Originally, Lucas had no particular thoughts; after all, the main job of a Hollywood actor is to take on different roles. But now that he calmed down and thought about it, he suddenly understood that series films are a bit different.
Moreover, both the James Bond and Peter Parker roles have already developed their own brand effect, making the selection of actors even more cautious.
But Lucas was slightly surprised, "Did you just say the first one?"
That would mean there's a second and third as well?
Is Anson really that unsuitable for 007?
"Second, age."
"Although MGM didn't limit the age range, the buzz from the producers suggested between 18 and 45. However, that doesn't mean MGM would actually choose an 18-year-old for James Bond."
"An 18-year-old James Bond could cause the whole film to skew toward a teenage audience, especially at the expense of 007's appeal to women—something MGM absolutely doesn't want."
"If James Bond were 18, he would still be in spy school, and the entire story would unfold in a completely different way."
"My personal guess is that MGM would still prefer to choose an actor around 35, matching the target audience's market positioning and aligning with the prime age for Hollywood actors."
All along, Anson knew that for now, age, like being typecast as a pretty face, was a limiting label blocking his path to more roles.
In the original history, after Pierce Brosnan prepared to step down, Henry Cavill was once a candidate for James Bond. The young British actor had performed exceptionally well in the auditions, impressing at least four producers.
At that time, Henry Cavill was practically confirmed as the new James Bond!
However, after countless meetings between the producers and the studio, they ultimately dismissed the idea for one reason: Henry's youth—
In 2003, Henry was only 20 years old.
Actually, it wasn't just MGM and the 007 producers' decision. It was more about the global market's positioning. Compared to the teen market, mainstream commercial films target working and financially stable adults. Naturally, the choice of actors needs to reflect that.
In the end, Henry stumbled at the final hurdle.
The 007 team restarted the audition process, and Daniel Craig emerged as the new Bond. At that time, he was only 35, making him the youngest James Bond ever.
For this reason, the production team defined this Bond as a fledgling James Bond—slightly reckless and raw, prone to mistakes, and more reliant on physical combat. The first film in the series was also based on the original "Casino Royale," the first book in the 007 series.
From this perspective, considering Anson for "Walk the Line" was already an exception because the role spanned from age 20 to over 40, a range that was no less challenging than "Catch Me If You Can."
The difference was that in "Catch Me If You Can," young Frank Abagnale was mostly 17, a role Anson could effortlessly handle; in "Walk the Line," Johnny Cash was often in his 30s, making Joaquin a more suitable choice.
"Additionally..."
Anson paused slightly.
Lucas didn't hide his surprise, "There's more?"
Anson nodded, "Fame."
Lucas didn't understand.
Anson continued to explain.
"007 is a spy, at least in name, and the series always prefers actors who aren't too famous to avoid audiences forming preconceived notions."
"And me, I'm too famous now. In other projects, that might be an advantage, but for the 007 series, it could be a disadvantage—perhaps even preventing me from getting to the audition stage."
A hint of surprise flickered in Lucas's eyes.
Anson added, "Also, every James Bond actor to date has been British."
Lucas: ...
Anson shrugged, "It's one of the three prides of British pop culture—007, Doctor Who, and Sherlock Holmes. They insist that these roles be played by British actors to resist the intrusion of other countries' pop culture. This is a market-based decision, and you can't blame them for it."
In fact, based on Anson's knowledge of later events, after Daniel Craig's departure, the 007 team had considered breaking conventions to embrace modern trends—
A Black Bond? An American Bond? A female Bond? Or even a 20-year-old Bond?
They contemplated pushing the boundaries and opening up a new landscape because when Daniel Craig took over, he faced a wave of criticism from the media and the public for not being handsome or elegant enough, even looking somewhat rugged. This completely shattered people's traditional image of James Bond; no one expected that a younger Daniel would inject new life into the series, rejuvenating 007.
Given that success, why not go all out?
As a result, various rumors circulated for over three years about Daniel Craig's successor, filling every corner of the media. Even reports of Daniel potentially returning for another film were persistent. By the time Anson crossed over, there was still no clear answer.
The latest reports indicated that an actor had already been offered the contract and was awaiting signature—
Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Yes, the same actor who played young Anson in "The Butterfly Effect."
In the end, the 007 team remained conservative. Look at the labels on Aaron Taylor-Johnson:
British. Thirty-five (the age when preparing to sign the contract). Male. White.
While he wasn't another Daniel Craig, he was practically chosen based on the same template.
Surprised? Unexpected?
And that's twenty years from now, so in 2003, Anson was highly skeptical that the 007 series would seriously consider him for James Bond.
Lucas didn't know much about the film industry, but he was smart enough to grasp the depth in Anson's words, "So, Edgar still insists you audition?"
Anson shrugged, "Hey, it's 007, everyone's dream. When the opportunity arises, who could bear to miss it?"
Then he added, "Besides, it's a great marketing strategy."
Imagine TMZ's latest headline—
"Anson Wood Could Be the Next James Bond!"
It would undoubtedly drive traffic, igniting heated discussions that could benefit both Anson and 007. The hype alone could give the film a solid boost of anticipation.
Of course, there would also be controversy, and it's likely people in the UK wouldn't favor this possibility.
But regardless, tying Anson to another iconic franchise after "Spider-Man" would be a direct testament to his current meteoric rise, even allowing him to take his career to the next level and avenge Sony Columbia's recent backroom tactics perfectly.
So, from a marketing perspective alone, Edgar wouldn't want to miss this significant opportunity.
Lucas didn't agree, shaking his head slightly, "I don't think Edgar is doing it just for the marketing. He might genuinely believe you have a chance."