A writer of the James Bond novels has predicted a major fan backlash when the casting for the next 007 is formally announced.

Charlie Higson , the author behind the new James Bond book King Zero , said in an interview with The Times that he found current frontrunner, Scottish actor and Slow Horses star Jack Lowden , an unconvincing choice for the British hero.

“I’m not sure. I like him, but it’s like when Tom Hiddleston was in the running — not a convincing hand-to-hand fighter,” Higson said of Lowden, comparing him negatively to the most recent Bond actor, Daniel Craig .

“With Daniel Craig you can believe him kicking the s**t out of someone,” the author continued. “And you’ve got to believe that with Bond.”

When discussing fellow fan favorites, Higson called Jacob Elordi (who stands at 6 feet, 5 inches) “too tall”, and said of Callum Turner , “He has unconventional looks, no bad thing.”

“Bond could be Black, that wouldn’t be a problem,” he added.…