Josh O’Connor Calls James Bond Speculation Extraordinary

November 3 — Josh O’Connor described the possibility of playing James Bond as an extraordinary, surreal experience while attending the opening of a new education and community center at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, his hometown. He said he was honored to be considered, but offered no details about his potential involvement.

O’Connor, 36, is among a small group of actors said to be in contention to succeed Daniel Craig. Callum Turner and Jack Lowden are also among the names linked to the role. Lowden recently said the attention was flattering but that he would not add to the speculation.

Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan weighed in on the search in an interview published November 3. He said he admired the actors being considered and singled out Turner, with whom he appeared in the 2017 film The Only Living Boy in New York, calling him strong. Brosnan wished whoever gets the part strength and courage, and said he looked forward to learning who would play 007 next.

The next film will be the 26th in the franchise and the first since Amazon MGM Studios took creative control in 2025 from longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Casting director Nina Gold is leading the search, which has prompted months of speculation about possible candidates.