House of the Dragon star James Norton has responded to rumours that he’s in the run for the role of James Bond in upcoming films, saying he’s “long in the tooth” now.
Norton, also known for appearing in Happy Valley and Grantchester, addressed the possibility of being the new 007 during a chat with Sian Welby, Chris Stark and Jordan North on Capital Breakfast.
Quizzed about the hosts as to whether there was any truth to the Bond rumours, Norton shut down the chance with a “hand-on-heart” no.
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“I’ve been asked a thousand times over the last ten years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no,” the actor said.
“I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now,” he added.
This was not the first time Norton has responded to those Bond theories. Last year, the actor was asked about how he felt knowing he was the odds-on favourite to take on the spy role.
“Same as I felt the last time, it’s so weird and bemusing,” he said.
“But yet again, it’s based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it’s just fun and bemusing.”
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In 2023, Norton denied having had preliminary conversations with the films’ producers to take over the role last played by Daniel Craig.
“It’s a really lovely piece of clickbait media in the UK, and anyone can write any story about it and it will get the most incredible sort of hype around it. No, no conversations,” Norton told Variety, adding that there was “nothing concrete behind [the rumours]”.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Slow Horses star Jack Lowden is being “strongly considered” for the role of 007, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Norton is next to be seen in Sunny Dancer, also starring The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey and Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning.
Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby weekdays from 6am to 10am across the UK and on YouTube.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.Â
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).Â