Is Stuart Martin the Next James Bond?

Stuart Martin, the 39-year-old Scottish actor known for his tough, gun-wielding roles, might just be the next James Bond. While he's not yet as well-known as some other contenders, Martin has been steadily building an impressive career over the past decade, making waves with his roles in projects like Army of Thieves and Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Martin has reportedly been in discreet talks with Eon Productions, the studio behind the iconic James Bond franchise, sparking speculation that he could be the next 007. If chosen, he would be the first Scottish actor to play the role since Sean Connery, the original Bond. Connery’s performance in Dr. No (1962) not only cemented his place in cinematic history but also inspired Ian Fleming to infuse Scottish traits into Bond's character.

Stuart Martin in Rebel Moon (@stuart_martin Instagram)

"Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know," shared an LA film consultant familiar with the franchise. "He is in serious contention. No one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again."

While Martin may not have the same level of fame as some of the other actors speculated for the role, fans have been quick to recognise his potential. On Reddit, one user remarked, "Stuart Martin is my pick... he seems to tick all the right boxes." Another chimed in, "That rugged Scottish voice... he is perfect!!!!!"

Martin’s journey to possibly becoming 007 has been far from traditional. He gained initial attention in the 2014 Channel 4 comedy-drama Babylon, followed by roles in Medici: Masters of Florence and Jamestown. However, it was his role as a Victorian police officer in Miss Scarlet and The Duke that truly elevated his career. His portrayal of the tough Bradley Cage in Army of Thieves in 2021 really caught the eye of Bond insiders, with his action-packed performance and natural charisma making him a standout.

To prepare for this role, Martin pushed himself physically, even abandoning alcohol and working hard in the gym. "We got to do some really cool stuff with some of the heists," he said in interview. "And we got to do it all ourselves... Our stunt director had Nathalie Emmanuel and me doing crazy stuff, jumping into the back of moving vans with the camera. It was a lot of fun and looks pretty cool."

Stuart Martin with family(@stuart_martin Instagram)

Discussing his preparation further, Martin shared, “We did boot camp and training camp for a few weeks out in Prague. Stunts and guns and all the physical stuff. Brad is a muscle head, so I was just smashing the gym and training in the months leading up to try and give him that look and feel. And also shed my lockdown fluff.”

As discussions continue, Martin’s name seems to be rising to the top of the list. With his rugged look, Scottish roots, and dedication to physically demanding roles, could Stuart Martin be the actor to follow in Daniel Craig's footsteps and take on the mantle of 007? Only time will tell.

Stuart Martin is a talented Scottish actor born on January 8, 1986, in Scotland. He is widely known for his roles in television and film, steadily gaining attention for his versatile performances across various genres.

Martin first garnered significant recognition for his role in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Babylon in 2014, and continued to rise to prominence with key parts in historical dramas such as Medici: Masters of Florence and Jamestown. His career truly took off with his leading role in the Victorian crime drama Miss Scarlet and The Duke, where he portrayed the rugged detective Bradley Cage.

In 2021, Martin made waves with his action-packed role in Zack Snyder's heist comedy Army of Thieves. His commitment to intense stunts and physical preparation was evident in the film, further showcasing his versatility. He also starred in Dampyr, which added another dimension to his diverse career.

Stuart Martin is set to appear in the highly anticipated Rebel Moon and its sequel, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, solidifying his presence in major upcoming productions.

Stuart Martin with wife Lisa McGrillis (@lisamcgrillis Instagram)

He is married to actress Lisa McGrillis, and the couple has two children together. Martin's growing popularity has sparked speculation about his potential as the next James Bond, thanks to his rugged appearance, impressive physicality, and solid acting chops.

With a promising career in both television and film, Stuart Martin continues to establish himself as one of the industry’s most promising talents.

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