Josh O'Connor reportedly turns down James Bond as 2027 career break looms

The race to find the next James Bond has taken another twist, with Josh O'Connor reportedly saying no to the role.

The 36-year-old Crown star has been one of the frontrunners to replace Daniel Craig, and rumours last week even suggested he had already landed the part. A source has now told the Daily Mail: "Josh has turned down the Bond role."

O'Connor has previously said he plans to take an extended break from acting in 2027, after a project due in January. With production on the next Bond film expected to begin in 2027, that would be hard to square with the commitment the role demands. Asked about the speculation at a screening of the National Theatre production Golden Boy, he said he doubted it.

Auditions for the next Bond reportedly reached their final stages in October, with Callum Turner and Jack Lowden also said to be in the running.

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