Damian Lewis has admitted that he thinks James Bond is a ‘bad’ spy – due in part to the ‘endless mistakes’ he makes.
The actor has been highly tipped to replace Daniel Craig in the role of the iconic British character, and he believes that being ‘bad’ helps make the character ‘fun’.
Speaking to The Observer, he said: ‘The great thing about Bond is how bad a spy he is, and how brilliant he is in recovering his position. Bond makes endless mistakes.
‘That’s what’s fun about him, and then he has to do something extraordinary to recover himself.’
Damian has also taken on his first role in the spy docu-drama Damian Lewis: Spy Wars, and spoke about why he has become so interested in the ‘motives’ of spies.
‘I find the different reasons for turning traitor or being a hero, depending on your view, are often quite grubby and banal,’ he continued.
‘I’m interested in the motives of these spies. That’s the series we’ve tried to make.’
The 48-year-old presents the eight-part series, which will cover some of the most significant espionage operations over the past 40 years.
He also co-produced the series, which will premiere on the History Channel on 7 October, alongside his brother, Gareth Lewis and British production company Alaska TV.
And while Damian himself could be in the running to play James Bond, there have also been rumours that the next incarnation of the character could in fact be a woman.
Former 007 star, Pierce Brosnan, previously showed support for a female version of the spy, but his comments have been met with some criticism – notably Piers Morgan.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he confessed: ‘I think it’s pathetic. Absolutely pathetic virtue-signalling nonsense.
‘The campaign to save James Bond starts right here. They’re not changing James Bond to a woman on my watch.’
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