Josh O’Connor has finally spoken out about the feverish speculation that he could be the next James Bond, calling it a “bizarre pinch me moment”. The 36-year-old, best known for playing Prince Charles in The Crown and for tennis drama Challengers, addressed the rumours at a theatre event in his hometown of Cheltenham, England.
Speaking to the BBC, the actor said he was deeply honoured that his name was even being mentioned, but stopped short of confirming whether he has tried out for the part.
O’Connor tight-lipped on 007 screen test
The star was in Gloucestershire to open the Everyman Theatre’s new education and community centre when the inevitable question came up. He said simply being considered in that company was extraordinary.
But when pressed on whether he had auditioned, O’Connor gave nothing away, telling reporters there was “nothing to say beyond that”, according to Variety.
It is important to stress that no casting has been confirmed. Reports that O’Connor is in the frame remain just that, reports, and neither the studio nor the producers have made any announcement.
Who else is in the running to be the next James Bond?
According to trade reports, O’Connor is one of a small group of actors who have reportedly reached final screen tests. Also said to be in contention are Slow Horses star Jack Lowden and Callum Turner, who appeared in Masters of the Air.
Lowden has also played down the chatter, telling British GQ he found the attention flattering but would not fuel the guessing game.
Over the past few years a long list of names has been linked to the tuxedo, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and James Norton. None has been confirmed.
Villeneuve to direct Bond 26
Whoever lands the role will follow Daniel Craig, who played 007 in five films from Casino Royale in 2006 to No Time To Die in 2021.
The untitled 26th film is the first since Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of the franchise from long-time custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in 2025. Dune director Denis Villeneuve is lined up to direct, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the script, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing. Casting director Nina Gold is leading the search.
Pascal told Deadline earlier this year that she expected to name the new 007 before the end of 2026, describing the process as methodical and acknowledging that Craig would be a tough act to follow.
Countdown to a casting announcement
For now, O’Connor is keeping his cards close to his chest. With the clock ticking on Pascal’s end-of-year target, fans will not have long to wait to find out whether the man from Cheltenham is the next James Bond, or whether the role goes elsewhere.
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Sources: The Irish News (PA), Variety
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