Theo James, an actor previously tipped as a frontrunner for the next James Bond, has ruled himself out of the role, stating at 41 he is "too old now."
James, known for roles in The Divergent, The White Lotus, and most recently as Eddie in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen, was one of several names linked to the iconic secret agent role. The part has been vacant since Daniel Craig stepped down after 15 years.
James Cites Age and Fame Concerns
In a new interview with British GQ, James said: "I'm definitely too old now, for one." He also expressed fears about becoming too famous to walk down the street. James, who shares two children with his Irish actress wife Ruth Kearney, added: "Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street. What that does to your children, who are trying to find themselves in the midst of hyper-scrutiny and fame. None of that, to me, is worth it."
He continued: "At the time, it's very intoxicating, being offered some huge, sexy part that would change your life forever. But it really wouldn't ultimately be worth it."
Comparison to Daniel Craig's Age
If James were picked for the new Bond film, which is said to be in pre-production and casting, he would be only three years older than Craig was in his debut, the 2006 film Casino Royale. Craig went on to play the spy in four more films until the age of 53 in his final movie No Time To Die, released in 2021. Craig said he stepped down due to injuries sustained on set, including a broken leg and losing two teeth. He had earlier joked he would "rather slash his wrists" than return, but later clarified, saying: "I finished filming Spectre with a broken leg. I was thinking, 'I don't know if I can do another one of these.' I'm in my 50s now. I thought, 'Do I have this in me? Do I want to go through all of this?' I needed a break."
Other Contenders Rule Themselves Out
James's comments come days after another Bond contender, Happy Valley star James Norton, also 41, ruled himself out. Appearing on Capital Breakfast, he said: "I've been asked a thousand times over the last 10 years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no." Again citing his age, he added: "I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now."
Younger actors tipped for the role include 29-year-old Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria and Saltburn. Lesser-known stars such as 27-year-old stage actor Tom Francis and 30-year-old Harris Dickinson are also rumoured to be favourable, as they are not massively famous for any other role, something said to be important to casting directors. Bigger names being touted include Tom Holland, 30, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 36, Callum Turner, 36, and Henry Cavill, 43.
