Josh O'Connor Calls Bond Rumors an 'Incredibly Bizarre Pinch Me Moment'

Josh O'Connor has broken his silence on the James Bond rumors. The actor called the prospect of succeeding Daniel Craig an "incredibly bizarre pinch me moment" in comments to the BBC.

O'Connor, known for The Crown and Challengers, is rumored to be among the finalists in the search for the next 007. He said he was "very honored" to have his name in contention. He spoke while attending the opening of the Everyman Theatre's new education and community center in his hometown of Cheltenham, England.

"It's an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment…even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that," O'Connor said.

"To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary," he added. He then declined to elaborate on any potential involvement. "But I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that."

Who else is in the running?

O'Connor is reportedly among a handful of actors undergoing final screen tests for the role. Two other names have surfaced alongside him:

• Jack Lowden, the Slow Horses actor
• Callum Turner, the Masters of the Air actor

Lowden has also addressed the speculation recently. He told British GQ the attention was "all very flattering" but that he wasn't "going to add to the noise."

The list of actors previously linked to the role runs longer. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson and James Norton have all been named in months of press speculation.

What does this change for the franchise?

The next Bond film will be the 26th installment in the long-running spy franchise. It marks a turning point: the first film since Amazon MGM Studios assumed creative control of the property in 2025, taking it from longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

The creative team is already in place. Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker behind Dune, will direct the currently untitled film. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce.

Veteran casting director Nina Gold has been tapped to lead the search for the next Bond. Gold's involvement signals a formal, studio-driven process after years of informal speculation.

A cautious answer from a leading contender

O'Connor's comments follow a pattern among Bond contenders: acknowledge the honor, decline to confirm anything. His restraint keeps the spotlight on the process without advancing it.

For now, the role remains unfilled. The decision rests with Villeneuve, Knight, Pascal, Heyman and Gold at Amazon MGM — and until they announce their choice, every carefully hedged interview will only fuel the speculation machine further.