Josh O'Connor has reportedly turned down the chance to become the next James Bond, just days after a theatre co-star allegedly claimed he had secured the coveted 007 role. The latest development has thrown the search for Daniel Craig's successor into fresh uncertainty, with the actor reportedly planning to take a break from acting in 2027.
The 36-year-old Challengers star has been repeatedly linked to the iconic British spy in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he was among the final contenders. However, a source has now told a news outlet: 'Josh has turned down the Bond role.' Neither O'Connor nor Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that he was formally offered the part.
Josh O'Connor's Reported Bond Rejection
The reported decision comes after O'Connor addressed the casting rumours at a screening of the National Theatre production Golden Boy in London on 2 November. Asked whether he could be taking over from Craig, the actor played down the speculation, replying: 'No, no, no. We'll see, but I doubt it.'
He also spoke about his plans for the coming year, revealing that he has a project scheduled for January before taking some time away from work.
'I'm doing something in January, but then yeah, I'm taking some time out,' he said.
His planned break could complicate a potential commitment to the Bond franchise, particularly as production on the next film is expected to begin in 2027.
Taking on 007 would likely involve a significant filming commitment and promotional responsibilities. However, the actor has not publicly confirmed that his plans are the reason behind the reported rejection.
Co-Star Allegedly Claimed He Had Landed 007
The latest report is particularly surprising because it follows claims that O'Connor had already been chosen to play the famous spy. On 5 November, The Sun published a story claiming that one of the actor's Golden Boy co-stars had revealed the casting news during a night out at The French House pub in Soho.
According to a source quoted by the newspaper, the cast member allegedly said O'Connor had privately told colleagues he had secured the role after the play's final performance on Halloween.
The source claimed the co-star was confident about the news, despite initially being challenged over whether it was simply speculation. The alleged revelation quickly fuelled excitement among Bond fans, with O'Connor appearing to emerge as a leading contender.
However, the story was based on an anonymous source describing a second-hand conversation. There was no official confirmation from the actor or the film's producers that he had been selected.
The new claim that he has turned down the role raises an obvious question: was he ever formally offered the part?
Josh O’Connor is reportedly set to become the next James Bond, according to The Sun.(Source: https://t.co/UOdPq3QDFO) https://t.co/6goaN8Lgh2
— Cinema Now (@CinemaaNow) November 8, 2026
Who Could Replace Daniel Craig as James Bond?
O'Connor's reported withdrawal could change the direction of the casting race, with several other actors continuing to attract attention. Callum Turner remains a prominent contender and was listed as the bookmakers' favourite by William Hill, with odds of 11/10 in the Metro report.
Robert Pattinson has also emerged as a possible candidate. His odds reportedly shortened from 16/1 to 3/1, placing the Batman actor among the names attracting attention. Nicholas Hoult and Jack Lowden have also been linked to the role, although no casting decisions have been confirmed.
These betting figures reflect speculation rather than inside knowledge of the production's final choice.
Denis Villeneuve to Direct the Next Bond Film
The next instalment in the long-running franchise will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. The film will be the first Bond adventure following Amazon MGM Studios taking control of the franchise's creative direction in 2025.
Producer Amy Pascal has suggested that an announcement could come before the end of 2026, although no official date has been confirmed. Craig last appeared as 007 in No Time to Die, released in 2021, leaving fans waiting to discover who will inherit the famous role.
For now, O'Connor's reported rejection remains unconfirmed, and the identity of the next James Bond is still unknown.
