Ralph Fiennes on who he wants for the NEXT James Bond and his future as a DANCER

It’s a long way from Bond to ballet, but one of the UK’s greatest actors and auteurs has made the transition with his usual finesse. Fiennes’ latest movie is a personal labour of love, which he has wanted to make for almost 20 years. The actor bravely takes on the role of Nureyev’s famed first ballet teacher, Alexander Pushkin. I ask him if this heralds a new twinkle-toed direction in his career, as well as lobbing in the obligatory hopeful enquiries about Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Fiennes is as gracious to interview as he is graceful on screen and gives some surprising answers.

Fiennes says: “I came across the story of Nureyev 20 years again and this as lurked as a story and I thought “someone should tell it as a film.”

Fiennes is convincing as the great Russian teacher who mentored Nureyev as has to reflect, wistfully, as his protege makes that infamous dash to freedom across a Paris airport. I asked if this was the start of a new dance career for a man who has conquered one artistic sphere already? 

The actor laughs and replies: “No, no. The point that was made clear to me is that if you teach ballet you do not dance. You economically gesture. It would be demeaning for the teacher to dance. I don’t actually dance, I indicate with simple gestures.”

The parallels between the extraordinarily talented but rather abrasive Nureyev and the modern Ukrainian dancer Sergei Pounin (who co-stars with the very modest and captivating Oleg Ivenko in this movie) are unavoidable. CLICK HERE for our full chat about Nureyev, Polunin and the perils of social media and being cast out by the ballet community.

And then we just have time to slip in a Bond probe.

Fiennes bats it back: “I can’t tell you anything. I can’t tell tell you that Oleg is going to be the next Bond. What do you think (he asks Oleg)? Or maybe you should be the opposite Russian number, maybe we should get you into the Bond franchise?  (As) a competitor?”

The British acting legend is clearly proud and protective of his young on-screen protege, who still seems rather overwhelmed to be involved in a major international movei and press tour. Oleg is impressive as Nureyev in both the dance and straight acting sequences. For such a huge talent he is remarkably shy and comes across as rather humble.

Oleg smiles: “A young Bond?”

He is clearly a quiet thoughtful young star in the making, so his final word is careful but hopeful: “I don’t know. We will see where things will takes us.”

As for Fiennes, in between dabbling in dance he has already confirmed he is still keen to stay in the Bond franchise: “I like playing M, yes. I would be very happy to continue on.”

Perhaps he can put a word in for his own protege when Bond 25 finally starts filming next month.

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