Actor James Norton has expressed a sense of relief at no longer being considered a prime candidate for the role of James Bond, citing his age and the significant personal implications of taking on the iconic spy franchise. Norton, who recently turned 40, has been a frequent name in discussions about who would succeed Daniel Craig since Craig departed the role in 2021.
Reports suggest that producers are now looking to cast a younger actor to commit to multiple films in the franchise. Norton told Vulture that while he appreciates the honor, the prospect of playing Bond always presented a "big cost," and he's grateful he doesn't have to make that decision now. "Part of me is like, Wow, I'm getting old. Part of me is relieved because when I really spent time thinking about it, it would always have been a mixed bag," Norton stated. He added that he'll be happy to watch from the sidelines, envisioning himself with "a pipe and my book and my slippers."
Norton's age has also been a factor in his current acting work. He is portraying Brian Epstein, the Beatles' manager, in Sir Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles films, where he notes he feels like a "more senior voice" among the younger cast members playing the Fab Four.
Last year, Norton had already begun to distance himself from the Bond speculation, telling The Mirror that he believed casting directors would "go younger" and that he was "too old." He emphasized that there were no active discussions about the role and that the rumors were "nonsense."
Norton is not the only actor to have been linked to the role and subsequently deem himself too old. Idris Elba, 53, also stated he was too old for the part, joking that he has become "more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did." Elba, who was rumored to be considered as far back as 2009, feels the opportunity has long passed.
Several actors have been floated as potential Bonds over the years. At one point, Henry Cavill, 42, was considered a frontrunner, while Theo James, 40, has also been in contention. Other rumored contenders have included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, Callum Turner, 35, Jack Lowden, 35, Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, both 29. Daniel Craig, who took over the role at 38 in 2006's Casino Royale, was 53 by the time he last starred as the spy.