British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed says his new Prime Video comedy series Bait is his official audition to play James Bond. The actor spoke about the connection while promoting the show, which follows a struggling actor whose life goes viral after he auditions for 007. Ahmed also playfully reacted to rumors that another star might land the coveted role.
Bait starts streaming on March 25 on Prime Video worldwide. The six-episode series will be available all at once for members in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and over 240 other countries and territories.
How Riz Ahmed Joked About Jacob Elordi Bond Rumors
During a recent interview with Variety, Ahmed and his co-star Guz Khan discussed the constant rumors about who will be the next James Bond. The actor stated his own position clearly.
“I don’t mind who plays James Bond as long as it is me,” Ahmed said.
When the interviewer mentioned that Euphoria star Jacob Elordi has recently been named a top contender for the role, co-star Guz Khan added his own take.
“You know, the more interviews we do, the more I’m convinced it’s absolutely not gonna be you,” Khan joked, before saying to the interviewer, “You said Jacob Elordi? I don’t even know who that is, but it’s likely that he’s gonna be James Bond over Riz Ahmed”.
In a lighthearted moment, Ahmed pretended to be upset and walked off the set. He returned shortly after to continue the chat. Ahmed connected his new show directly to the real-world 007 casting process, referencing the film that helped Daniel Craig get the part years ago.
“Everyone has an audition for Bond. Daniel Craig’s was ‘Layer Cake’… This is my audition for Bond. I dare anyone to watch this show and think we shouldn’t play Bond”.
What “Bait” Is About and Its Connection to James Bond
The show is a comedy that blends different styles. It is described as part funny psychodrama, part satire, and part spy thriller. Ahmed created the series and stars as Shah Latif, a down-on-his-luck British-Pakistani actor from London.
The story begins with Shah getting a big chance: an audition to become the next James Bond. His screen test does not go well, and he leaves feeling he failed. However, a photographer takes his picture outside the studio. That single photo sparks a massive online rumor that Shah is the top pick for 007. The false news goes viral, especially on platforms like TikTok, where many users are excited by the idea of a non-white actor playing Bond. Shah suddenly finds himself in a media storm, with his family, ex-girlfriend, and complete strangers all giving their opinion on whether he is right for the part.
Ahmed explained that while Bond drives the plot, the show is about bigger, more relatable ideas.
“To be honest, this show is not about Bond,” Ahmed said. “James Bond in our show is a symbol of what my character wants to be, the ultra alpha-male. He just wants to be someone else, which so many of us want to be. That’s the relatable part”.
He said the series came from his own notes about the contradictions in modern life and the feeling that people are always performing for others.
“What inspired it is sometimes life feels like one big audition. We’re all trying to prove ourselves online, chasing the validation of strangers and looking for approval. I wanted to make a show that explores that”.
Exploring Identity and Backlash in the Series
As Shah’s name trends online, his life begins to spin out of control over four chaotic days. The sudden fame is a double-edged sword. While his career gets a major boost, he also faces a harsh racist backlash. In one intense scene from the show, a severed pig’s head is thrown through the window of his Muslim parents’ home.
The series looks at the pressure Shah feels from trying to belong in different worlds. He wants to be accepted as a successful British actor and make his parents proud, but faces prejudice and his own deep doubts. Ahmed hopes audiences will see their own struggles in Shah’s story.
“Look, obviously there’s some of me in Shah. But I hope there’s some of everyone in Shah, in the sense that he’s looking for love in all of the wrong places,” Ahmed said. “We’re chasing the likes of strangers rather than loving ourselves”.
Cast and Crew Behind the Prime Video Series
The show features a strong supporting cast. Comedian Guz Khan plays Shah’s cousin Zulfi. Ritu Arya (The Umbrella Academy) plays his ex-girlfriend Yasmin. The cast also includes Sheeba Chaddha, Sajid Hasan, Aasiya Shah, and Weruche Opia.
In a surprising casting choice, acting legend Sir Patrick Stewart has a special role written just for him. Ahmed said Stewart told him he had “never read anything quite like this”.
Ahmed is the showrunner alongside Ben Karlin. The series is produced by Left Handed Films and Jax Media for Amazon MGM Studios.
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The Real James Bond Casting Process and Current Rumors
Ahmed’s comments come amid intense, ongoing speculation about who will succeed Daniel Craig as the new 007. Amazon acquired the MGM studio and now controls the Bond franchise. The next film is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve (Dune) from a script by Steven Knight.
Recent rumors have pointed to several actors. Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner are two names frequently mentioned by bookmakers and in media reports. Other names that have been linked to the role in the past include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Tom Hardy.
However, industry reports caution that nearly all the rumors are false. An insider close to the franchise said the casting will not be decided until the script is finished and Villeneuve knows exactly what he needs from the actor. Some reports suggest an official announcement might not happen until the middle of 2026.
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