CILLIAN MURPHY could be the man with the golden gong on Sunday night if he proves the bookies right and wins the best actor Oscar for Oppenheimer.
And now I can exclusively reveal that he is joining the race to take over from Daniel Craig as the next James Bond.
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Cillian Murphy is now in the running to take Daniel Craig’s place as the next James BondCredit: Mega Agency
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Daniel left the franchise after his fifth appearance as a secret agent in 2021’s No Time To Die Credit: Getty
Film bosses are still on the hunt for a new 007, after Daniel decided to ditch his Walther PPK after his fifth outing as the secret agent in 2021’s No Time To Die.
And the Peaky Blinders actor has now caught their eye after starring in Oppenheimer, which cleared up during awards season.
A source said: “Cillian is the star of Hollywood at the moment and this would be the best role.
“This is a way to elevate the Bond franchise with an actor at the top of his game.”
Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has been following Cillian closely for the past year.
However, work on the 26th film featuring writer Ian Fleming’s secret agent is not expected to begin until later next year at the earliest.
Clay Bunker, who starred opposite Cillian in Oppenheimer, is also backing him as the next Bond – citing his roles as gangster Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders and Scarecrow in The Dark Knight trilogy.
Clay said, “He would do well. I
“It’s funny because Cillian is the kindest man but he has a dark side and there’s a darkness in Bond.
“We forget that Bond is sometimes like the character that Fleming created – quite a dark character.
James Bond fans are convinced they know who the next 007 is after A-list stars drop big hint
“He happens to be on the side we call good. Cillian has that ability to take advantage of that.
“We’ve seen it in something like Peaky Blinders, even in Batman when he plays the Scarecrow — countless other movies he’s done.
“But he himself has goodness.
“He has focus, which is also very James Bond.
“When he’s on a mission, he can do it.
“Cillian used it all. He can do anything.”
Another of Cillian’s co-stars from the atomic bomb epic, Christina Hogue, said that the end of the last 007 film provided an ideal opportunity to introduce a different Bond.
She explained: “It leaves the canvas wide open for something completely new.
“And when Daniel Craig did that, he was breaking the mold.”
I couldn’t imagine a better Bond.
Cillian was so brooding as Tommy Shelby and I think he could have done more than 007 justice.
OH, KRISTEN
I CAN feel the anger just looking at Kristen Stewart’s latest red carpet outfit.
The Twilight actress wore this incredibly uncomfortable leotard to the premiere of Love Lies Bleeding in Beverly Hills.
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Kristen Stewart wore this incredibly uncomfortable leotard to the premiere of Love Lies Bleeding in Beverly HillsCredit: Getty
This isn’t the first time Kristen has made headlines for her bold style this year.
This month, she appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine wearing straps and a leather vest.
This caused quite a stir, but Kristen hit back at her critics by saying that she likes to take her style to the next level.
She said: “The existence of a female body forcing any kind of sexuality on you that isn’t exclusively for straight men is something that people aren’t really comfortable with and so I’m really pleased.”
Kudos Kristen, I say, but I’ll stick with my baggy jeans.
Bizbit
PERRIE EDWARDS has spent years perfecting her solo music and may have accidentally given away some important information about it.
The Little Mix singer hosted a drinks party for her Modesta management team last night, and the company posted a snap of the bar on Instagram.
Zooming in on the video, fans noticed that their cocktails and mocktails are called Forget Me Not.
They are now convinced that Perrie’s debut single has that title.
BEG’S STRENGTHENING OF EARTH
COUNTRY music has never been cooler, with Beyonce at number one for a third week with her single Texas Hold ‘Em.
And tomorrow’s Country To Country festival kicks off here, with three days of incredible live music from some of the genre’s biggest stars in London, Glasgow and Belfast.
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Beyonce is at number one for a third week with her single Texas Hold ‘EmCredit: Getty
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Kane Brown performs at the Country To Country festival in London, Glasgow and BelfastCredit: Getty
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Broadcast legend Bob Harris hosts the three-day eventCredit: PA: Press Association
I caught up with headliner Kane Brown before his shows, who told me he has something very special in store for his fans.
Kane, who has worked with artists including HER and Camila Cabello, said: “I usually have high energy shows but I’ve noticed when I come here they like deep cuts.
