At a Glance
- Amazon’s new Prime Video series Bait follows actor Riz Ahmed as he competes for the next James Bond role.
- The show spans four days between his audition and the decision, capturing family reactions and fan speculation.
- Bait will stream its six episodes on March 25.
- Why it matters: It turns the global hunt for a new Bond into a televised drama, letting viewers witness the pressure behind the iconic role.
Amazon’s first foray into the James Bond franchise is more than a new film; it’s a fresh way to watch the search for the next 007 unfold. Bait places the spotlight on struggling actor Shah Latif, played by Riz Ahmed, as he auditions for the coveted role. The series capitalizes on the worldwide buzz surrounding the upcoming casting decision.
The Premise of Bait
Bait centers on Shah Latif, a hopeful actor whose audition could launch him into stardom. The show follows the four days between the audition and the announcement of the new Bond. During that period, Shah’s family and friends react to the news, ranging from pride to confusion. A memorable moment is when Shah’s father asks, “Did Daniel Craig die?”-a question that hints at the public’s uncertainty about the franchise’s future.
The series is structured as a tight, six-episode arc that builds tension as the decision approaches. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the audition process: the preparation, the performance, the backstage drama, the media frenzy, the family’s emotional journey, and the final outcome. The narrative style mirrors the real-world uncertainty surrounding the next Bond.
Casting Speculation in the Spotlight
Since No Time to Die wrapped, speculation about the next actor has been rampant. Fans have suggested names such as Idris Elba and Henry Cavill, while industry insiders have mentioned Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner. Denis Villeneuve, who directed No Time to Die, has reportedly not yet begun the search for a new lead.
| Candidate | Notable Works | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Idris Elba | The Night Manager, Thor | Rumored |
| Henry Cavill | The Witcher, Mission: Impossible | Rumored |
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson | The Dark Knight Rises, Spider-Man: Homecoming | Rumored |
| Callum Turner | The Last Kingdom, The Crown | Rumored |
The speculation fuels the show’s premise, as Shah’s audition is framed against a backdrop of celebrity rumors and fan expectations. The series uses this context to highlight how the public’s imagination can shape the narrative of a major film franchise.
The Family’s Perspective
Shah’s family is central to Bait‘s emotional core. The reactions captured in the series range from joy at the opportunity to confusion about the implications of a Bond role. The father’s question about Daniel Craig’s fate underscores how the franchise’s legacy is still fresh in the minds of fans.
The family’s dialogue also touches on practical concerns, such as the potential paycheck and the impact on their lives. Their conversation illustrates the personal stakes involved when an actor steps into a role that carries decades of cultural significance.
Production and Release Details
Bait is a Prime Video original that will debut on March 25. The six-episode series was produced to coincide with the announcement of the new James Bond actor, ensuring that viewers can follow the unfolding drama in real time.
Amazon’s decision to release the show on its streaming platform reflects a broader trend of streaming services creating exclusive content tied to major film franchises. By providing a behind-the-scenes look, the platform offers fans a new way to engage with the Bond brand.
Why Viewers Should Watch
The series offers a unique blend of reality-TV style and scripted drama. It gives audiences an inside look at the pressures and hopes of an actor on the brink of a career-defining role. Watching Bait allows viewers to experience the excitement and uncertainty that surround the casting of a global icon.
For fans of the Bond franchise, the show adds depth to the narrative by showing the human side of the selection process. For those curious about the entertainment industry, Bait provides a case study in how media platforms can amplify public interest in a major film event.
Key Takeaways
- Bait dramatizes the four days between an audition and the announcement of the next James Bond.
- The series features Riz Ahmed as Shah Latif and follows his family’s emotional journey.
- Speculation about the next Bond includes Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Callum Turner.
- The six-episode show will stream on Prime Video starting March 25.
- By turning the casting process into a televised narrative, Amazon offers a new way for fans to engage with the franchise.
Final Thoughts
Amazon’s Bait turns the global hunt for a new Bond into a compelling television experience. By focusing on the personal stakes for an aspiring actor and his family, the series brings a fresh perspective to a long-standing franchise. Viewers can expect a mix of drama, speculation, and the inevitable buzz that surrounds the next 007.
