The Crown star Josh O'Connor reacts to Bond rumours

Image source, REUTERS/Carlos OsorioImage caption, Josh O'Connor is among the actors thought to be taking part in final auditions for the new James BondBySteve Knibbs and Georgia EadieBAFTA-nominated actor, Josh O'Connor, who portrayed Prince Charles in Netflix's The Crown says he is "very honoured" by the speculation he could be the next James Bond. The 36-year-old who grew up in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - has been reported to be in the running for the role alongside Callum Turner and Jack Lowden. The chosen actor 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.Opening Everyman's new education and community centre in his hometown, O'Connor said: "To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary". More from GloucestershireO'Connor starred alongside Daniel Craig in 2025's Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. According to reports, he is among the actors thought to be taking part in final auditions to play Bond. When asked about the rumours, he said: "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 added. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Daniel Craig served as James Bond across 15 years and five filmsGet in touchMore on this story