When Netflix released the first “Enola Holmes” in 2020, viewers saw “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown reincarnated as an eccentric, fourth-wall-breaking detective. They also met a breakout newcomer, Lewis Partridge.
Six years later, at the world premiere of Enola Holmes 3, Partridge said she learned how to navigate fame “in different ways, sometimes better than others.”
“Social media stuff can get a little noisy at times, but it’s important to have good people around you. And figuring out for yourself what’s more important than looking at your phone is honestly surprisingly difficult these days, I’m not going to lie,” Partridge told Variety on Thursday night. “It sounds silly to say, but it’s very difficult to do today.”
Since becoming an international star, Partridge has shared the screen with industry heavyweights like Cate Blanchett, formed a partnership with Prada, and entered into a high-profile relationship with Olivia Rodrigo. Looking back, he says he never expected his personal life to attract so much attention.
“I didn’t do that, but it’s part of the job and I’m grateful to feel like I’m on the right path,” he explained. “I’m happy with where I’m at right now. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
The to-do list revolves around uncertainty, and includes the coveted role of James Bond, a role he never imagined Hollywood would one day consider him for. Asked in conversation if he ever imagined himself playing 007, Partridge replied: “No, no. At least not yet. But it’s something to keep in mind. What would Variety think?”
Now, to answer Partridge’s question, Variety’s London bureau chief Alex Littman reported in April that he was one of several actors vying for the role, echoing widespread rumors in the industry that Amazon/MGM Studios were looking for a “new” British 007.
At 23, Lewis Partridge will be significantly younger than other rumored Bond candidates Jacob Elordi (28), Callum Turner (36), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (35) and Harris Dickinson (29). He also skewed younger than past Bonds such as Sean Connery (32), Daniel Craig (38), Pierce Brosnan (42), and Roger Moore (45) when they started.
Younger Bonds could also bring long-term upside. Partridge is under 40 and could anchor five or six movies over 15 years, all for less money than big names like Elordi and Taylor-Johnson. And if Amazon executives are targeting talent in their early 20s, there won’t be much competition like Kit Connor (22), Joe Locke (23) or Noah Jupe (21), unless they’re going with relative unknowns.
After explaining Variety’s report to Mr. Partridge on the red carpet, he gave a sharp smile and concluded with a thank you, “That’s wonderful. Thank you, Variety.”
