Josh O’Connor breaks silence on James Bond casting rumours

Pierce Brosnan has praised Callum Turner, describing his former co-star as a particularly strong candidate

Josh O’Connor has described the speculation linking him to the role of James Bond as an extraordinary experience, but has offered no confirmation about whether he is being considered for the part.

The Challengers and The Crown actor addressed the reports while attending the opening of the Everyman Theatre in his hometown of Cheltenham, England, on November 3. Speaking about being mentioned among potential successors to Daniel Craig, O’Connor called it an “incredibly bizarre pinch me moment”.

“To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary,” he said, adding that there was nothing further he could share about the possibility.

O’Connor, 36, has reportedly been among a small group of actors linked to screen tests for Amazon MGM Studios’ next Bond film. The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Callum Turner and Jack Lowden were also among those being considered.

However, no successor to Craig has been officially announced, and the reports do not confirm that any of the actors has secured the role.

The upcoming film is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, with Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, writing the screenplay.

Lowden recently responded to the speculation in an interview with British GQ, describing the attention as flattering but declining to add to the discussion.

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has also shared his thoughts on the possible contenders. Speaking to Vanity Fair, he praised the actors reportedly in the running and singled out Turner, his co-star in The Only Living Boy in New York.

“Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan said.

The casting search is being led by Nina Gold, who previously cast O’Connor as Prince Charles in The Crown and Lowden as River Cartwright in Slow Horses. The identity of the next 007 remains unconfirmed.