Josh O’Connor has broken his silence on the James Bond speculation, calling it an “extraordinary” moment.
The “Crown” actor, 36, spoke on Tuesday about being linked to the 007 role, admitting he felt honored just to be mentioned in the same conversation. O’Connor told the outlet it was “an incredibly bizarre, pinch-me moment … even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that.”
“To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary,” he continued. However, he shut down further probing, saying he was “afraid” there was “nothing to say beyond that.”
The British actor was among at least four performers who received offers to screen-test for the franchise, according to a Hollywood Reporter report cited by multiple outlets. Callum Turner and Jack Lowden were also expected to audition last month, while the identity of a fourth contender remains unknown.
Former 007 Pierce Brosnan, 73, threw his support behind Turner in a Vanity Fair interview published Tuesday. “I’m just an audience member now. I’m just the man in the street who is eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history,” the Irish actor said. “All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire.”
Brosnan, who played Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, worked with Turner in 2017’s “The Only Living Boy in New York,” where they portrayed father and son. He singled out the 36-year-old as “so strong,” noting that the candidates “all have a voice and a physique and a presence on film.”
“They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men,” Brosnan added. He also offered words of encouragement for whoever ultimately lands the part: “Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it [will] be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond.”
Lowden, also 36, had addressed the rumors just one day earlier in a British GQ interview published Monday. The “Sinners” actor called the attention “very flattering,” adding, “It’s nice to be mentioned — for any role — and I’m just not really going to add to the noise.”
Not every rumored name has remained in contention. Jacob Elordi, previously linked to the role, is no longer in the running, per the Hollywood Reporter. Jack O’Connell, another actor tied to the part, was also reportedly not among the finalists.
The search for Daniel Craig’s successor has intensified since the longtime 007 completed his five-film run with 2021’s “No Time to Die.” The casting process has stretched across months of industry speculation, with various names rising and falling in the rumor mill as producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson weigh their decision.
The next James Bond film does not yet have a confirmed release date or director attached.