The producers are looking for an actor who will commit for at least 10 years of films.

Agent 007, James Bond, is one of the most iconic characters in film history, which is impressive considering how many different man have stood in his expertly-shined shoes. The 60th anniversary of the character’s first film is coming up in October, and the producers of the 007 films are looking to get a new actor into the role by then. They don’t have a projected end for their search just yet, though.

007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson recently spoke to Variety about their ongoing hunt, and what being 007 would actually entail for prospective actors. To give an example, the duo had been considering actor Idris Elba, but Elba said that he doesn’t really see himself in the role. The duo were understanding of this.

“The thing is, it’s going to be a couple of years off,” said Broccoli “And when we cast Bond, it’s a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he’s probably thinking, ‘Do I really want that thing? Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it].”

Wilson added, “And he was in his early 30s at the time!”

James Bond Producers Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson on Looking for the Next 007 https://t.co/y1l19ociVe

— Variety (@Variety) September 21, 2022

The duo have stressed that, rather than just filling a role in a movie, they need someone who can commit to being the face of an entire brand for a very long time. “That’s why, when people go, ‘Oh, who are you going to get?’ it’s not just about casting an actor for a film. It’s about a reinvention, and ‘Where are we taking it? What do we want to do with the character?’” says Broccoli. “And then, once we figure that out, who’s the right person for that particular reinvention?

“With [Craig], when we had the conversation at this very table about, you know, [whether he was] going to do it, he said, ‘Well, I’m going to do it. I really want to be a part of it, the whole thing.’ And he lived to regret that,” Broccoli said, laughing. “But it’s a big commitment. It’s not just showing up for a couple of months of filming.”