James Norton has ruled himself out of being the next James Bond, saying he is too “long in the tooth”. The Happy Valley star, 41, is one of many actors who has been rumoured for the role since Daniel Craig confirmed No Time To Die would be his final outing as 007.
Norton's response on Capital Breakfast
Speaking on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, Norton was asked by North: “How many times have you been asked (about James Bond)?” Norton replied: “I’ve been asked a thousand times over the last 10 years. And I can honestly, hand on heart, say no. I think I may be a little bit long in the tooth now.”
The most recent Bond film, No Time To Die, was released in 2021 and the next actor to take on the role of the secret agent has yet to be confirmed.
Audition for 50 Shades of Grey
Elsewhere in the interview, Norton revealed he auditioned to play billionaire Christian Grey in the 50 Shades Of Grey franchise. Asked what roles he did not get, Norton replied: “There’s quite a few. Well, there’s a massive load that I didn’t get. I mean the list is endless because the beginning of your career, you are hustling and you are also sent in for these mad auditions that you would never get.
“Very early on I went in for 50 Shades of Grey. And I remember very clearly the casting director at the end of my tape saying: ‘It’s fine but I just think you need to be a bit more charismatic’. And think about it – ‘be more charismatic’ is the worst. It’s basically like saying ‘just live a bit cooler and be a bit better at life’. And surprisingly I didn’t get that role.”
The role went to Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan, while Dakota Johnson played the female lead, Anastasia Steele.
Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby on weekdays from 6am to 10am on UK radio and on YouTube.
