The internet is backing this gay, British star from Netflix’s Boots to be the next 007

Who will be the next James Bond is an ongoing debate, and now another British, gay actor has been thrown into the mix. And it’s not Jonathan Bailey this time.

Max Parker, formerly of Emmerdale and more recently Netflix’s military drama, Boots, has been mentioned as a potential candidate, and the idea has received a lot of support already from those on the internet.

Parker starred in Boots as Sgt. Sullivan, a tough figure who hides his homosexuality due to it being illegal in the 1990s when the drama is set. The US military ended its ban on gay people serving when president Bill Clinton’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed in 2011. 

Posting on Threads on Tuesday (11 November) one person shared an image of a shirtless and ripped Parker from Boots as well as one of the actor’s headshots.

The person wrote underneath, “I wonder what the public would think if the next James Bond were played by a gay actor, since I can introduce you to one, he’s English and still young, try Max Parker (Boots on Netflix). There is no right or wrong opinions, so just comment down below.”

One person displayed a great attitude towards the topic sharing, “Acting is a job. I don’t care about his irl sexual preference, he looks like a badass that could play Bond.” Another showed their support writing, “Max Parker would be a fantastic Bond.”

Someone else said Parker would be the “perfect choice,” while another added, “A good actor is a good actor. Sexual preferences are irrelevant.”

Some people have speculated in the past that producers might opt for an actor who isn’t such a big name already. We’re talking people like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and probably now, Jonathan Bailey, the Sexiest Man Alive.

If that is the thinking, then someone like Parker would be ideal for Bond, as he has had some recognition already, but isn’t yet an A-lister. Others have also discussed the idea of a Black actor being Bond, or Bond generally being a more diverse character.

Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the next Bond, reportedly wants to cast his Bond after wrapping on Dune 3. Deadline reported in September that the director is seeking a British “fresh face” for the role, increasing Parker’s chances.

On Tuesday (11 November) a screenshot was shared to X/Twitter seemingly from the Dune 3 wrap party.

All episodes of Boots are streaming now on Netflix. 

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.