James Bond Fan-Favorite Rules Himself Out of the Running [Exclusive]

Taron Egerton might need the appears to be like, the appeal, and the Kingsman credentials, however don’t count on him to don a tuxedo and order a martini anytime quickly. While chatting with Collider’s Joe Schmidt to advertise his new movie She Rides Shotgun, Egerton was requested immediately whether or not he’d throw his hat within the ring to be the subsequent James Bond — and he didn’t hesitate to say no. Schmidt identified that Egerton had been centered on smaller, indie fare for a while, however that he had come from a world of franchises, and questioned if that meant he’d need to take a flip as 007. Folks, this one is not wanting probably.

“No. And I do not suppose I’m a sensible choice for it. I believe I’m too messy for that. I believe I’m not— I actually love James Bond and significantly Daniel Craig‘s tenure. But I believe I would not be good at it, and I believe there’s so many cool, youthful actors who can be nice for it. I believe it might be wasted on me, most likely.”

That type of honesty is refreshing, particularly in an business the place practically each actor in Egerton’s age bracket has been casually floated as a Bond contender. And whereas his Kingsman efficiency showcased his spy expertise with a wink, Egerton made it clear that Bond’s sheer scale may not swimsuit him.

“But that is to not say that I haven’t got aspirations and plans and in addition that I would not be thinking about doing one thing that is extra business, due to course I’d. I believe I’m a interval in my life the place, as you say, I’ve been most likely following the issues that talk to me on a inventive degree a bit of bit extra, however, you realize, I’m certain I will not really feel that approach endlessly. But James Bond is sort of an enterprise and I believe, one, so far as I’m conscious, no person’s asking me to do it. [Laughs] But additionally, it is presumably not fairly the factor that may make me happiest. I do suppose it is a large previous enterprise, it type of consumes your life, a job like that.”

What’s Going On With James Bond?

Egerton’s feedback come at a time when Bond hypothesis is reaching a fever pitch. With Daniel Craig’s 15-year tenure wrapped, the way forward for the franchise continues to be largely a thriller. Amazon, which now holds the rights to Bond by way of MGM, has hinted at a youthful tackle the character, however has but to announce who will step into the enduring function.

Historically, the Bond sequence has thrived on reinvention. Sean Connery and Roger Moore delivered suave, quippy Bonds; Timothy Dalton and Craig explored a darker, extra psychologically advanced take; and Pierce Brosnan struck a steadiness that often tipped into camp (see Die Another Day). Egerton, it appears, is aware of precisely the place he’d match — and it’s not in a shaken-or-stirred tux.

Egerton’s newest movie, She Rides Shotgun (directed by Nick Rowland), is customized from Jordan Harper’s novel, following Egerton’s Nate, a newly paroled ex-con who has made highly effective enemies behind bars. Upon launch, he should defend his estranged 11-year-old daughter, Polly, from a gang that has positioned a success on your complete household.

She Rides Shotgun will open in restricted theaters on August 1, 2025.