Josh O’Connor reportedly ‘turns down’ James Bond role after months of rumours
Josh O’Connor has reportedly ‘turned down’ the role of James Bond. (Getty Images)
Josh O’Connor is reportedly out of the running to be the next James Bond after an unnamed source claimed: “Josh has turned down the Bond role.”
O’Connor has been rumoured to be in the running for the iconic role for months. A report from the Daily Mail also claimed that auditions for the part of James Bond took place last month, with O’Connor competing against Callum Turner and Jack Lowden.
O’Connor has also addressed the rumours on the record. At a screening of the National Theatre production of Golden Boy last week, he was asked about the possibility of taking over as the iconic spy and replied: “No, no, no. We’ll see, but I doubt it.”
He also spoke about his schedule and plans for 2027, saying: “I’m doing something in January, but then yeah, I’m taking some time out,” and described being considered for Bond-level casting as “extraordinary”.
What’s been claimed about Bond auditions and contenders?
The Daily Mail also claimed that Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were reported last week to have joined the race as late contenders.
It cited bookmaker odds from William Hill, saying Turner was favourite at 11/10, with O’Connor at 5/2 after shortening from 9/1. Pattinson’s odds were said to have been cut from 16/1 to 3/1.
If Bond were cast by December, Amazon MGM Studios could begin shooting the next film in 2027.
Where you’ve seen Josh O’Connor before
O’Connor is best known for playing Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown, a role that won him an Emmy. He also broke through for many viewers with God’s Own Country (2017), the acclaimed drama centred on a gay romance.
In August 2026, Amazon confirmed in a statement that the search for the next James Bond is underway, as the franchise moved into a new era under Amazon MGM Studios.
