should he ever want to pursue the role of James Bond. However, Hardy's tastes in his roles do run rather eclectic, and the success of Venom more than likely ties him up for the next couple of years.

So, even if he could play Bond, there's no guarantee that he'd even want to. Though should he need a reference, former 007 Pierce Brosnan has backed him in the recent past.

Henry Cavill

Of course Henry Cavill's name would come up as a candidate for James Bond. This is exactly what happened when Pierce Brosnan was shown the door, and Cavill was apparently really close to getting the iconic role in Casino Royale, strong off of his work in Showtime's The Tudors.

While Daniel Craig won out that round, Henry Cavill has still expressed interest in playing the role. So, maybe his recent roles in both The Man From U.N.C.L.E and Mission: Impossible - Fallout were more than just a fun distraction from the imploding mess that is the DC Extended Universe.

Dan Stevens

While not as concretely mentioned as others on this list, Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey and Legion fame has had his name thrown into the ring as well. Though he's admittedly one of the more oddball picks, as he's not on the official betting odds list.

Stevens could be a good last minute contender for James Bond. The only problem is, the buzz surrounding him possibly getting the role would have to grow a bit more for serious contention, much like the rest of the contenders we're about to consider.

Aidan Turner

You wouldn't think playing a love sick dwarf would be a big credit towards someone wanting to slip into the role of James Bond. Apparently, the competition to be the most lethal British spy opens itself up to some interesting competitors in that way -- just ask Aidan Turner.

His most high visibility role in the movie world was of Kili in The Hobbit trilogy, the dwarf who longed after Evangeline Lily's Tauriel. TV-wise, though, it's easier to see why he'd be in the running, as he's well known as the strong-willed romantic lead of the Poldark series.

Jack Huston

Through his role on Boardwalk Empire, Jack Huston built up quite a bit of capital as the strong but mostly silent war veteran turned enforcer Richard Darrow. It was enough to land him the lead in the defunct reboot to The Crow, and apparently, it's enough to land him in the back half of the field to become Bond.

Huston has not only enough experience with drama of all stripes, he's also classically handsome in the way that Bond fans are accustomed to. Throw in his relatively unknown, but exceptionally strong resume, and he's a prime pick.

Orlando Bloom

Even in his prime years in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Orlando Bloom has always been a name tangentially mentioned in connection to James Bond. His intense fan base, and action chops, put him there without question.

In recent years, Bloom hasn't been as active in his film career, which may be why he's further back in the pack. That being said, there's obviously something about him that keeps fans hoping he'll get the call to save us all.

Robert Pattinson

While Robert Pattinson is a name that may send some running for the hills, due to his Twilight affiliation, let's not forget the amazing work he's done since his time as a love struck vampire. Films like The Rover and Good Time have kept the man in the game, rehabbing his career something fierce in a very short time.

While his tastes in roles have run a bit more experimental in recent times, the hiring of director Cary Joji Fukunaga for Bond 25 might be the sort of sign that he's just the person to bring Bond into a new era. He's a lower tier candidate for now, but we'll see how that changes after this next film releases.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Some might feel that Benedict Cumberbatch is an odd choice, while others could see him as a natural fit. It's a bit of a toss up, to be sure, but what's also certain is the role of James Bond would truly be interesting in his hands.

Unfortunately, Cumberbatch has already made a name for himself as the BBC's Sherlock, as well as Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange. So, between those two franchises, their similar archetypes of brash genius, his scheduling, and public opinion, the role of Bond may not end up being in his favor.

Christian Bale

Pondering Christian Bale as James Bond is something that has been tempting to fans for over a decade at this point. Rumored to have been offered the role during the Casino Royale scrum that Henry Cavill saw himself a part of, Bale himself dispelled those rumors a couple of years ago.

But, even after playing Batman in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, the opportunity is still one that more than a couple of folks would like to see. However, his recent niche as a prestige player is probably what has him on the lower end of Sky Bet's betting pool (which we saw via The Sun.)

Jude Law

Jude Law has never had strong odds in the way of playing James Bond, which has always been a shame. Another candidate of range and distinction, Law has had experience in pretty much all corners of filmdom, most recently becoming the young Dumbledore for the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

While he's on the older side of the candidates mentioned, Jude Law does have something that fellow whisper candidate Sam Heughan has: he's played a parody of Bond. You can thank Paul Feig's Spy for both Law getting to send up 007 in proper fashion, and his possible hiring as Bond himself, should things play his way.

Liam Neeson

Buckle up folks, because this isn't the first time Liam Neeson has been tipped as playing James Bond. That distinction goes to a project from back in the late '90s entitled Warhead 2000, which would have seen Neeson playing the super spy in a non-canon remake of Thunderball.

While that was at least 20 years ago, that hasn't stopped Neeson from still finding himself in the betting pool for Bond 26. Though he's one of, if not the, oldest candidates out there, you have to admit the man would be a hell of an ass kicker in her majesty's secret service.

This poll is no longer available.

Not all British television shows make their way to the United States, but the popular ones that do always seem to make a splash. Doctor Who, Downton Abby, Killing Eve, and others have all found success in the land of opportunity, and Netflix is hoping it's found another as it gears up to premiere a series many Americans may not have even heard of. Nevertheless, Bodyguard has been Britain's most popular show in a decade, and it's primed to do the same in America when it comes to streaming next month.

