Bond frontrunner Callum Turner has revealed what he really thinks of the 007 rumours, while still dodging the big question.
All eyes have been on the actor after his lavish wedding to Dua Lipa last week, taking over Palermo, Italy, with their famous friends for the celebrations.
The A-List couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall in London before flying out to Italy for three days.
However, being Mr Lipa isn’t the only reason Callum’s name has been surfacing recently.
After rising to fame in the Fantastic Beasts films, the 36-year-old actor is a favourite when it comes to Daniel Craig’s Bond replacement.
‘I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do,’ he told The Hollywood Reporter of the rumours, skirting around the question.
When asked if he’d take the role, should he be offered, the Eternity star laughed and looked at his shoes.
‘I am not going to comment on that,’ Callum added, but despite being evasive, he did give some insight into his feelings towards the suave spy.
‘I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!
‘It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.’
While Callum himself might be keeping schtum, George Clooney gave him a vote of confidence, saying he would be a ‘great’ James Bond.
The Ocean’s 11 icon would certainly know Callum’s skillset after directing him in the 2023 drama film The Boys In The Boat.
‘He is tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it,’ George added.
Callum is one of an endless parade of popular actors touted for the role, from Jacob Elordi to Harris Dickinson, but Amazon has so far kept quiet.
The studio took over creative control of the beloved British franchise after longtime bosses Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson stepped down.
This shake-up (not stirred) has left the series in limbo since the exit of Daniel Craig in 2021’s No Time To Die.
It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while it will be directed by Denis Villeneuve.
The Dune filmmaker’s involvement may have put a longer pause on things than anticipated, with fans waiting until at least 2028 for the next film.
‘Bond won’t be back until 2028,’ a source told The Sun previously. ‘The production mindset’s gone from “Let’s hurry this through” to “Make sure we get this right”.
‘Denis wanted a long break after Dune 3 and has some broad ideas on the script. Steven will get on with drafts, before they map out the final version. That’ll take at least the whole summer.’
The insider added: ‘Realistically, if they can make January 2027 work for pre-production, then that will be a success.’
Ian Fleming’s beloved spy was previously played by English actor Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die.
Longtime fan favourite, Sir Idris Elba recently said rumours he was set to play the spy were ‘not realistic’.
The Luther star, 53, has been rumoured to be in the running for Bond for more than a decade but said it was ‘never legit’.
Sir Idris said the character was ‘written how he was written for a reason’ and felt that not all audiences ‘will go’ for a black Bond because it is ‘not what they like in their culture’.
Five years on, and we’re hungrier than ever for a new 007 instalment, but between weddings and the behemoth that is Dune, this martini will have to sit un-shaken for a little longer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.