Stephen Hawking 's latest career ambition has nothing to do with validating theories about how the universe works. The renowned theoretical physicist wants to act in films, specifically:
“The ideal role for me would be a villain in a James Bond film,” Hawking told Wired, as reported by the Telegraph. “I think the wheelchair and the computer voice would suit the role.”
Hawking, 72, appears on the cover of the January issue of Wired magazine, which will be released on Thursday.
While filming for the next Bond film looks set to begin soon, Hawking has some tough competition. Rumor has it that Christoph Waltz will play the villain in the film, which is set to be released by the fall.
In the interview he gave to Wired, Hawking talked about why his voice is like that, and how the computer took over his speaking duties.
“I could speak with a voice synthesizer, although that gave me an American accent,” Hawking said. “I’ve kept that voice because it’s now my trademark.”
Hawking suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating disease that has taken away his voice and left him confined to a wheelchair. Since 1997, he has used a computer to speak, which is powered by a muscle in his cheek.
Whether Hawking ends up playing the villain in the next Bond or not, the famous scientist has already left his mark on the arts, with appearances on “The Simpsons,” “Star Trek” and “The Big Bang Theory,” among others. He recorded a segment for “Monty Python Live (Mostly),” which aired in London this summer. His voice is also heard on Pink Floyd’s 1994 song “Keep Talking.”.
