Movie News
by Where To Watch

Is Josh O’ Connor the new James Bond?

Reports are mounting that Josh O’Connor is going to be announced as the next James Bond this week.

According to reports by The Sun, the revelation spilled out at The French House pub in Soho, London.

One of O’Connor’s co-stars from his recent run in Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy at the Almeida Theatre—supposedly “oiled by a few glasses of lager”—blurted out to a fellow drinker that the 36-year-old actor had officially secured the license to kill. The loose-lipped cast member allegedly claimed O’Connor confided the secret during celebratory wrap drinks following the play’s final performance on Halloween.

However, no official confirmation has been made by EON Productions or Amazon MGM Studios.

Addressing the mounting speculation directly, O’Connor played down the reports, calling it an “incredibly bizarre ‘pinch-me moment'” to even be mentioned alongside 007, maintaining that he was honored but that there was nothing official to report.

The Scene at The French House

The rain over Soho slicked the cobbles of Dean Street, reflecting the soft yellow light spilling from pub windows. Inside The French House, the atmosphere was thick with the usual evening bustle of theatre patrons and local regulars.

In a quiet corner of the pub, a cast member from Golden Boy was recognized by patrons asking for selfies. According to an insider who spoke to The Sun, an unexpected conversation unfolded shortly after over drinks.

“Out of nowhere, and oiled by a few glasses of lager, they blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond,” the source claimed.

When met with skepticism, the cast member reportedly doubled down, insisting that O’Connor had shared the news with the company during their Halloween wrap party. “I was staggered that this person was being so open about it all, but they were clearly very proud of Josh and what getting the role would mean for his career,” the insider added.

Josh O’Connor’s Journey to the Frame

If the rumors prove true, O’Connor’s transition to the world’s most famous secret agent would mark a dramatic milestone in a career built on deeply character-driven work:

  • Breakthrough in God’s Own Country (2017): O’Connor first earned critical acclaim playing a tortured Yorkshire sheep farmer in Francis Lee’s indie drama, taking home the British Independent Film Award (BIFA) for Best Actor.
  • Television Stardom & Royalty: He reached global prominence portraying a young Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown, a performance that earned him both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.
  • Leading Man Status: He has expanded his range across high-profile film projects, starring alongside Zendaya in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama Challengers, appearing in Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera, landing a role in Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, and featuring in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel Wake Up Dead Man—coincidentally sharing the screen with former 007 Daniel Craig.

Other Names in the Frame

While O’Connor’s name has dominated recent headlines, the race to replace Daniel Craig remains heavily contested. Other actors reported to be in the mix or linked to screen tests include:

  • Jack Lowden: The Slow Horses and Dunkirk star has long been tipped by bookmakers as a front-runner, bringing extensive espionage genre experience and grounded dramatic presence.
  • Callum Turner: Known for his roles in Masters of the Air and The Boys in the Boat, Turner offers classic British leading-man charisma and proven experience handling large-scale productions.
  • Nicholas Hoult: A veteran of blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road and acclaimed series like The Great, Hoult brings international brand recognition and broad acting range.
  • Jacob Elordi: The Euphoria and Saltburn breakout has also frequently surfaced in industry discussion as studios look toward a younger generation for the long-running franchise.

Until EON Productions makes a formal announcement, 007 enthusiasts will have to wait to see who officially inherits the keys to the Aston Martin.