The race to become the next James Bond is heating up, and one of the frontrunners has finally spoken out. Josh O'Connor, known for his roles in The Crown and Challengers, has broken his silence on the swirling speculation that he could be the next 007.
In a recent interview, O'Connor addressed the rumors with a mix of humility and disbelief. "It's an incredibly bizarre pinch-me moment…even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that," he said. "To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary." However, he remained tight-lipped about any potential casting, adding, "But I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that."
The Bond casting saga has been a hot topic ever since Amazon acquired the franchise for a staggering $1 billion. Producer Amy Pascal has hinted that the search is in its final stages, with an announcement expected before the year's end. The shortlist has been whittled down to a select few, including O'Connor, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson.
Currently, Turner is the bookmakers' favorite, with Lowden and O'Connor close behind. Interestingly, all three top contenders are 36 years old, suggesting the casting team is looking for a Bond in his mid-30s. Turner has even received a vote of confidence from former Bond Pierce Brosnan, who praised his The Only Living Boy in New York co-star as "so strong."
O'Connor's recent workload proves he's no stranger to high-pressure roles. He starred in Steven Spielberg's sci-fi return, Disclosure Day, alongside Emily Blunt and Colin Firth. The film, which had a theatrical release, has since found a second life on streaming, as noted in our coverage of its streaming success. Before that, he led Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man, the latest Knives Out installment, which featured two former Bonds: Daniel Craig and Jeffrey Wright. He's also set to appear in the 2025 heist film The Mastermind.
While O'Connor's response echoes the exhausted reaction from Jack Lowden, it's clear that the Bond rumor mill shows no signs of slowing down. With the announcement reportedly imminent, fans are on edge, and the speculation is only intensifying.
For now, O'Connor remains gracious about the attention, but he's not giving anything away. Whether he'll be slipping into the tuxedo remains to be seen, but his name is certainly in the mix. As the clock ticks down, the world waits to see who will be the next to utter the iconic line, "Bond. James Bond."
