James Norton makes stance clear on James Bond rumours after being asked ‘a thousand times’ about role
James Norton has definitively taken himself out of the running to become the next 007, declaring that he believes his time has passed.
The 41-year-old Happy Valley star, who has been among the most frequently mentioned candidates since Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise, was quizzed by presenter Jordan North about how often the question comes up.
“I’ve been asked a thousand times over the last 10 years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no,” Mr Norton told Capital Breakfast, hosted by Mr North alongside Chris Stark and Sian Welby.
“I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now,” he added.
James Norton has long been tipped for the role of Bond
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GETTYThe actor has been persistently linked to the role ever since Mr Craig confirmed that 2021’s No Time to Die would mark his final appearance as the iconic secret agent.
Mr Norton’s latest remarks echo sentiments he has expressed repeatedly over the past year.
Speaking to The Mirror last year, when he turned 40, he was equally blunt, stating: “I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer.
“There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.”
Daniel Craig was the latest James Bond | PA
He also acknowledged at the time that accepting such a role would be life-altering, noting: “It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now.”
In a separate interview with Vulture, the House of the Dragon actor reflected more philosophically on the prospect, conceding it would have been a “mixed bag” and describing it as both “an honour” and “a big cost.”
“Good luck to whoever young whippersnapper takes the role,” he quipped. “I’ll be sitting there with my pipe and my book and my slippers.”
While Mr Norton has stepped aside, the race to find Mr Craig’s successor continues apace.
Broadcaster Richard Osman recently shook up the betting market after revealing on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment that he had been told Jack Lowden was being seriously considered for the part.
“The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden,” Mr Osman said, adding: “Lowden would be an incredible Bond. He’s got real Daniel Craig energy.”
The 36-year-old Scottish actor, best known for playing MI5 operative River Cartwright in Slow Horses, has since surged to the top of the bookmakers’ odds, displacing previous frontrunner Callum Turner.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps confirmed that Lowden’s price had crashed from 6/1 to 5/4 favouritism.
Jack Lowden has become a frontrunner for the part
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GETTYHenry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi and Louis Partridge remain in contention.
Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct, with a 2028 theatrical release being targeted.
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