Josh O’Connor has reportedly been named as the next James Bond by one of his theatre castmates during a night out in Soho, despite the actor recently saying he plans to take time away from work in 2027.
The claim is unconfirmed and appears to contradict reports that the 007 casting process has been narrowed to Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and an unnamed actor believed to be Joe Alwyn.
O’Connor, 36, recently completed a run in Golden Boy at the Almeida Theatre in Islington, north London, where he performed in 60 shows. A source said a cast member revealed the alleged news during drinks at The French House.
“Out of nowhere, and oiled by a few glasses of lager, they blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond,” the source claimed. “I said it was pure speculation but they were insistent it was Josh.”
The insider added that the castmate had allegedly confided in them about O’Connor receiving the role during celebratory drinks after the play finished its run on Halloween.
O’Connor has previously played down speculation that he could succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy. Asked about the possibility earlier this week, he said: “No, no, no. We’ll see but I doubt it.”
“I’m doing something in January, but then yeah, I’m taking some time out,” he added.
However, the actor said it was “extraordinary” to be considered for the part. Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It’s incredibly, like, a bizarre pinch me moment. Of even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that.”
“It is extraordinary, so I’m very honoured but I’m afraid there’s nothing to say beyond that,” he added.
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Lowden is currently the clear favourite in the latest Ladbrokes odds, with Turner next at 11/4. O’Connor is further behind at 8/1.
Lowden, who is 36 and known for Slow Horses, has said the speculation is flattering but declined to add to it. He also suggested that his future may lie in directing rather than acting.
“As a young male actor, generally, the minute you’re not playing a zany artist type, the minute you’re in a suit, people fling it at you,” he told GQ Hype.
Turner, also 36, was recently reported to have resigned as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, the production company he founded with his wife, Dua Lipa, last August.
Casting the next James Bond by December would allow Amazon MGM Studios to begin filming the next film in 2027. O’Connor is best known for portraying Prince Charles in The Crown, as well as for roles in Challengers, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and The History of Sound.
