It seems the search for a new James Bond may have found its man, and the martini glass might already be waiting. It was already known that Josh O’Connor, Callum Turner and Jack Lowden were linked to final screen tests for Denis Villeneuve’s 26th 007 adventure, but The Sun has introduced a rather telling twist. The publication claims Josh O’Connor’s Golden Boy co-stars insist they know he has been selected to inherit the license to spy, putting the actor firmly in the spotlight.
If the whispers hold true, Josh O’Connor could soon trade the theatre stage for shaken martinis as Denis Villeneuve’s new 007.
Josh O’Connor’s co-stars let loose his James Bond secret
The Bond speculation took an especially intriguing turn after a The Sun source claimed that one of Josh O’Connor’s Golden Boy co-stars had let the secret slip during a night out in London’s Soho. The alleged revelation came at The French House pub late on Wednesday, where the cast member supposedly told a fellow drinker, The Sun’s source, that O’Connor had already secured to role.
“They said that he had confided in them about getting the role when the cast of Golden Boy had celebratory drinks after the play finished its run on Halloween.”
According to the account, the encounter began when the cast member was recognized by several people asking for selfies before an unexpected conversation unfolded in a corner of the pub. The source added that the cast member was particularly proud of what the espionage franchise’s biggest role could mean for O’Connor’s career.
However, this particular martini from The Sun comes with a sizeable caveat. Neither EON Productions nor Amazon MGM Studios has announced the next James Bond, and neither O’Connor nor Denis Villeneuve has publicly confirmed the casting claim. Until an official announcement arrives, the identity of the next man behind 007 remains under wraps.
Between an exhausting yet exhilarating return to the stage after 11 years and whispers of a shaken-up 007, Josh O’Connor has plenty to keep him busy, but he is not spilling the Bond secrets.
Josh O’Connor’s reply to the James Bond rumors
Josh O’Connor may have mastered the art of keeping a secret, but his James Bond response has given the casting speculation another intriguing twist. Speaking to the BBC while attending the opening of the Everyman Theatre’s new education and community center in his hometown of Cheltenham, England, the actor acknowledged the extraordinary nature of being linked to 007, describing the experience as “an incredibly bizarre pinch-me moment.”
Rather than confirming whether he has truly landed the role O’Connor made it clear that the possibility alone was an honor.
“To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary, so I’m very honored,” he told the BBC, before drawing a rather Bond-like curtain over the conversation: “But I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that.”
It is hardly a confirmation, but neither is it the sort of denial that would put the espionage-sized rumors to rest. For now, the actor is keeping his cards close to his chest, leaving the 007 guessing game very much alive.
What would you think of Josh O’Connor as the next James Bond? Let us know in the comments!
