Jacob Elordi has re-entered the Bond conversation with reports of a significant rumor that he has met directly with Bond 26 director Denis Villeneuve. A meeting at that level strongly suggests he’s beyond the speculative phase and into serious contention. If cast, Elordi would become only the second Australian Bond after George Lazenby, and at 6’5″, by far the tallest actor to play the role. That physical presence alone would mark a notable departure from tradition, potentially giving Bond a more imposing, commanding screen persona.

That said, Elordi may also be too much of a departure since he’d be the most famous Bond actor at the outset of his tenure, buoyed by major television success and an Oscar-nominated performance in Frankenstein. Historically, the role has benefited from actors who could grow into Bond rather than redefine it overnight. While I’m not entirely sold, I’m warming to the idea, but it’d be risky to say the least.