Kelly Ripa has ambitious plans to turn her husband, Mark Consuelos, into the next 007. During the May 19 episode of LIVE, the hosts discussed that auditions have started for the next James Bond. Variety reported that Amazon MGM Studios and casting director Nina Gold were searching for the new British spy.
The ABC star teased her husband and prompted him to "look into the camera" with a Bond-inspired smolder. "Yeah, I don't think that’s going to happen," said Mark. The show then projected an AI-generated image of Mark dressed in a sleek tuxedo while holding a gun.
"I'd love to play a Bond villain," Mark revealed. "But look at your face. Look at this face! This face screams James Bond," replied Kelly. However, Mark disagreed and shared that directors were likely "looking elsewhere" for the lead role.
© Getty Images for Accessories Cou"So you’re turning down the offer," said Kelly. "I'm turning it down. I don't want to do it," said Mark. "Nah, yeah I’m not doing it. I don’t want to do that. I’ll be a Bond villain."
Kelly then revealed who would be her second choice for the iconic role. "Matt Bomer. Matt Bomer is our American James Bond," she shared. "He is James Bond. Period. Look no further. I’ve solved the problem."
Mark is currently starring in the Broadway show Fallen Angels. Fallen Angels began previews on March 27 before opening on April 19, ending its limited engagement on June 7 at the Todd Haimes Theatre.
© Getty ImagesJames Bond
The latest instalment of the franchise is suspected to be hitting our screens in 2028. There have been recent reports that Callum Turner has signed on to play the next 007, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesHELLO!'s Acting TV and Film Editor, Nicky Morris, explains: "Callum Turner feels like the perfect choice for James Bond. Not only does he fit the brief when it comes to his physique, being 6 '1, dark-haired and stereotypically good-looking, but he's also 35, meaning he can commit to multiple films over the course of a decade or so. Plus, while he's certainly a big name, partly due to his relationship with Dua Lipa, as well as parts in Masters of the Air, The Boys in the Boat and The Capture, he's yet to have a career-defining role. Could this be his big moment? I think so."
The last James Bond movie was No Time to Die, which was released in UK cinemas on September 30, 2021. The film was Daniel Craig's fifth and final appearance as 007.
