With reports outlining that the search for the new James Bond has moved on to its next casting stage, one actor who has been touted to take on the role has had his say about being in the 007 conversation.
When asked by Variety whether he ever imagined he would be part of Bond discussions, House of Guinness star Louis Partridge said: “No, no. Not yet at least. But that’s something to keep in mind.”
Known for his roles in Enola Holmes, Disclaimer and Medici, Partridge has been one of the names rumoured to be in contention for the coveted leading film role.
Just a couple of months ago, Variety reported that rumours around Partridge do align with chatter that the new Bond could be younger than previous actors.
After being told of the report, Partridge added: “Wonderful. Thank you, Variety.”
Partridge, who is 23, is considerably younger than other rumoured Bond contenders, as well as being much younger than previous 007 stars when they were cast – with Sir Sean Connery the youngest so far at 32.
If Partridge was to be the next Bond, he would already be in a good position of sorts, seeing as he’s worked alongside new 007 writer Steven Knight on House of Guinness.
Knight previously commented on what it was like to add to the Bond canon when chatting to The Radio Times Writers’ Room, saying that he “can’t say anything about it”, other than that he is having “a fantastic time”.
He said: “Obviously with Bond, what you’re dealing with is now a character of folklore, really. It’s like Robin Hood or King Arthur, in the context of the culture of this country and beyond. And so you’ve got to treat it with respect.”
As of now, of course, nothing has been confirmed and speculation continues to run rife as fans wait patiently to see who will step into the famed role.
Euphoria star Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner remain two of the most prominent suggestions for the next Bond, but it remains to be seen whether they are still in the running.
According to Deadline, director Denis Villeneuve and the film’s producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have just this week started to inform the actors who have auditioned which of them have reached the next round, which will take place in August.
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