Former Bond star Daniel Craig has made a definitive statement on his potential 007 replacement.
Questions over who will take on the iconic James Bond character continue as actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James are considered frontrunners.
Craig, 56, spoke while appearing alongside co-star Drew Starkey, 31, as they promote their upcoming film, Queer.
The film tells the story of Lee, played by Craig, after he evades a drugs bust in New Orleans and becomes infatuated with a fellow addict, portrayed by Starkey.
In an interview with Variety, the pair were quizzed about Craig’s time as the iconic MI6 agent.
When asked how many Bond films he had appeared in, the Craig answered curtly: “Are you asking me that? I’m going to get it wrong.”
Craig’s last Bond outing was in 2021s No Time To Die
PA
Starkey jokingly suggested “too many,” to which Craig laughed and responded: “Exactly!”
The former Bond star admitted he’d have to count the films to remember, before sighing and taking a moment to eventually arrive at the current number of five.
Craig first starred as Bond in the 2006 fan-favourite Casino Royale, going on to star in four more and closing out his tenure with No Time To Die in 2021.
Next, the pair were asked who Craig hopes will succeed him as the next gentleman spy.
Craig isn’t interested in who will succeed him as Bond
PA
The star laughed, incredulous, and responded: “I don’t care.”
While Craig may not be interested in his replacement, the question has been exciting Bond fans since he announced his departure in 2019.
Speculation grew as it emerged Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson had reportedly been “offered” the role.
However, Bond producers at Eon Productions and Amazon MGM poured cold water on the rumours by saying no decision had been made.
Another British actor, Theo James, has also emerged as a frontrunner after drawing eyes for his leading role in Netflix’s The Gentlemen according to data from William Hill.
Bookies still consider Taylor-Johnson the favourite, with 11/10 odds, but James has quickly gained on him, climbing to a 5/2 chance from 12/1.
New Bond frontrunners Aaron Taylor Johnson and Theo James
PA
Taylor-Johnson and James are not the only actors tipped to take on the tuxedo and vodka martinis.
Star of the upcoming blockbuster Gladiator II, Paul Mescal, and Masters of the Air lead Callum Taylor are both at 4/1 to succeed Craig.
Punters will also be able to fetch 5/1 odds on Happy Valley’s James Norton to step in to the iconic role.