Irish actor Barry Keoghan has firmly dismissed ongoing speculation linking him to the coveted role of James Bond, stating he does not believe he "fits the criteria" to portray the world-famous British spy. The 33-year-old star, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, instead expressed a clear preference for playing a villain in the next instalment of the iconic franchise.
Keoghan's Clear Preference for Antagonist Role
In a candid interview with Radio Times, Keoghan elaborated on his position, saying, "I'd rather come in and do the villain. The man teasing Bond, that's more me." He acknowledged that while it was "nice to see your name go up there" in connection with the lead role, playing 007 inherently carries "a lot of weight and pressure." The Dublin-born actor's star has risen rapidly in recent years, with his performance in Saltburn (2023) garnering particular critical acclaim.
Next Bond Film's Creative Team Takes Shape
Keoghan's remarks arrive amid intense speculation about who will succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond, following his final appearance in 2021's No Time to Die. The next film in the long-running spy series is set to be directed by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, a four-time Academy Award nominee known for Dune, Prisoners, and Blade Runner 2049.
Adding to the anticipation, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was recently announced as the scriptwriter. Speaking to the BBC last year, Knight said writing a Bond film "has always been on my bucket list" and expressed excitement about the project. "I'm hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder," he added.
Other Contenders and Franchise Changes
When directly questioned about the identity of the next Bond, Knight responded, "That is a very, very good question, and one I can't give you the answer to." Other prominent actors frequently mentioned as potential candidates include Jacob Elordi, Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Callum Turner.
These developments follow a significant overhaul of the beloved British franchise. Long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have transferred creative control to Amazon as part of a lucrative new deal, marking a new era for the 007 series. Keoghan himself is set to appear in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, continuing his diverse and acclaimed acting career while firmly stepping away from Bond speculation.
