James Norton has responded to speculation that he could be the next James Bond after being presented with a supposed “clue” from his latest BBC series.
Ever since Daniel Craig announced his departure from the iconic role, rumours have been swirling about who will take over as 007.
Among the actors frequently mentioned are current frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson as well as Theo James, Regé-Jean Page, and Paul Mescal.
During a red carpet interview at the BAFTAs on Sunday, Norton was told he was the odds-on favorite for the role.
He replied with a laugh: "Am I? Whoever's deciding on these odds needs to get a new job.”
Commenting on the speculation, he added: “Same as I felt the last time. It's so weird and bemusing.
“But yet again, it's based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it's just fun and bemusing.”
Presenter Alex Zane then pointed out a detail from his new series Playing Nice that fans believe could be a subtle hint—his character, Pete Riley, is the only one not wearing a tuxedo at a black-tie event.
"If that's not evidence to seal the deal, I don't know what is," he quipped. Before adding: "It's got nothing to do with the fact that the character felt uncomfortable wearing a tux and was a bit low-key, that's clearly irrelevant.
“It's clearly undeniable. What can I say? You got me. Whoever's spotted that, 10 points, well done. I'm definitely not [confirming].”
Craig took on 007 in 2006 with Casino Royale and went on to portray the iconic spy in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. He confirmed his departure from the role after starring in No Time To Die in 2021.
When his long-awaited Bond swansong landed in 2021, the great rumour mill began churning. Previously Andrew Scott made comments in December 2023 (where he said that Paul Mescal would “probably be a great James Bond”), and following Cillian Murphy’s Oscar-win last March, his odds of playing the spy soar from 50/1 to 9/1.
So could Mescal or Murphy actually be in the running? It seems, unfortunately, at 29 and 47 years old, they may not be the right age.
Back in January 2023, producer Michael G Wilson spoke about the next Bond at London’s British Film Institute, saying the actor will be “a thirty-something”.
Wilson said: “We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience.
“He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
