UMVA has learned that Callum Turner, the actor who recently tied the knot with singer Dua Lipa, has addressed the swirling rumors about him potentially playing the next James Bond.
The 36-year-old actor, known for his roles in the Fantastic Beasts films, has become a frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as 007, but he remains tight-lipped about the possibility. When asked about the rumors, Callum told The Hollywood Reporter, "I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do," skirting around the question.
Despite being evasive, Callum did give some insight into his feelings towards the iconic spy, saying, "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."
Meanwhile, George Clooney has thrown his support behind Callum, saying he would be a "great" James Bond. The Ocean's 11 icon described Callum as "tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it."
The search for the next James Bond has been ongoing since Daniel Craig's exit in 2021's No Time To Die. Amazon, which took over creative control of the franchise, has kept quiet about the casting process, but Callum remains the bookies' favorite for the role.
Other actors, including Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson, have also been touted as potential Bonds, but the studio has yet to make an official announcement. The next film is expected to be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and directed by Denis Villeneuve, but fans may have to wait until at least 2028 for its release.
Sir Idris Elba, a longtime fan favorite for the role, recently denied all possibility of him playing Bond, saying it was "not realistic." The Luther star felt that the character was "written how he was written for a reason" and that not all audiences would accept a black Bond.
As the wait for a new Bond film continues, fans will have to keep speculating about who will take on the iconic role. One thing is certain, however: Callum Turner is a strong contender, and his charming on-screen presence has already won over some fans.
