James Bond contenders: Who is going to be the new 007?
Could the race for the next James Bond be over already? The Sun certainly think so, revealing that Poldark star Aidan Turner has recently jetted off to Los Angeles for talks with the franchise's producers.
The news seemed to be confirmed by the BBC's Karen Thrussell, who "set tongues wagging about his Bond prospects" when she collected his Breakthrough Award at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards, says the paper.
Explaining the actor's absence, the Poldark producer told the audience: "I am sure it is nothing to do with James Bond, but we will see."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A source told The Sun that the franchise bosses had been impressed with the Irishman's performance in BBC drama And Then There Was None over Christmas.
"Aidan has held preliminary talks with Bond producers and being in LA will give him a further chance to discuss the role," the source added.
Since the news, odds have been slashed on the actor getting the role, but he still faces competition from the likes of Tom Hiddleston, fresh from his stint as proto-Bond in the BBC's The Night Manager. The British actor has hinted it would be an "extraordinary opportunity" to play 007.
While there has been no official word about leaving from the current incumbent, Daniel Craig, news he had signed up for a US television series prompted the press to declare his "James Bond future was in doubt".
Asked last year if he could see himself tackling the role one more time, Craig told Esquire magazine: "At this moment, no. I have a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see."
So who might take over?
- Top Gear Cenotaph Stunt - 'Clarkson Never Had Such Bad Taste'
- House prices: what are the predictions for 2016?
- EU referendum: Brexit could be 'disaster' for UK
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The mental health crisis affecting vets
Under The Radar Death of Hampshire vet highlights mental health issues plaguing the industry
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Home Office worker accused of spiking mistress’s drink with abortion drug
Speed Read Darren Burke had failed to convince his girlfriend to terminate pregnancy
By The Week Staff Published
-
In hock to Moscow: exploring Germany’s woeful energy policy
Speed Read Don’t expect Berlin to wean itself off Russian gas any time soon
By The Week Staff Published
-
Were Covid restrictions dropped too soon?
Speed Read ‘Living with Covid’ is already proving problematic – just look at the travel chaos this week
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Inclusive Britain: a new strategy for tackling racism in the UK
Speed Read Government has revealed action plan setting out 74 steps that ministers will take
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sandy Hook families vs. Remington: a small victory over the gunmakers
Speed Read Last week the families settled a lawsuit for $73m against the manufacturer
By The Week Staff Published
-
Farmers vs. walkers: the battle over ‘Britain’s green and pleasant land’
Speed Read Updated Countryside Code tells farmers: ‘be nice, say hello, share the space’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Motherhood: why are we putting it off?
Speed Read Stats show around 50% of women in England and Wales now don’t have children by 30
By The Week Staff Published
-
Anti-Semitism in America: a case of double standards?
Speed Read Officials were strikingly reluctant to link Texas synagogue attack to anti-Semitism
By The Week Staff Published