Josh O'Connor is among the actors thought to be taking part in final auditions for the new James Bond
BAFTA-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 Gloucestershire
Firework displays cancelled over concerns for animals
Three train stations set for huge revamp
Lost WW1 record tells unique stories of servicemen
O'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.
Daniel Craig served as James Bond across 15 years and five films
British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton were previously connected to the role, while Irish actor Paul Mescal's name had also been thrown into the mix.
The next Bond film is in development after it was announced last year that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would write the script.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the upcoming project, which is currently untitled, while Dune's Denis Villeneuve will direct.
Pascal told Deadline, external earlier this year that a casting announcement by the end of the year was a "good bet" but that Craig was a "hard act to follow".
Get in touch
Your Voice
Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
