James Norton has ruled himself out of playing James Bond because he thinks he’s too old to portray 007.
A host of superstar names have been touted since Daniel Craig relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them.
However, James has now said he believes that casting directors will ‘go younger’ as he shut down the rumours.
Henry Cavill, 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Theo James, 40, is also in the running.
Other rumoured contenders include Callum Turner, 35, followed by Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, both 29, as well as Jack Lowden, 35.
Daniel first took on the role in 2006 for Casino Royale, he was 38 at the time and 53 when he last starred as the spy.
James Norton has ruled himself out of the James Bond running after saying he’s too old to become 007 (pictured on Tuesday)
A host of names have been touted since Daniel Craig (pictured) relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them
Addressing the speculation, James told The Mirror: ‘I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer.’
‘There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.’
When asked if he would take the opportunity, James added: ‘It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now.’
James can next be seen in gritty new period drama House Of Guinness which premieres on Netflix on September 25.
From the mind of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the eight-part series promises to be one of the streaming giant’s most ambitious dramas yet.
House Of Guinness tells the story of the legendary family behind the world-famous brewery, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York.
According to Netflix, the series ‘explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties – the Guinness Family.’
The synopsis continues: ‘Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery.
‘And the far-reaching impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the phenomenon that is Guinness.’
Henry Cavill (pictured), 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Aaron Taylor-Johnson , 35, and Theo James, 40, are also in the running
James told The Mirror : ‘There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation’
James can next be seen in gritty new period drama House Of Guinness which premieres on Netflix on September 25
The all-star line-up includes Masters Of The Air actor Anthony Boyle as Arthur, while Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge plays his brother Edward.
Emily Fairn, known for The Responder, steps into the role of Anne, and Normal People’s Fionn O’Shea rounds out the siblings as Ben.
The cast is further bolstered by BAFTA nominee James Norton, Dublin-born actress Dervla Kirwan, and Game of Thrones favourite Jack Gleeson.
The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery.
But behind the story of wealth and prosperity lies a tragic tale of seemingly endless misfortune for the family.
From Tara Browne, who died following a car crash in South Kensington, to scandalous affairs and divorces and the tragic drowning of Honor Uloth aged just 19 in 2020, the family seems to have been dealt a series of devastating blows.
The personal losses faced by the Guinnesses have become so infamous that it is thought to be ‘cursed’, despite holding a fortune of over £900million today.
Creator Steven Knight commented: ‘The Guinness dynasty is known the world over – wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from.
‘I’ve always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.’
House Of Guinness is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 25
