Callum Turner has finally addressed long-standing rumours suggesting he’s being lined up as the next James Bond with the actor admitting he knows “nothing” about the casting process for the new film.
Callum Turner has finally addressed long-standing rumours suggesting he’s being lined up as the next James Bond.
The 36-year-old actor has long been rumoured to be the front-runner for the role of 007 after Daniel Craig quit his role as Bond following the release of 2021’s No Time To Die, which showed the superspy’s death. Amazon MGM Studios have taken over the franchise and they are currently on the hunt for a new lead actor, but Callum is adamant he’s heard nothing about the casting process.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: “I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do … “
Callum went on to add the rumours linking him to the role have left him fielding lots of questions from his friends and family.
He said: “I’ll tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!
“It’s such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.”
The Hollywood Reporter also features words from George Clooney – who directed Callum in his 2023 historical drama film The Boys in the Boat – and the Oscar-winner insisted Callum is the perfect person to take on the role of 007.
Clooney told the publication: “He hasn’t just gone for the easy paychecks – he’s done really interesting work. Somehow Callum has weaved his way through all of the noise and found a place where people look at him and go: ‘There’s something with this young man.’
“It’s exciting to watch people saying: ‘That guy – that’s a guy I want to follow and pay attention to’ …
“I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond. He’s tall and handsome and charming and British, so he’s the perfect guy to do it.”
After Daniel Craig quit his role as the superspy, he was followed out of the door by longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson with Amazon MGM taking over control.
Dune’s Denis Villeneuve is directing the new film and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script.
Recent rumours suggested Bond 26 is about to go into production at Pinewood Studios in the UK but a new lead actor has yet to be announced.
Amazon MGM Studios recently confirmed the audition process has kicked off, saying said in a statement: “The search for the next James Bond is underway.
“While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.”
Variety reported Amazon MGM bosses have brought in star casting agent Nina Gold- who has worked on the Star Wars franchise as well as Les Miserables and The Martian – to help find the next 007.
The studio’s head of film Courtenay Valenti previously issued an update and told fans the new movie is “coming” but they’re taking their time.
During an appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April, Courtenay said: “Now, I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited.
“Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
The movie executive added: “What I can tell you is this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight, you’re setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy. “
That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”
Callum Turner finally addresses James Bond rumours
