Hollywood actor Glen Powell has definitively ruled out any possibility of portraying the iconic British spy James Bond, citing his Texan heritage as the primary reason for his unsuitability for the role.
The 36-year-old star, who has gained prominence through recent blockbusters, addressed ongoing speculation about potential successors to Daniel Craig during a recent interview.
Powell expressed firm conviction that the legendary 007 character should remain exclusively in British hands.
His stance comes as the Bond franchise remains without a confirmed lead actor, with Amazon MGM Studios having announced Denis Villeneuve as director and Steven Knight as writer for the next instalment.
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Glen Powell has definitively ruled out any possibility of portraying the iconic British spy James Bond
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"I'm Texan. A Texan should not play James Bond," Powell stated in the interview with the Hollywood Reporter, adding that whilst he might be suitable for a character called 'Jimmy Bond', the authentic James Bond role was not for him.
The actor revealed that this had become something of a running joke within his family circle. "My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond," he explained.
Powell was unequivocal in his recommendation for casting directors seeking Craig's replacement. "Get an authentic Brit for that job. That's who belongs in that tuxedo," he told the publication.
His comments effectively remove him from consideration for one of cinema's most prestigious roles, which has historically been portrayed exclusively by British and Irish actors.
Daniel Craig is leaving the role of James Bond behind him | PAThe Bond franchise has been without a new film since 2021's No Time to Die, which concluded Craig's tenure by killing off his version of the character.
Whilst no official casting announcements have been made, various British actors have been linked to the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who recently avoided questions about the possibility, and Taron Egerton, who has also distanced himself from consideration.
Henry Golding described the role as "every actor's kind of nightmare" when speaking in June, whilst Tom Holland acknowledged it represents "the pinnacle of working in our industry" for young British performers.
The franchise's future direction remains under development, with acclaimed filmmaker Villeneuve attached to direct and Knight penning the screenplay for Amazon MGM Studios.
Glen Powell said the role should go to an 'authentic Brit'
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Powell's career continues to flourish with several high-profile projects on the horizon, demonstrating his trajectory remains unaffected by his withdrawal from Bond consideration.
His immediate focus centres on Chad Powers, a Hulu comedy series he co-created with Michael Waldron, based on a viral character originated by producer Eli Manning.
The show, premiering on September 30, follows a disgraced professional quarterback who adopts a false identity to rebuild his career at university level. Powell described the titular character as "the hardest character" he has portrayed to date.
The series filmed in Athens, Georgia, with Powell's fictional team scheduled to face real universities including Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee in the first season.
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Additionally, Powell will star in Edgar Wright's adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, scheduled for November release, alongside Josh Brolin, Michael Cera and William . Macy.