Josh O’Connor Responds to James Bond Casting Speculation: “I Made A Joke” Amid Online Buzz

Josh O’Connor Responds to James Bond Casting Speculation: “I Made A Joke” Amid Online Buzz

British actor Josh O’Connor has recently addressed speculations regarding his potential casting as the next James Bond. O’Connor, who starred alongside Zendaya in the upcoming 2024 sports drama Challengers, is well-known for his award-winning portrayal of Prince Charles in Netflix’s series The Crown. In addition to his impressive credentials, his name has emerged amid a competitive list of candidates, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Regé-Jean Page, Tom Hardy, and Sam Heughan, all considered favorites to succeed Daniel Craig as agent 007.

In an interview with Deadline, O’Connor elaborated on how he found himself caught in the Bond speculation whirlwind, attributing it to a simple jest he made. He humorously suggested it would be amusing for him to step into 007’s shoes. Following an appearance with Craig on the show Actors on Actors, his offhand remark translated into serious chatter about him as a leading candidate for the role. He commented:

I have no thoughts, really. The truth is that … I think in the space of a week, I made a joke about, wouldn’t it be funny if I played Bond? Then, me and Daniel [Craig] did an Actors on Actors, and then something else happened, and then suddenly I was James Bond. If I am Bond, I don’t know about it.

Implications of O’Connor’s Remarks on Next Bond Casting

Escalating Buzz Around the Next 007

James Bond at a poker table
James Bond greeting Xenia
Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr. No
Timothy Dalton as James Bond
George Lazenby as James Bond
James Bond in Live and Let Die

The race to find the next actor to portray the iconic MI6 agent has garnered immense interest, reflecting the role’s prestige and enduring popularity since Sean Connery’s debut in Dr. No in 1962. As Eon Productions prepares to select its seventh actor to take on the mantle, the power of social media plays a significant role in amplifying speculation and excitement among fans. Past iterations have shown that even the smallest comment can trigger a flurry of speculation about casting choices.

With creative direction tensions reportedly brewing between Eon Productions and Amazon MGM Studios, the franchise’s future trajectory remains uncertain. As a result, fans may have to brace themselves for an extended wait before the official announcement is made regarding Bond’s successor.

Our Perspective on the Extended Search for the Next Bond

Historical Wait Times for Bond’s Successors

Josh O'Connor as Patrick Zweig in Challengers
Image via MGM

It’s been nearly three and a half years since Daniel Craig’s last appearance in No Time To Die, and fans are eager to find out who will ultimately assume the role of Bond. While this wait may seem extensive, it’s essential to remember that there have been longer gaps in the past for Bond films. For instance, Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal in GoldenEye was introduced six years after Timothy Dalton’s final film, Licence to Kill. Therefore, patience may be required as Eon Productions solidifies their vision for James Bond 26.

For continued updates, refer to sources such as Deadline and Screen Rant.

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