One of the players who helped West Ham United win promotion to the Premier League back in 2012 has eyes on becoming the villain in the next James Bond film.
Yes, you read that right.
Several former West Ham United stars have interesting careers these days. Neil Ruddock, for example, became something of a reality TV star after hanging up his boots.
Teddy Sheringham, of course, briefly dabbled in the world of professional poker, and Rio Ferdinand tried to get into the world of boxing.
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A split image showing Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen's appearance stats for West Ham United this season.
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Professional football is generally a short career and no matter how well-paid players may be during it, they are a long time retired.
John Carew, who played for West Ham during their promotion-winning campaign back in 2012, is now an actor and is eager to enter the James Bond franchise at some point.
John Carew explains his acting ambitions
The Norwegian forward is perhaps better remembered by the general public for his spells at Valencia and Aston Villa.
Still, the Hammers were the final club of his career. Shortly after he was released following West Ham’s play-off final win in 2012, he retired from the sport.
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Carew then turned his hand to acting. He appeared in the 2019 film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil alongside the likes of Angelina Jolie and Ellie Fanning.
John Carew wants to be a villain in a James Bond film – which other ex-Hammers would you cast into a movie role and why? 😂
Got to be a role for Tomas Repka somewhere! 🎥
John Carew playing for West Ham against Middlesbrough in 2012.
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Carew lists British actor Tom Hardy as one of his biggest inspirations. Hardy has previously been tipped to become the next James Bond, and Carew admits he’d love a role in the iconic spy franchise.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: “I want to be a villain in a James Bond movie.
“Not the main villain, but a hitman. I want to be the baddie’s right-hand man, like a silent assassin who loses a fight to Bond halfway through.”
The Hollywood stars who are West Ham fans
West Ham have a lot of famous supporters in the acting world.
Danny Dyer, of course, is a huge Hammer, along with Ray Winstone. Music sensation Olivia Dean also supports the Irons.
West Ham United badge outside the London Stadium - West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
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A less obvious and perhaps more famous supporter of the claret and blue cause is Jason Momoa, famous for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman.
Speaking to talkSPORT recently, the 46-year-old revealed why he supported West Ham.
Asked about spending time in east London, he said: “Yeah, that’s like the first place I settled in. That’s why I’m a Hammer. But I’m also like childhood, childhood, Manchester United.”
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