Here’s what we know: Amazon has greenlit what is being called “Bond 26,” the next film in the 007 franchise with “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve directing and “Peaky Blinders” showrunner Steven Knight writing. Here’s what we don’t know: Who will play James Bond?Also Read: The mistake that led the James Bond movie ‘Goldfinger’ to be banned in IsraelHere’s where it gets weird: An unknown actor tried to throw his hat in the ring by conning Hollywood trades into announcing that he was in consideration for the role? Let’s dive into it.  With 25 films spanning seven decades, the Bond franchise is well-established and well-loved. Anytime a new Bond actor is announced, fans have opinions (remember when everyone freaked out about Daniel Craig’s casting because he was blond?). Indeed, rumors abound currently for “Bond 26” with “Frankenstein” and “Wuthering Heights” actor Jacob Elordi suggested for the role (or is this another hoax???).  With Elordi hitting a series of entertainment industry wins, including an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein’s Monster, it makes sense that the rising star’s name would be in the mix. But last year, a (no offense) “nobody” decided to take his future into his own hands and see if he couldn’t just become the first red-headed Bond.  Here’s what happened. Movies The bizarre James Bond hoax that has Hollywood scratching its head  People have firm opinions on who plays James Bond. By Shannon Corbeil Feature General Patton’s grandson help heal veterans through filmmaking By Blake Stilwell Vietnam War The real story of Jane Fonda and the Vietnam vets who hate her Some beef cannot be squashed. By Blake Stilwell Actor Scott Rose-Marsh made the (bold?) decision to send story tips to multiple entertainment industry reporters, wherein he claimed to have evidence that an unknown British actor was being considered for the role of James Bond. “I am providing one redacted casting email (of two in my possession) that proves actor Scott Rose-Marsh has been seen by the Bond producers and is being actively considered for the role of James Bond,” the message read, according to Deadline’s Jake Kanter, one of the reporters targeted by Rose-Marsh.  The email included strange, redacted attachments with casting breakdowns and what would have been confidential audition materials. While Kanter’s spidey senses lit up at the strange phrasing, unusual digital access to what would otherwise be highly protected information, and bizarre behavior from the email sender (who identified themselves as a “Michael Lawrence”), The Hollywood Reporter did publish the rumor in their gossip column. After that, it actually gets more bizarre. Amazon MGM Studios didn’t dispute the rumors—an unusual move. Rose-Marsh then doubled down and granted an interview to an Australian publication under the headline “Meet Scott Rose-Marsh, the man who might be James Bond.”Kanter eventually confronted Rose-Marsh directly, but the actor responded with non-answers except to say, “I do not agree with or condone hoaxers. I don’t comment on rumors, but since being in the public eye, it’s humbling that people think a rising actor like me could really be James Bond.” Bold, dude. Bold to go for the humble, charming angle. As of this writing, Elordi is the current frontrunner, with publications announcing that he may have even been offered the role, but then again, Elordi may have just sent some AI pages to (checks notes) The Times of India to try to win himself the casting. We really won’t know until a trailer hits our feed.I guess the takeaway here is shoot your shot? But don’t get caught? Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty • The top 007 Reasons why James Bond is the worst spy ever• James Bond is based on Ian Fleming’s real-world experiences in World War II• The kibbutznik spymaster that came in from the cold Entertainment Movies You could be the next owner of Darth Vader’s revolver By Miguel Ortiz Entertainment Captain America and the boldest punch in American pop culture By Daniel Tobias Flint Humor Legendary actor, Army veteran, and Navy brat Robert Duvall dies at 95 By Blake Stilwell Movies Here’s what’s going on with the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ lawsuit saga By Shannon Corbeil Movies The new Jimmy Stewart biopic depicts his World War II service By Blake Stilwell The post The bizarre James Bond hoax that has Hollywood scratching its head  appeared first on We Are The Mighty.