In a red carpet interview at the Baftas on Sunday (16 February), James Norton was told he was the odds-on favourite to play 007.
“Am I? Whoever’s deciding on these odds needs to get a new job,” he replied, laughing.
Discussing how he felt about the rumours, he said: “Same as I felt the last time. It’s so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it’s based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it’s just fun and bemusing.”
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Speculation has swirled since Daniel Craig – the longest-running actor to ever play the British spy – announced he would be retiring from the franchise.
Since then, a number of actors have been rumoured to replace him in the iconic role, including Bridget Jones star Leo Woodall, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and rumoured favourite, Aaron-Taylor Johnson.
The speculation has increased after it emerged this week that the 007 franchise will no longer be in the hands of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson – the daughter and stepson of Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who launched the film franchise in 1962.
The pair have handed over creative control over to Amazon MGM Studios – which was formed when Amazon bought Bond’s parent studio in 2022 – after 30 years.
Amazon boss Jeff Bezos will now have the final say on the next 007
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