Josh O’Connor Linked to James Bond Role After Reported Pub Remark

The source told The Sun they met the cast member at The French House, a pub in London’s Soho. After a few drinks, the person allegedly said O’Connor was the next Bond, then claimed the actor had shared the news with the cast during celebratory drinks after “Golden Boy” finished its run on Halloween. The source also said the cast member described the remark as speculation. No official casting announcement is cited in the report.

O’Connor addressed the rumors in an interview with the BBC earlier in the week. He did not confirm or deny being chosen, calling the attention “an incredibly bizarre pinch-me moment” and saying it was “extraordinary” to be considered alongside other actors. He said he had nothing further to add.

Pierce Brosnan, who played Bond, voiced support for Callum Turner, with whom he appeared in the 2017 film “The Only Living Boy in New York.” “Callum is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan said, according to The Blast. Brosnan also praised the next film’s director, Denis Villeneuve.

Turner has also received public backing from George Clooney, who said he hoped Turner would become Bond and called him “tall and handsome and charming and British.” Jack Lowden, another actor linked to the role, called the speculation flattering but said he would not “add to the noise.” His “Slow Horses” co-star Gary Oldman had earlier said he hoped Lowden would be selected.