Josh O’Connor says Bond rumours are a ‘bizarre pinch me moment’

Challengers star Josh O’Connor has said rumours of him playing James Bond are a “bizarre pinch me moment”.The 36-year-old actor, also known for The Crown, is believed to be in the running for the role alongside One Night Only actor Callum Turner and Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden.The actor chosen will replace Daniel Craig, who took over the role of Bond with Casino Royale in 2006 and bowed out after his fifth film, No Time To Die, in 2021.O’ Connor has addressed the rumours of him being linked to the Bond role (Ian West/PA)PA ArchiveWhile attending the opening of the Everyman Theatre’s new education and community centre in his hometown of Cheltenham, O’Connor told the BBC he was “very honoured” by the speculation.He said: “To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary.“It’s an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment… even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that.“But I am afraid, there is nothing to say beyond that.”He did not confirm whether he was part of the auditioning process.O’Connor won an Emmy for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown and is also known for starring in The Mastermind, The History Of Sound and Disclosure Day.The next Bond film is in development after it was announced last year that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would write the script.Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the upcoming project, which is currently untitled, while Dune’s Denis Villeneuve will direct.O’Connor said he is flattered to be in the conversation about succeeding Daniel Craig (Ian West/PA)PA WirePascal told Deadline, earlier this year, that she expects a casting announcement to be made by the end of the year.“We are being really, really methodical,” she said.“Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is stirring, exciting and different.”