The iconic 1960s character Gerard Butler wants nothing to do with: “I would much rather create a role from nothing”
While you might think of him as nothing more than a jacked-up musclehead, Gerard Butler has been in far more than just action movies across his lengthy career.
He seems to have a knack for the gothic, having played both Count Dracula and the Phantom of the Opera on the big screen, and he’s starred in romcoms opposite Hilary Swank, Katherine Heigl, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, lent his voice to beloved animations, and has also played characters written by some of the finest playwrights to have ever picked up a pen.
One of Butler’s earliest film roles was in one of the greatest franchises in cinema history, appearing as a sailor aboard the HMS Devonshire in one of the early scenes from Tomorrow Never Dies, alongside Pierce Brosnan’s second outing as James Bond. He is presumably killed when the frigate is sunk on the orders of the villainous Elliot Carver, played by Jonathan Pryce. The film is usually ranked towards the bottom of the Bond instalments, but I don’t think Butler can be blamed for that.
As a suave, handsome Scotsman, Butler has had to field many questions over the years about filling the shoes of 007. On paper, he fits the bill, but as he explained to Female First in 2009, he wouldn’t be interesting in working for MI6.
“I enjoy doing an array of films,” he said, “If I was to play Bond, that would quickly stop. How likely would I be accepted doing those roles after having played Bond? You do a lot of movies as Bond, and you’d become even more synonymous with the role. I think Daniel Craig is a great Bond and good for him, but I would much rather create a role from nothing.”
As is the case with any famous character, actors run the risk of being typecast when they take on Bond. These performers, who are usually relatively young at the time, know that they will be associated with the role for the rest of their lives, even if they go on to do incredible things after hanging up their Walther PPK. However, it’s not as bleak as you might think.
A number of stars have been able to throw off the shackles of Ian Fleming’s most famous creation. Sean Connery had a glittering post-Bond career, acting well into his old age and even winning an Oscar for The Untouchables. Brosnan, Butler’s old co-star, has been equally successful, even with the odd Mamma Mia!-shaped bump in the road.
As for Daniel Craig, he might have had the best post-Bond career of anyone. His performance in the Knives Out franchise has kept him very much in the public imagination, while he’s also been able to take on more challenging roles in the likes of Queer.
While Bond girls might be cursed, the leading man isn’t as restricted. Butler might have been a little too negative in his assessment. Hopefully, he doesn’t have too many regrets through the power of hindsight.
