Daniel Craig Takes Sides In Search For The New James Bond

Daniel Craig is making his voice heard in the search for the next 007 Agent, James Bond, and firmly backing Josh O'Connor to take on the legendary role. O'Connor has been linked to the Bond role for months but continues to brush off the rumors, saying it all started as a joke. 

The search for the next 007 has been ongoing since Daniel Craig's exit, with Josh O'Connor's name gaining traction despite his denials.

Craig has been quietly championing the actor behind the scenes, believing O'Connor's fresh take could redefine the franchise.

An insider shared, "Daniel has all but publicly announced he thinks Josh O'Connor should be the next 007 and has been thoroughly impressed with Josh since Josh's star-making run on Netflix's The Crown."

What makes O'Connor's potential casting even more appealing is how different he is from Craig, a shift the franchise is reportedly seeking. The source told In Touch:

"Daniel's vote matters A LOT when it comes to the choice of the next Bond, because franchise producer Barbara Broccoli is by far his closest friend in the movie business and takes everything he says incredibly seriously, especially when it comes to giant casting decisions like this."

The 34-year-old is emerging as a frontrunner for the coveted role, but while he may have Craig's backing, a significant roadblock remains before the next 007 is officially announced.

A source reveals, "Josh definitely brings a different energy to the table, and he's kind of a throwback to how Bond was described in the original Ian Fleming books way back when." They believe he could fully embody the legendary spy with the right training regimen.

However, despite strong support, one major obstacle remains:the ongoing creative differences between the movie's producers and Amazon/MGM.

"The Bond producers still have to get on the same page creatively with Amazon/MGM, which is the ongoing obstacle standing in the way of making the next film," the insider explained.

If the negotiations are settled by summer, the source believes a Thanksgiving 2026 release date for the next Bond film is still possible. 

O'Connor may be a top contender in the race to become the next James Bond, but as far as he is concerned, the speculation is nothing more than a wild rumor.

The actor, whose name has been swirling around 007 discussions, dismissed the buzz earlier this year, insisting that it all started from an offhand comment. During an interview with Deadline in January, O'Connor stated with a smile:

"I have no thoughts, really," adding, "The truth is that … I think in the space of a week, I made a joke about, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I played Bond?' Then, me and Daniel [Craig] did an Actors on Actors, and then something else happened, and suddenly I was James Bond. If I am Bond, I don't know about it."

The remarks came as O'Connor promoted his new film "Rebuilding" at Deadline's Sundance Studio, where he stars as Dusty, a cowboy navigating a difficult past. Whether he will trade in cowboy boots for a tuxedo remains to be seen.

Craig's tenure as James Bond left an unforgettable mark, not just on audiences but also on the British Royal Family. 

The star played the iconic 007 agent from 2006 to 2021, and his gripping portrayal of the suave yet rugged secret agent was so remarkable that even the monarchy took notice.

The Blast reported that on October 18, 2022, Craig was granted a prestigious royal honor, which his on-screen persona also held.

The British Empire awarded him the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, a title famously associated with James Bond in the movies. The honor was presented by Princess Anne, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, in a formal ceremony at Windsor Castle. 

Craig's reign as James Bond almost ended much earlier than expected. The 57-year-old once considered stepping away from the franchise due to its physical toll on him.

The Blast reported in 2022 that Craig seriously contemplated leaving the role after "Spectre" (2015), citing repeated injuries from performing high-intensity stunts. 

While Craig did not mind the healing process itself, the constant strain on his body made him question whether continuing was worth it. 

However, Bond producers were not ready to say goodbye just yet. Desperate to keep their leading man, they tried tirelessly to convince Craig to return for one final mission. 

Their solution? Allowing him to take a step back from dangerous stunt work. With that compromise, Craig agreed to reprise his role in "No Time to Die" (2021). 

Even with Daniel Craig's backing, fans will have to wait and see if Josh O'Connor officially gets his license to kill.