Theo James rules himself out of James Bond role, saying he is 'too old'

Theo James has ruled himself out of James Bond race, saying role is one 'you could never come back from'

Theo James has ruled himself out of consideration for the next James Bond, saying he believes he is now “too old” for the role and that playing 007 would be a career-defining decision.

The 41-year-old actor, known for The White Lotus and The Gentlemen, has previously been linked to speculation surrounding the franchise.

However, when asked about the possibility of becoming Bond in an interview with GQ, James dismissed the idea.

"I'm definitely too old now, for one," James said. "But, yeah, that would be an example of a place you could never come back from."

James also discussed his concerns about the level of fame that can accompany major film roles.

He recalled approaching that level of attention while starring in the Divergent series and said he did not want the same experience to become a permanent part of his life.

"Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street," he said. "What that does to your children, who are trying to find themselves in the midst of hyper-scrutiny and fame. None of that, to me, is worth it. At the time, it's very intoxicating, being offered some huge, sexy part that would change your life forever. But it really wouldn't ultimately be worth it."

James is currently preparing for the second season of Netflix's The Gentlemen, while the search for Daniel Craig's successor as Bond continues.

Amazon Studios is looking for a new actor to lead the next Bond film, which is in development with Denis Villeneuve attached to direct.