For your eyes only, here’s a lost of potential James Bonds - all with Wearside connections.
What if 007 could only be chosen from Sunderland-born stars? We asked AI technology to pick a shortlist of 9 potential Bonds as the search for the next actor to play the iconic character is stepped up.
It told us: “While Wearside has plenty of talent, a strictly "Mackem 007" requires picking between Hollywood grit, soap charm, or some very unconventional athletic picks.”
Here is the list of possible choices and it’s enough to leave you positively shaken, not stirred. Have a look and see if you agree.
And if you want more 007 coverage, the Sunderland Echo has its own page which is dedicated to James Bond.
1. Bryan Ferry
The Washington-born Roxy Music frontman, pictured here in 1974, 'is the visual definition of tuxedo elegance. His Bond would be pure velvet romance, defeating villains purely through mid-century jazz bar charm, said AI. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2. Callum Keith Rennie
Sunderland-born Callum Keith Rennie is 'the closest thing Sunderland has to a classic, gritty Daniel Craig-style Bond' says AI. He has the rugged look, the action-heavy resume (Battlestar Galactica, The Umbrella Academy, Californication), and the intensity required to play a lethal secret agent. | Getty Images for Paramount+
3. James Baxter
Here's James, second left, starring in Peter Pan in Sunderland in 2012. AI said: " If you want a younger, charismatic, Pierce Brosnan-esque Bond, this Emmerdale and Red Dwarf actor fits the bill. He has the sharp jawline, the charm, and the versatility to carry a tuxedo well." | se
4. George Clarke
The architect and Amazing Spaces presenter would give us a 'highly unorthodox Bond', according to AI. He would be expert on the 'build quality, spatial efficiency, and structural integrity of the villain's secret volcano lair'.