James Bond frontrunner rules out playing 007 after intense speculation: ‘I’m too old’

A major name tipped to play James Bond has ruled himself out (Picture: Rex / Getty)

A major frontrunner has ruled himself out of the running to play James Bond, claiming that he’s ‘too old’ for the role.

Seconds after Daniel Craig confirmed his departure, following the release of 2021’s No Time To Die, intense speculation erupted over who would be stepping in to replace him.

Denis Villeneuve was confirmed to be directing earlier this year, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay, but we’re still no closer to a new 007 star.

However, James Norton has had his say on who could lead the franchise next, taking himself out of contention.

‘I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer,’ the House of Guinness actor said in a new interview, suggesting that the lucky actor could be younger.

‘It is a difficult decision as it will change your life,’ he continued, sharing how his career could skyrocket if he was to get the role.

James Norton has been linked to the role for years (Picture: WireImage) Daniel Craig departed the 007 franchise in 2021 (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘I have no idea what it is like to be Leonardo DiCaprio. I imagine the apex is pretty big, but I like the fact I can leave my house and go down to the shop.

‘There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paps outside my door. It is all speculation.’

Despite this, James did tease a long-running mystery project that he is beginning very soon, adding to the Mirror: ‘I am starting another job later in the autumn, which is for a long time…and I can’t say what it is.

‘I would love to tell you but it will be out there soon.’

James claimed he’s ‘too old’ for the role (Picture: Getty) Aaron Pierre is among the stars who have found themselves linked to Bond (Picture: Getty)

Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be a double-bluff from the Happy Valley star as fresh reports have claimed that casting won’t even begin until next year, after Denis finishes Dune: Part Three – which is slated for release in December 2026.

It feels like every big name in Hollywood has been linked to the spy in recent years – Aaron Taylor Johnson, Taron Egerton, Tom Holland, Aaron Pierre, Jack Lowdon and Jacob Elordi have all been rumored to be in contention.

Insiders familiar with all things Bond have now Deadline that the filmmaker is on the hunt for a ‘fresh face’, but shared that the actor will be a British male, ruling out a number of those who have been tipped from across the pond.

‘Every name you’ve heard of, and many you’ve never heard of,’ a source said. ‘We’ve been flooded. But understand that the casting process has not begun and it won’t until Denis finishes the Dune movie.’

Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been a long-time frontrunner (Picture: Shutterstock) Could Tom Holland nab the role? (Picture: Getty)

According to the outlet, we’ll have even more of a wait on our hands as the 26th instalment will reportedly begin filming in 2027 and may not hit the big screen until the following year.

While there is no detail on the plot, it was claimed that Steven wants to go back to the beginning of 007 for the storyline, with the screenwriter and filmmaker both hoping to cast an ‘unknown’ star in his late 20s or early 30s.

‘Whoever it is, has to look like he could kill you with his bare hands in a trice,’ an insider said. ‘From the moment you see him, that has to be readily apparent.’

The source added: ‘It’s a new Bond, a new start, a fresh everything.’

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