Stephen Hawking, James Bond Villain?
Professor Stephen Hawking may be one of the world’s top theoretical physicists, but according to him, there’s another role he’d like to take on: appearing as a villain in a James Bond movie.
As the Telegraph notes, Hawking revealed the desire during a recent interview with Wired magazine. The world-renowned scientist said that his instantly identifiable computerized voice would make him ideal for a 007 film.
“My ideal role would be a baddie in a James Bond film. I think the wheelchair and the computer voice would fit the part.”
Our January issue, including an exclusive interview with Prof Hawking, goes on sale Thurs in print and digital. pic.twitter.com/RG4PJNz1Cr
— Wired UK (@WiredUK) December 2, 2014
Such a role may not be an entirely fanciful idea, as Professor Hawking has been featured on screen before. Aside from appearing on The Simpsons, Hawking has also made cameos in Star Trek and The Big Bang Theory. As The Huffington Post notes, Hawking recently recorded a segment for this summer’s Monty Python Live (Mostly) shows in London. Hawking also lent his distinctive voice to Pink Floyd’s most recent album, The Endless River, as the Inquisitr previously reported.
Stephen Hawking wants to be a Bond villain http://t.co/DDrMGAOULf Photo: Evert Elzinga—AFP/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/90Jdb77agS — TIME.com (@TIME) December 2, 2014
Hawking’s voice is the product of a speech synthesizer, which became necessary after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21.
“I was able to speak with a speech synthesizer, though it gave me an American accent. I have kept that voice, because it’s now my trademark,” Hawking said.
“Before I lost my voice, it was slurred, so only those close to me could understand, but with the computer voice, I found I could give popular lectures.
“I enjoy communicating science. It is important that the public understands basic science, if they are not to leave vital decisions to others.”
Stephen Hawking’s communications interface gets its first overhaul in 20 years http://t.co/nR1sFBZyK7 pic.twitter.com/FnvhfOBrei
— Fast Company (@FastCompany) December 2, 2014
Hawking is the subject of a new film, The Theory Of Everything, in which he is portrayed by Eddie Redmayne. Released last month, the movie documents the onset of his motor neuron disease while he was an undergraduate at Cambridge.
The next James Bond film is expected to begin shooting soon, tentatively set for release next autumn. Christoph Waltz is rumored to face off against Daniel Craig in the new movie, though some would no doubt enjoy seeing Professor Stephen Hawking in the role.
[Image: Reuters via Fox News]
