A British TV actor has revealed he was turned down from playing James Bond as the search continues for Daniel Craig’s replacement.
007 fans are still none the wiser over who could take up the spy’s licence to kill – but hot contenders have included Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton.
One actor, though, has said he is absolutely out of the running as Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and her team ‘quite firmly’ rejected him.
Phil Dunster, 32, best known for playing Jamie Tartt in Ted Lasso, said his 007 dreams were dashed after his agents approached the franchise’s casting department.
Asked if he had been in the running to play Bond, he told the Always Be Comedy podcast: ‘There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.’
Phil did, however, say he could envisage actors including Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu and Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden, playing James Bond.
The most recent actor to have sparked speculation as being next in line for 007 is Jack O’Connell who is currently starring as Paddy Mayne in SAS Rogue Heroes.
On X WritingTed said: ‘#SASRogueHeroes only further confirming to me that Jack O’Connell would be a class James Bond.’
Agreeing, Greg51827125 added: ‘Saw some of this show yesterday and every time Jack O’Connell was on the screen, I had to stop what I was doing to see what he was up to…..Would be a seriously inspired choice for Bond.’
By far the most hotly tipped actor, though, is Kraven The Hunter actor Aaron with reports previously claiming he had been officially offered the role of Bond.
While that was later denied, Aaron, 34, has done little to quash speculation by dodging questions about his rumoured casting.
In December, he was asked by Entertainment Tonight at the New York premiere of Marvel comics action movie, Kraven The Hunter if he was the next Bond.
The Kick-Ass star replied: ‘I would say come see Kraven because that’s what’s out this weekend and it’s not going to disappoint. I promise you that, guys.’
Bond execs Barbara and her brother Michael G Wilson have kept quiet on the casting but in a rare comment, recently spilled what they were looking for.
‘It’s a big decision,’ Barbara said, confirming they are focusing their search on a man in his 30s.
Michael added: ‘Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction. Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.’
One person who is not interested in the rumours, however, is the new star’s predecessor Daniel who witheringly responded ‘I don’t care’ when asked who should play it next.
Other actors who have been tipped for Bond include Idris Elba and Theo James.
The Crown actor Josh O’Connor’s name was also recently thrown into the mix after his appearances in Challengers which captivated fans in 2024.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Pop culture predictions for 2025 – from the new James Bond to Oasis bust-up
MORE: Daniel Craig told Hollywood legend a ‘really dirty joke’ after becoming starstruck
MORE: ‘Super-hot’ and suave rising British star officially among James Bond contenders