James Bond frontrunner ‘turns down role’ after deciding to take 2027 career break

Josh O’Connor has reportedly turned down the chance to become the next James Bond (Picture: Getty Images) One of the frontrunners to become the next James Bond has reportedly turned down the coveted role, throwing the increasingly unpredictable race to replace Daniel Craig into further chaos. Josh O’Connor, 36, has been heavily linked with the iconic British spy in recent weeks, with rumours even suggesting he had secretly landed the part. However, the Challengers star is now said to have removed himself from contention, having previously revealed plans to take an extended break from acting in 2027. A source told the Daily Mail: ‘Josh has turned down the Bond role.’ The reported decision comes just days after the actor addressed the relentless speculation himself, casting doubt on whether he would be slipping into 007’s famous tuxedo. Asked about the possibility of becoming Bond at a screening of the National Theatre production Golden Boy, he replied: ‘No, no, no. We’ll see but I doubt it.’ Josh recently revealed he plans to take a break from acting in 2027 (Picture: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for National Theatre Live) He also revealed that although he has a project scheduled for January, he intends to take some time away from work afterwards. Given that production on the next Bond film is expected to begin in 2027, those plans would appear difficult to reconcile with the considerable commitment required of the franchise’s new leading man. Still, O’Connor admitted that being mentioned alongside some of Britain’s most sought-after actors was an extraordinary experience, describing the attention as a surreal career milestone. The Crown actor’s apparent withdrawal is particularly surprising given that, just last week, reports emerged that he had already secured the part. According to the claims, one of his Golden Boy castmates supposedly let slip that O’Connor had landed the role during a night out in Soho following the production’s final…