“I have a new song called Fiddle In The Band, but I’m not sure if my band will have it ready or not.
“My last song, I Can Feel It, will be the first time I play it here.”
Broadcasting legend Bob Harris is hosting the three-day event in London and told me he can’t wait to watch Kane play live.
In an exclusive interview, Bob said: “Country music is coming to the fore now and for someone like me, who has been in this track for so long, it’s great to see country growing and great black artists enriching the country music, music.
“Kane is one of the most successful.”
Of the new wave of country music, Bob added, “Beyonce is this moment.
“What’s also fantastic about her record is that one of the people on it is one of the most outstanding musicians, Rhiannon Giddens.
“Rhiannon is a true American artist with black roots. She is amazing.
“For Beyonce, it’s huge in itself to invite people with real authenticity on that record.”
I’ve got my cowboy boots ready to go – and I’ll see you there.
Bizbit
NEW Voice UK judge Leann Rimes is coming here for a one-off gig before she sits on the show’s rotating red chairs.
And he’ll be in good company when he takes the stage at London’s O2 arena on May 8.
Nina Nesbitt has been confirmed as support for the show, with more special guests to be announced.
JAX AND JADE’S BANGER
HE has had one hit after another in the past few years.
But DJ Jax Jones told me he thinks he might be at his peak after recording with Jade Thirlwall.
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DJ Jax Jones told me he thinks he could be sitting on his biggest hit after recording with Jade ThrillwallCredits: Rex
Jax and the Little Mix star hit the studio nearly two years ago, but the song never saw the light of day. And Jax, whose new single Never Be Lonely, featuring Zoe Wees, has just come out, told me he wants to release Jade’s song.
He said: “It’s a good song. If he wants to use it, it’s there.
“Miley Cyrus and Pharrell Williams released the Doctor, which was recorded years ago, so you never know what’s going to happen.
“But I know I wrote cool music with Jade and we’re still cool and we’re rockin’.”
HE did not hide his passion for psychedelics in the past.
Now it seems Jaden Smith likes funny looking fags.
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Jaden Smith was spotted leaving a party after Louis Vuitton Fashion Week in ParisCredit: Mega Agency
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Jaden was spotted looking suspiciously at the fag Credit: Mega Agency
The musician, son of Hollywood A-listers Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, was spotted leaving the Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week after-party.
Jaden was out with the stars, including Sophie Turner, partying at Maxim’s until 3am.
Speaking about trying psychedelics, Jaden said: “My mom was the first one to take that step for the family.”
My mom thinks mushrooms are only for cooking. . .
ELLA SETS SIGHTS KY HIGH
Rising star Kamille helped Kylie Minogue write her latest album Tension.
And now another British singer is also looking to get in on the action with the Aussie.
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Ella Henderson wants to work with Kylie MinogueCredit: Getty
Ella Henderson said: “I think this past year in particular has been amazing for music, and for women in music.
“To be a small part of that is an amazing feeling.
“My favorite Kylie song is I Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.
“He’s cool just because of the video. Ali Padam is a new era of Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.
“One of my goals is to get in the studio with Kylie, even if it’s writing a record for her.
“I love writing with other artists so it would be a shame to do something with Kylie.”
I think you’ll be joining a long line, Ella, but it would be great to see it happen.
Bizbit
ZOE BALL will take time out of her Radio 2 breakfast show to care for her mum Julia after she discovered she has cancer.
The presenter said yesterday: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful mum Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.
“These are extremely difficult times, mom is incredibly brave.
“I send love to the people reading this book who are battling cancer, waiting for a diagnosis and also people who are caring for loved ones who are unwell.”
She added: “I try to be at work for breakfast as often as I can, but occasionally I have to be at home with my mum.”
A SHAVED WOMAN
It’s good to see Raye still keeping it real after breaking records at the Brit Awards over the weekend.
The Escapism singer stripped down as she took to the stage at the Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane for an intimate gig.
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Raye took her shoes off as she took to the stage at the Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane for an intimate performance Credit: Dave Bennett
Raye was a special guest at Secret Socials and played a stunning set featuring some of the standout tracks from her album My 21st Century Blues.
She took home an incredible six gongs during the ceremony on Saturday and partied until the early hours with her family to celebrate.
Hard earned, Ray, but enjoy the spoils. You deserve it.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education