Josh O’Connor has reportedly been identified as the next James Bond by a fellow cast member during a night out in London, reigniting speculation about who will succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy.
The claim allegedly emerged during a gathering at The French House pub in Soho, where one of O’Connor’s colleagues from the Almeida Theatre production of Golden Boy reportedly disclosed the news after several drinks.
An individual who spoke to the cast member told The Sun that the conversation began after the theatre colleague was approached by members of the public requesting photographs.
According to the source, the cast member unexpectedly declared that O’Connor would be the next James Bond.
Despite being reminded that the claim could simply be speculation, the individual reportedly remained adamant about the actor’s involvement.
Golden Boy Cast Celebrated After Final Performance
The source further claimed that O’Connor had privately informed his fellow cast members about securing the prestigious role during celebratory drinks following the conclusion of Golden Boy on Halloween.
The 36-year-old actor recently completed his run in the production at the Almeida Theatre in Islington, north London, where he performed 60 shows.
However, O’Connor’s name was reportedly absent from the three-person shortlist believed to have reached the final stage of auditions for the next Bond film.
The reported contenders include Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and an unnamed actor widely rumoured to be Joe Alwyn.
The three are said to have completed their final auditions ahead of an official casting announcement.
O’Connor Previously Played Down James Bond Speculation
The latest claims come just days after O’Connor addressed speculation surrounding his potential appointment as the next 007.
When questioned about the possibility of replacing Daniel Craig, the actor dismissed the suggestion, saying: “No, no, no. We’ll see but I doubt it.”
He also revealed that he had a professional commitment scheduled for January but intended to step away from work for part of 2027.
“I’m doing something in January, but then yeah, I’m taking some time out,” he said.
Despite playing down the rumours, O’Connor acknowledged that being considered for such an iconic role was an extraordinary experience.
Speaking to the BBC, he described the speculation as a “bizarre pinch me moment” and said he felt honoured to be mentioned alongside the character.
He added that he had nothing further to disclose about the possibility of becoming the next James Bond.
Jack Lowden Emerges as Betting Favourite
While O’Connor has attracted fresh attention following the reported comments from his theatre colleague, Jack Lowden remains the leading contender in the latest betting odds.
According to Ladbrokes, the Slow Horses actor is currently the favourite, with Callum Turner positioned behind him at odds of 11/4. O’Connor is further down the list at 8/1.
Lowden, 36, recently addressed the growing speculation during an interview with GQ Hype, where he described the attention as flattering but declined to contribute to the casting rumours.
He explained that actors are frequently linked to James Bond whenever they take on roles involving suits or certain character types.
Lowden also indicated that his long-term ambitions may lie outside acting, expressing an interest in directing and creating his own projects.
“I don’t think it’s [his future career] in acting, really. I think it’s in making something of my own,” he said.
Callum Turner Makes Changes to Film Production Company
Callum Turner, another reported contender, has also attracted attention following developments involving his business interests.
The 36-year-old actor has reportedly resigned as a director of Twentytwo Films Ltd, the production company he established with his wife, pop star Dua Lipa, last August.
The couple initially held equal shares in the company, which was established to develop film and television projects.
The production outfit was expected to operate along similar lines to LuckyChap, the production company associated with actress Margot Robbie.
Turner’s departure from the company’s directorship has prompted further speculation about his professional priorities as the James Bond casting process approaches its conclusion.
James Bond Casting Announcement Expected Ahead of 2027 Production
The search for Daniel Craig’s successor is reportedly approaching its final stage, with an announcement expected before the end of the year.
A casting decision by December would give Amazon MGM Studios an opportunity to begin production on the next James Bond film in 2027.
Meanwhile, O’Connor’s reported inclusion in the race through claims from his Golden Boy colleagues has added another development to the ongoing speculation.
