The White House recently stirred up controversy by posting an image depicting former President Donald Trump in the iconic role of James Bond. The post, which appeared on Saturday, May 16, caught the attention of comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who used his platform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to voice his bemusement over the suggestion.
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During his episode on Monday, May 18, Kimmel made light of the White House’s claim that Trump could take on the 007 mantle amidst ongoing casting calls for the next film in the series. The comedian quipped, “Grab ’em by the Octopussy, we got a new James Bond in town!” This comment was a playful nod to Trump’s controversial past remarks and was part of a routine that highlighted the absurdity of the idea.
Kimmel went on to contextualise the post, linking it to Trump’s current political climate, remarking, “I think 007 is his approval rating right now.” He elaborated further on the stark contrast between the president’s ambitions and the realities facing his administration, which include rising inflation, a costly war, and general unpopularity. “Imagine a very unpopular president, in the middle of a very unpopular war, and the cost of everything is skyrocketing…” Kimmel said, criticising Trump for appearing more focused on grandiose social media posts than pressing national issues.
The day before Kimmel’s jibe, Trump had shared an altered image of himself wielding an alien, which also played into the comedian’s commentary about the former president’s penchant for the dramatic. Kimmel remarked on Trump’s activity on Truth Social, noting that at such a critical time, focusing on whimsical fantasies may not resonate well with the electorate.
The White House’s post featuring Trump dressed as a suave secret agent was timed with Amazon MGM Studios announcing auditions for the next James Bond film. As fans of the franchise are keenly aware, Daniel Craig wrapped up his tenure as Bond with five films from 2006 to 2021, leaving Hollywood buzzing over who might don the iconic tuxedo next.
In the casting search, reports indicate that director Denis Villeneuve and casting director Nina Gold are looking for a lesser-known British actor to take on the role. Amazon MGM Studios had previously stated, “While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
Furthermore, Variety confirmed that the auditions began a few weeks prior, with Amazon MGM Studios emphasising that their creative team has been developing the next Bond film for several months. The film will also see notable producers, including Amy Pascal and David Heyman, ensuring that the project remains a significant event on the cinematic calendar.
In a light-hearted remark about Bond’s future, past actor Pierce Brosnan suggested in an August 2025 interview that a “senior citizen” could aptly embody the character, in a nod to the more mature actors in the industry. He expressed optimism about the search, stating, “There are many great candidates out there, and I’m sure they’re going to make it a spectacle of delight.”
Kimmel’s humorous critique appears to echo a wider sentiment regarding the disconnect between political ambitions and public perception. With Trump’s image gain, the juxtaposition of a former president imagining himself as an action hero, while national and global issues loom large, is evidently irksome to many commentators.
Airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” continues to serve as a platform for reflection and satire, particularly as it relates to current events. Whether Trump will seek to capitalise on his newfound association with a legendary character remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kimmel will undoubtedly have his say on the matter as the news unfolds.
As the search for the next James Bond gathers momentum, it will surely capture the attention of both fans and critics alike, diving deeper into the complexities of casting in modern cinema.