Theo James has said he is “too old” to be the next James Bond and believes the role would cost him freedom in his acting career. The White Lotus star, 41, has been one of several names linked to the part since Daniel Craig stepped down after his final Bond film, No Time To Die.
James ruled himself out in an interview with British GQ, saying: “I’m definitely too old now, for one. But, yeah, that would be an example of a place you could never come back from.”
Wary of fame's impact
James, who currently stars in Guy Ritchie’s action-comedy series The Gentlemen on Netflix, added that he is cautious about taking roles that would bring him too much fame. He said: “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. 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.”
Past experience with fame
James became a heartthrob starring in the Divergent film series opposite Shailene Woodley, but found being “reduced” to his looks “disappointing”. He explained: “I think I’ve always been a fairly thoughtful, analytic person. Perhaps when you’re reduced to just the visual, it can be a bit disappointing.”
“That’s the world we live in, and it’s part of the currency in whatever division you happen to be working in.”
Family life and social media
James is married to Irish actress Ruth Kearney, and they have two children: a daughter born in 2021 and a son born in 2023. Speaking about raising his children in the age of social media, James said he finds the process “complex and nerve-wracking”.
He added: “They’re young, so in a way, I’m lucky we haven’t got to that point yet. But I see it with friends who have older kids, and it’s a bit of a f****** minefield… self-worth for young children, obsession with body image… it’s all about identity.”
James’ comments follow Happy Valley star James Norton, also 41, telling Capital Breakfast he thinks he is too “long in the tooth” to be the next Bond.
