English actor Josh O'Connor is reportedly in line to become the next James Bond, with a co-star from his current play, "Golden Boy," allegedly revealing the news during a night out. A source told The Sun that the cast member confided that O'Connor had landed the coveted role after celebrating the play's run, which concluded on Halloween.
The source overheard the cast member at a London pub, The French House, stating, "Out of nowhere, and oiled by a few glasses of lager, they blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond." The individual was reportedly "insistent" that O'Connor, 36, had been cast as the iconic spy.
O'Connor himself addressed the persistent rumors in a recent interview with the BBC, expressing that he was "very honored" to be considered for the role. He described the situation as an "incredibly bizarre, pinch-me moment" to be "uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that."
While O'Connor did not confirm or deny the casting, he stated he was "afraid" that "nothing to say beyond that." Page Six has reached out to Amazon and EON Productions for comment.
The next James Bond film, internally referred to as "Bond 26," is expected to be developed by Amazon MGM Studios, with a potential premiere in 2028. O'Connor is a contender alongside other rumored names such as Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, and Callum Turner, with screen tests reportedly ongoing.
O'Connor is known for his role as King Charles III in the acclaimed TV series "The Crown," for which he won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2021. He also recently starred in the sci-fi thriller "Disclosure Day."