Jonathan Bailey has addressed mounting speculation linking him to the role of James Bond, admitting it would be “hard to say no” if the opportunity came his way.
Daniel Craig, 57, stepped down from the role following 2021’s No Time To Die, having fronted five films as the iconic MI6 agent. His Bond debut came in 2006’s Casino Royale at the age of 38, making Bridgerton star Bailey, 37, a close match in age.
The Oxfordshire-born actor was asked about the persistent rumours during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Scott Mills on Tuesday morning.
“That’s an amazingly flattering ask. I mean, it would be hard to say no,” Bailey said, laughing.
Bailey, who was on the show to promote his latest film Jurassic World Rebirth, which lands in UK cinemas on July 2, stopped short of confirming any talks with producers but added, “I don’t know, I really honestly... it would be hard to say no,” before joking that Mills could step in instead: “I could imagine you as James Blonde.”
Bailey is one of several British actors said to be in the running to take over the role, with speculation intensifying in recent weeks.
The next Bond film is reportedly being fast tracked following Amazon’s multi-billion-pound acquisition of MGM, with producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal brought in to oversee the franchise’s reboot and introduce a new 007 for a fresh generation.
Bailey recently received a public endorsement from fellow actor Harris Dickinson. Speaking at a BFI event in Cannes, the Beach Rats star was asked who he would like to see take over as 007. “Jonathan Bailey is your first choice, so let’s go with that,” he replied.
Still, both Bailey and Dickinson trail behind current bookmakers’ favourite Theo James.
The 40-year-old White Lotus and The Gentlemen star leads the odds at six to four, though he previously played down speculation, telling The Guardian last year, “It probably wouldn’t be me.”
Later this year, Bailey is also set to reprise his role as Fiyero in the highly anticipated Wicked sequel, Wicked: For Good, alongside Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum.
