Specifically, Powell said:
“I’m Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond. […] My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.”
Powell’s comment about Jimmy Bond may be an allusion to the 1954 episode of the American TV series “Climax!” that adapted Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale” to the small screen. That TV episode featured a very American 007 named Jimmy Bond, played by Barry Nelson. Since then, no Americans have played James Bond, and some fans would feel an American Bond would be offensive; as Powell feels, the character should be an authentic Brit.
It should further be noted, though, that not every James Bond actor has been an “authentic Brit.” Sean Connery, who has played James Bond in seven movies, was a Scottish man born in Edinburgh. David Niven, who played the character in 1967’s “Casino Royale,” a wild, comedic riff on James Bond, was indeed British; born in London. That film, however, features many characters taking on the mantle of James Bond, including Peter Sellers (British), Joanna Pettit (Canadian), Dalia Lavi (Israeli), Woody Allen (American), and Barbara Bouchet (Italian-German). George Lazenby played Bond in 1969’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” and he’s an Australian born in Goulburn.
Roger Moore was born in London, making him the second Brit to tackle the role, but his successor, Timothy Dalton, was born in Wales. And ’90s-era James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, was born in Ireland. Daniel Craig, who ended his tenure with the role in 2021, is one of only a few Brits to play the part, having been born in Cheshire.
While the character does hail from England, the actors hail from across the Isles and all over the world. Powell may not want to play the part, but there’s no reason a Texan shouldn’t play the role if he’s convincing enough.
