Actor Josh O’Connor has reportedly turned down the opportunity to play James Bond, ending months of speculation that he might become the next performer to take on the role of 007.
The report, published by the Daily Mail and carried by Stroud Times, attributes the decision to an unnamed source. It says O’Connor rejected the opportunity after being widely linked with the part and considered among the contenders to replace Daniel Craig.
“Josh has turned down the Bond role.”
O’Connor grew up in Cheltenham, making the story one with a Gloucestershire connection. The report also links the forthcoming Bond film directly to Stroud through its screenwriter, Steven Knight, who is described as Stroud-based.
What O’Connor said about becoming Bond
The actor addressed the speculation earlier in November while attending a screening of the National Theatre production of Golden Boy. When he was asked about the possibility of taking over as the famous British spy, he played down the suggestion.
“No, no, no. We’ll see but I doubt it.”
That public response came before the report that he had rejected the role. The supplied report does not include a direct confirmation from O’Connor that he has formally declined the part, and it does not explain why he is said to have turned it down.
O’Connor also said that he planned to take time away from acting in 2027. He indicated that he had work scheduled for January before stepping back.
“I’m doing something in January, but then yeah, I’m taking some time out,”
Despite the speculation and the reported decision, the actor acknowledged that being considered for such an iconic role had been an extraordinary experience.
Next Bond film has a Stroud connection
The next instalment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, whose work includes Dune. Knight is writing the screenplay. He is identified in the report as the creator of Peaky Blinders as well as a writer based in Stroud.
The report does not name the actor who will ultimately play Bond, nor does it provide a date for the next film’s release. O’Connor’s reported decision therefore removes one of the names associated with the search for Daniel Craig’s successor, but leaves the casting outcome unresolved.
For Stroud readers, the forthcoming production has a local link through Knight’s involvement, while O’Connor’s connection is to nearby Cheltenham, where he grew up.
