Taron Egerton claims James Bond producers have 'already got someone' lined up as he rules himself out
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The Welsh actor has been the subject of speculation for years
A fan favourite to be the next James Bond said he's not "the right person" for the role - and claimed producers of the film franchise already have an actor lined up for 007.
Welsh actor Taron Egerton admitted he had never even met Barbara Broccoli, the British-American film producer who controls the rights of the Bond franchise.
Despite much talk about him taking on the role, the Rocketman star even claimed that he had "never been a part of the conversations".
Egerton said: “Yeah. I mean, I think they’ve already got someone, and it’s not me.
Barbara Broccoli is thought to want to begin filming in two years
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"I mean, I’ve never been a part of the conversations.
"I’ve never met the Broccolis. They’ve never enquired about me.
"I’ve just never been one of the guys that they’re looking at.
"I just don’t think I’m the right person for that. I think there’s much, much, much better candidates for that role than me.
"But, you know, I’d be a very willing audience member. They’re brilliant films."
Egerton first rose to prominence in 2014 when he stared in Kingsman: The Secret Service.
His leading role in the comedy spy film quickly led to calls for the now 33-year-old to be cast to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.
Other potential frontrunners for the role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill and Rege-Jean Page.
Barbara Broccoli is thought to want to begin filming the 26th instalment of the Bond franchise in two years time.
It means there isn't long left for a replacement for Craig to be found.
Broccoli's half brother said they wanted someone a similar age to Daniel Craig when he joined the franchise
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Broccoli's half brother and fellow Bond producer Michael G Wilson, recently said he was looking for someone of a similar age to Craig when he first joined the Bond team.
He said: "We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work.
"Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.
"He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something."