A popular British actor has definitively withdrawn himself from consideration for the role of James Bond, declaring that he simply isn't suited to portray the legendary spy.
The 36-year-old, who rose to prominence through the Kingsman franchise, addressed the persistent casting speculation while speaking to Variety AU/NZ at Tropfest on Sunday evening.
"I don't think I'm right for James Bond," Taron Egerton stated on the red carpet, "I've never felt that that was me."
The actor acknowledged the significance of the 007 franchise, describing it as "a huge cinematic institution" that he didn't wish to dismiss.
Taron Egerton has ruled himself out of the running to play the next Bond
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However, he said he doesn't see his career heading in the same direction as playing Bond would need, saying: "I just feel that my path is less kind of grand and idealised."
This isn't the first time Mr Egerton has distanced himself from the Bond speculation.
During a conversation with Collider last year, the Rocketman star said: "I don't think I'm a good choice for it, I think I'm too messy for that."
Despite ruling himself out, Mr Egerton has expressed genuine admiration for the franchise, particularly Daniel Craig's five-film stint as the secret agent.
Daniel Craig was the latest James Bond | PA
The actor indicated that emerging talent would be better positioned to carry the series forward.
He said that "there are so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it" and that the opportunity "would be wasted on me, probably".
With Mr Egerton stepping aside, several other actors remain firmly in contention for the coveted role.
Jacob Elordi, the Australian star of Wuthering Heights, has allegedly held discussions with director Denis Villeneuve and Amazon/MGM Studios regarding the possibility of becoming the next 007.
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Jacob Elordi is a frontrunner to play the iconic spy | GETTYMeanwhile, Callum Turner has allegedly been telling those close to him that he has secured the part, though no official confirmation has emerged.
Should Mr Turner land the position, speculation has also suggested his girlfriend, pop star Dua Lipa, could potentially be approached to record the theme song.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have also been mentioned as potential candidates for the franchise's next chapter.
The production team for Bond 26 has now been assembled, with Mr Villeneuve confirmed as director and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight attached as screenwriter.
Could Callum Turner be the next Bond? | PAAmazon secured full creative control of the 007 franchise following its substantial £8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios.
The streaming giant reached an agreement with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson in March 2025, with the deal rumoured to exceed £1 billion, though precise financial terms were not disclosed.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been announced as producers for the forthcoming film, with no official word yet on casting, plot details, or a release date.
However, The Sun has now reported that filming for the highly anticipated film will begin before the end of the year.
Taron Egerton
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A TV insider said: “This well and truly starts the firing gun on naming who the new 007 will be, with speculation already rife about who will inherit the Walther PPK and Licence To Kill.
“What’s thrilling about this is that it’s not just a cinematic phenomenon, it’s also one for TV fans too because the pairing with Prime Video raises the possibility that the new movie might drop in cinemas and on the streamer simultaneously, or at least around the same time.
“That’s the first time that would have happened in the 64-year history of the Bond films.”