British actor, 41, and former frontrunner for 007 role Theo James WITHDRAWS from race
Theo James has withdrawn from the contest to become the next 007, declaring that at 41, he believes the opportunity has passed him by.
In a new interview, the star of The White Lotus and Netflix’s The Gentlemen was adamant that he feels his age would prove too much of a stumbling block to overcome
“I’m definitely too old now, for one. But that would be an example of a place you could never come back from,” he told British GQ.
The actor, who has featured prominently on bookmakers’ lists ever since Daniel Craig departed the franchise after No Time To Die, also referenced the toll such a role would take on his young family.
Theo James has withdrawn from the race to play James Bond
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GETTY“Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street. What that does to your children, who are trying to find themselves in the midst of hyper-scrutiny and fame,” he said.
Mr James ultimately concluded that the scrutiny and impact on himself and his loved ones wouldn’t be worth it to take on such an iconic role.
“At the time, it’s very intoxicating, being offered some huge, sexy part that would change your life forever. But it really wouldn’t ultimately be worth it,” he told the magazine.
Mr James shares a daughter and a son with Irish actress Ruth Kearney, and went on to say that navigating parenthood in the social media era as “complex and nerve-wracking.”
The last actor to play James Bond in film or games was Daniel Craig
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METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS, COLUMBIA PICTURES, DANJAQ, LLCHe pointed to the experiences of friends with older children, calling it “a bit of a f****** minefield” involving issues of self-worth and body image.
Beyond concerns about his family, Mr James also suggested that taking on Bond would fundamentally limit his opportunities away from the franchise, describing it as “a place you could never come back from.”
His remarks echo those of James Norton, who is also 41 and has similarly stepped back from the 007 conversation in recent days.
The Happy Valley star told Capital Breakfast that he considers himself too “long in the tooth” for the part, having fielded the question repeatedly over the past decade.
Theo James had long been tipped as a possible James Bond candidate
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PA“I’ve been asked a thousand times over the last 10 years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no,” Mr Norton said.
The departure of two high-profile 41-year-old contenders has further narrowed the field.
The race to replace Mr Craig has seen quite the shake-up in recent weeks thanks to broadcaster Richard Osman.
The former Pointless star revealed on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment that he had been given Jack Lowden’s name as someone under serious consideration.
Daniel Craig’s successor remains a mystery
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“The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden,” Mr Osman said, adding: “I think Jack Lowden would be an incredible Bond. He’s got real Daniel Craig energy.”
The 36-year-old Scottish actor, best known for portraying MI5 officer River Cartwright in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, subsequently surged to the top of the betting market, leapfrogging previous frontrunner Callum Turner.
Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi and Louis Partridge also remain in the frame.
Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is confirmed as director of the next Bond instalment, with Amazon MGM Studios working towards a 2028 theatrical release.
Jack Lowden has become a frontrunner for the part of Bond
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GETTYProducer Amy Pascal recently addressed the pace of the search, emphasising that the team is taking a careful, deliberate approach. “We are being really, really methodical,” she said. “Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow.
“It’s got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different,” she added.
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