Is Josh O’Connor the Next James Bond? A Boozy Pub Slip From a ‘Golden Boy’ Co-Star Has Sparked Fresh 007 Rumors

The hunt for the next James Bond has been one of Hollywood’s longest-running guessing games, and Josh O’Connor has quietly become one of its most intriguing contenders. Amazon confirmed in May that the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement was officially underway, but the studio hasn’t announced a shortlist or named the next 007.

The search has moved fast in recent weeks. Final screen tests got underway in London, with at least 4 test offers handed out and Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor reportedly among the final actors. The tests were originally scheduled for earlier in October, but scheduling conflicts among the finalists pushed them to the end of the month.

Now a new tabloid report claims the decision may already be made. According to The Sun, one of O’Connor’s ‘Golden Boy’ castmates said he had confided in them about landing the role when the cast had celebratory drinks after the play finished its run on Halloween. A source claimed they bumped into the cast member at The French House, where they “blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond.”

It’s worth stressing that this is secondhand pub chatter, not an official announcement. Amazon has said it won’t comment on specific casting details while the process is underway, and Deadline has made clear that even though screen tests are in their final stages, an actual announcement likely isn’t imminent.

Josh O’Connor could be the next James Bond, according to a new report from @TheSun. The actor allegedly confirmed he had landed the role to his ‘Golden Boy’ castmates, with one of them later revealing the news during a night out in London. https://t.co/EQ2CtOuNqq

— Kalshi Film (@Kalshi_Film) November 5, 2026

O’Connor himself has stayed tight-lipped. Speaking to the BBC, he said he was very honored to be in the running and described being considered in that bracket as extraordinary, but added that there was nothing more he could say.

If the rumor turns out to be true, it would be a fascinating turn for O’Connor’s career. He’s best known for playing Prince Charles in seasons 3 and 4 of ‘The Crown’, which earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe in 2021. He also recently wrapped Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man’, where he shared the screen with the previous 007, Daniel Craig.

His stage work has been grabbing attention, too. After a sold-out run at London’s Almeida Theatre, National Theatre Live is bringing ‘Golden Boy’ to cinemas starting November 5, with O’Connor playing Joe Bonaparte in Clifford Odets’ play, directed by Sam Yates. The production marked his return to the London stage after 5 years.

The creative team’s original wish list adds an interesting wrinkle. Back in 2025, Deadline reported that director Denis Villeneuve and his collaborators were seeking a “fresh face” for the role, and that Bond would be played by an actor from the British Isles.

O’Connor certainly checks the British box, but he is hardly an unknown. Some observers see him as a wild card among the finalists, since his name had mostly appeared in broader roundups of British actors in the right age range.

The final call rests with a new team. Instead of Broccoli and Wilson, the decision is being made by a group led by Villeneuve, casting director Nina Gold, and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman.

Fans may not have to wait much longer. Producer Amy Pascal previously told Deadline that an announcement by the end of the year was a good bet, and those involved believe a new Bond will likely be selected by then.

Until then, O’Connor, Lowden, Turner and a mystery fourth actor remain in the frame. Whether The Sun’s source got it right or just had one lager too many, the next few weeks should finally settle who gets the tux.

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