Even though the next instalment of the now Daniel Craig-less James Bond franchise—codenamed Bond 26—is at least two years away, the rumours of who might become the eighth actor to take on the iconic role persist.
The recent rumours of Aaron Taylor-Johnson being cast as the world’s most famous secret agent, got us to wondering. If background and ethnicity was no object, which Arab actor would make a great James Bond?
There’s certainly been a real buzz around the MENA film and TV scene of late, with an exciting crop of actors starting to gain global attention. While the likes of Ramy Youssef and Mo Amer might not quite fit the bill—unless Bond franchise controllers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are really thinking outside the box—others such as Dali Benssalah and Oscar-winner Rami Malek have already played opposite Bond as an assassin and super villain respectively.
So, here’s how Esquire Middle East sees the role working out…
Amir El Masry
The latest addition to the Esquire Middle East cover star collective, Amir El Masry is arguably the most intriguing option. As a British-Egyptian, he’s the one guy on this list who could feasibly land the role of Bond—Broccoli said in 2021 that any 007 should be British. But we’re not simply picking him based on passport alone. With recent big performances in The Crown, not to mention a BAFTA Breakthrough award for the film Limbo, and (most fittingly) his recent role as an MI5 agent in Vigil, El Masry is a man who could excel in the long-term demands required of the Bond role.
Dhafer L’Abidine
The July 2021 Esquire Middle East cover star, Dhafer L’Abidine has all the life experience Bond producers are looking for right now. A former professional footballer with matinee idol looks, we’re certain the Tunisian actor could handle a tux and parkour-loving, knife-wielding assassin with equal measure.
Tahar Rahim
There’s a case to say that Esquire Middle East’s June 2021 cover star (we’re not just choosing previous cover stars here, honest) has a reputation for being more on-screen villain than a saviour, but maybe that’s why it could work? Versatile and always a little edgy, The Serpent star could capitalise on Bond’s detached MO and take him to some really dark places.
Asser Yassin
One of the hardest-working men in MENA film and TV, Yassin just proved his rock star credentials during a stellar turn in the Arabic version of Suits. The Egyptian actor is truly finding his form right now—and was our cover star back in June 2022 (hang on, maybe we are just choosing previous cover stars!).
Bassel Khaiat
We have to admit we really like Bassel Khaiat for the role. A mainstay of Ramadan TV season, he’s classed as part of the Syrian Rat Pack (alongside Kosai Khauli, Taim Hasan and Maxim Khalil). And if he doesn’t work out as Bond, then we’re certain the guy has the looks and chops to go the other way, proving a perfect villain for Bond 26. Now that’s versatility!