One of the actors long tipped as a leading contender for James Bond has officially ruled himself out of the running, admitting he feels he’s “too old” to take on the iconic role.
The 40-year-old star, who has been linked to 007 speculation since Daniel Craig stepped down in 2021, told The Mirror that casting directors are likely to look for someone younger.
“There is no conversation going on,” James Norton explained. “It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense, and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.”
Norton, best known for his work in House of Guinness and a string of critically acclaimed performances, added that the role would be life-changing, but he’s happy with his current life.
“It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now,” he said.
He isn’t alone in deciding age is a factor. Idris Elba, 53, previously dismissed Bond rumours, joking that he’s “ancient” and that the speculation has made him “more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did.”
Other contenders for the role have included Henry Cavill, 42, and Theo James, 40, as well as younger actors such as Callum Turner, 35, Jack Lowden, 35, and Tom Holland, 29.
Daniel Craig first became Bond in Casino Royale in 2006 at the age of 38 and finished his tenure at 53 with No Time To Die. Since then, the search for a new 007 has become a hot topic among fans, bookmakers, and the press alike, with every rumoured name generating headlines and social media debate.
Norton’s comments highlight just how high-profile and potentially disruptive the role can be. As he told The Mirror, stepping into Bond’s shoes is not a decision to be taken lightly.
While the opportunity is undeniably prestigious, it comes with an extraordinary level of public scrutiny - and it can change everyday life forever.
“I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer,” Norton told the newspaper, shutting down speculation while acknowledging the rumours that have followed him for years.
For fans hoping to see him take on 007, the news is a disappointment - but it also confirms the importance of timing in taking on a character as iconic as Bond.
Meanwhile, Norton can next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated House of Guinness, premiering on September 25. The gritty period drama from Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, follows the legendary Guinness family in 19th-century Dublin and New York.
The eight-part series promises drama, intrigue, and a star-studded cast, including Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, and Fionn O’Shea, alongside Norton himself.
While the Bond door may have closed, Norton’s career continues to flourish, with critics praising his performances and audiences eager to see him tackle new, challenging roles.
His decision also reinforces just how selective performers are when it comes to 007... a role that can define a career, for better or worse.
For now, the search for the next James Bond continues, with younger and slightly older contenders all in the mix. One thing is clear: this Bond favourite has stepped aside, leaving the field open and proving that even at 40, sometimes the timing just isn’t right for 007.
