- UK actor James Norton has broken his silence on rumors he is set to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond
- Craig stood down from the role after 2021’s No Time to Die
- Norton’s new project has also seen unprecedented success in the UK
James Norton is one of the UK’s biggest stars.
And while fans across the pond may not be as familiar with his work – although movies such as Little Women and War & Peace certainly packed a punch – we may be about to get well-acquainted with the Brit… as he is said to be in the running to be the next James Bond.
Norton, 39 – who earned a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of the villainous Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley – is the favorite of many fans to be the next 007, stepping into the shoes of Daniel Craig who gave up his MI6 status in 2021.
And now Norton has spoken out on the rumors.
During an interview on UK radio station Capital Breakfast, a caller named Nathan asked, “Is this the end of the ‘sad dad’ era [referencing Norton’s often complex characters], or are we going to see you as Bond next?”
Expertly dodging the question, however, Norton replied, “The Bond question! Do you know what, when they asked me what the villain I’d like to play, I was like, ‘Don’t say Bond villain, don’t say Bond villain.’ Because you know the story, the media headline…
“Is it the end of a sad dad era? I don’t think so. I think there’s more sad dads to come. In fact, the show I just mentioned, playing King Harold in the Battle of Hastings drama [King and Conqueror] which we’ve got coming out, I’ve got a little tinge of the sad dad in that. So, I’m not out of that era quite yet!”
James Norton sees success for latest project
It’s been quite the week for Norton – as he’s celebrating success in another project.
The actor’s new mini-series Playing Nice has been named the best drama launch ever on streaming service ITVX.
In the show, Norton plays the husband of Niamh Algar – a couple whose lives are torn apart when it is revealed their three-year-old son was switched at birth with another child in the premature baby unit. The two families meet and appear to get along… but is all as it seems?
Based on the novel by J.P. Delaney, the story explores the ethical dilemma of what to do when you discover your child is not biologically yours.
While Playing Nice is not currently available to watch in the US, it will soon be available to view internationally.
James Norton not only name in running for Bond
Of course, Norton isn’t the only name in the running to play Bond.
It appears that the role is still up for grabs, as producers cannot decide who should be the next actor to star as 007.
Among names that have been floated are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James and Lucien Laviscount.
Callum Turner and Paul Mescal are also rumored to be in the lineup, while many feel that Josh O’Connor will be perfect for the role.