Beginning Wednesday, October 24, Americans can follow former war hero and London Specialist Protection Officer David Budd (Game of Thrones' Richard Madden) as he is assigned to protect the powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). Bodyguard finds Budd in conflict with his emotions when he struggles with protecting a politician whose ideas he is strongly opposed to and considers to be potentially dangerous to the country's well-being. The six-part drama finds Madden's Budd wrestling with those emotions, and whether or not he should Montague's biggest protector or greatest threat.

Bodyguard has been a huge success in Britain, with Deadline reporting the premiere pulled in 6.7 million in live airing and the total coming to 10.4 million after numbers for on-demand and catchup were added. Those are numbers most cable networks would kill to have, and numbers Netflix is undoubtedly hoping for when it makes its global premiere on the platform. The delayed viewing may be especially pleasing for the content-hungry Netflix to hear, as it sounds like this is the type of buzz-worthy show that will encourage others to pick it up when they hear about it.

The BBC drama closed out its ratings run strong as Bodyguard netted an average of 10.4 million for its 75-minute finale. At its highest point, Bodyguard pulled in 11 million viewers, which accounted for a 47.9% television share. The numbers secured its spot as the biggest new drama the UK has seen in 10 years, a record that it has, reportedly, achieved by a long shot.

As mentioned, popular British shows tend to do well in the United States, so there's reason to suspect Bodyguard will have some success in America. It definitely helps that the drama is led by Game of Thrones' Richard Madden, who still has folks stateside crying over the loss of Robb Stark. Of course, we may never actually know if the series is a hit in the good old U.S.A., given Netflix's secrecy regarding its viewership statistics. Regardless of how it performs, it appears the chances of a Season 2 happening at The BBC are high given its ratings triumph, which means Netflix would probably continue to carry the series no matter how it performs on streaming.

Americans will see how Bodyguard fares when it makes its Netflix premiere Wednesday, October 24, at 12:01 PT. For a look at other fall television shows arriving over the next few months, visit our fall premiere guide.

It's always nice when we get to see some of our favorite actors on screen again, even if they aren't playing the characters we know them for the best. Now, actor Richard Madden, who brought Robb Stark to life on Game of Thrones, has found himself a new role in a crazy new show.

Richard Madden has signed on to star in the Amazon pilot Strange New Things. The sci-fi drama is set in outer space and is being billed as a 10 episode event series for the streaming service. Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies) is writing the pilot and also working as an executive producer on the pilot, while Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland) will work behind the camera as director on the episode. Producer duties will also be taken up by Andy Harries (Strike Back) and Lila Rawlings of Left Bank Productions, according to TVLine.

The pilot, and eventual show if it receives a series order from Amazon, is being based on the 2014 science fiction novel The Book of Strange New Things by Dutch-born author Michel Faber. The story centers on Peter Leigh, an English pastor who decides to leave his wife Beatrice behind on Earth to work as a missionary on a distant planet known as Oasis. He's been hired by a private corporation to preach and teach the native inhabitants about Christianity, and expects to be met with hostility, but finds, upon his arrival, that they are very welcoming, already speak English and are even devotees of Christianity already. The story then focuses on his trials as he works with the native population and also yearns for his wife back home, as she reports on the natural disasters that seem to be plaguing the planet since Peter left Earth. The Book of Strange New Things was widely praised by critics, including those from i09, The Guardian, New York Times and NPR.

While Richard Madden ended his three season run on Game of Thrones in 2013, the actor has kept busy in the past three years. The former Robb Stark has appeared in a number of film and TV projects since his time on the show. He's worked on A Promise, the TV mini-series Klondike, Medici: Masters of Florence, Bastille Day, Lady Chatterley's Lover, and the big screen, live action remake of Cinderella. Strange New Things is his most recent project.

The actor who brought the earnest, likeable, hard-working and well-meaning Robb Stark to life sounds like the perfect man to play a missionary on a strange planet. Richard Madden is always a pleasure to watch work, so I'm sure he'll make Strange New Things a show to look out for on Amazon. There's no word yet on when the pilot will air, but it's likely that it will hit the streaming service next year during pilot season.

It's official! Disney has issued a press release naming Richard Madden as the Prince in their upcoming live-action re-imagining of Cinderella. The Scottish actor, who is best known for playing Robb Stark (King of the North!) on Game of Thrones, will be joining a cast that includes Downton Abbey's Lily James as the titular princess, and the ever-elegant Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine.

Madden was first mentioned as a contender for the part of Prince Charming back when James was facing callbacks, along with other potential Cinderellas, Bella Heathcoate (Dark Shadows), and Margot Robbie (Pan Am). With its leads finally secured, Cinderella is closer than ever before to stepping into production. It's been a rocky road to get this far.

You might remember that last winter the project was considering three different ingénues (Saoirse Ronan, Alicia Vikander, and Gabriella Wilde), back when Mark Romanek was lined up to direct. But by January he'd be dumped for the project over concerns he was making the fairy tale adaptation too dark for Disney's liking. By month's end, Kenneth Branagh committed to helm and soon Emma Watson was in talks for the lead…until she left to be Belle in Guillermo del Toro's forthcoming Beauty in the Beast. But let's get back to Madden.

Admittedly, I am only familiar with him as the noble and oft-brooding Rob Stark. But on Game of Thrones he's shown a skill with drama as well as a gift for winning the hearts of ladies onscreen and off. He definitely make a dashing Prince Charming. And with a script by comedy scribes Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada) and Chris Weitz (About a Boy), it seems he'll have the opportunity to try his hand at warmth and whimsy too. I'm imaging Rob Stark mixed with Adventure Time's Prince Gumball, and I dig it.