James Norton Relieved to Be Too Old for Bond

has admitted he feels relieved he is now seen as 'too old' to play  after years of being tipped as the new 007.

The 40-year-old actor's name has frequently been mentioned as 's successor in the spy franchise, after he quit the role in 2021.

But it was recently reported that Amazon are keen to cast a younger star in the franchise, likely so they have the time to cover several films.

James has said he can't help but be thankful because he never truly knew whether he wanted the role or not because it came at a 'big cost'.

He told Vulture: 'Nearly every interview for ten years, I've been asked, "So … James Bond?"

Of the talk of a younger Bond, he added: 'Part of me is like, Wow, I'm getting old. Part of me is relieved because when I really spent time thinking about it, it would always have been a mixed bag. It's an honour and it's iconic and it's a big cost.

'Good luck to whoever young whippersnapper takes the role. I'll be sitting there with my pipe and my book and my slippers.'

James is also feeling his age on the set of Sir Sam Mendes' Beatles movies, where he plays the group's manager Brian Epstein alongside Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn as the fab four.

He said: 'I'm a bit older than them, and there have been moments where we as a group have been like, 'That's a bit meta. Suddenly, I'm a more senior voice in the room.'

Last year, James ruled himself out of playing because of his age.

Predicting what has now been announced, James said he believed that casting directors will 'go younger' as he shut down the rumours. 

At the time, , 42, was the current favourite with Bookies while , 40, has also been in the running for a while.

Other rumoured contenders include Callum Turner, 35, followed by Harris Dickinson and , 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. 

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.'

, 35, was previously amongst the favourites but shut down rumours and told Esquire: 'It's not really for me to say anything.' 

Like James, Idris Elba, 53, also said he was 'too old' after he was rumoured to be the next 007. 

He admitted that he is 'ancient' and while he appreciated the compliment of being considered back in 2009, the opportunity is now 'dead'.

Speaking to on Radio X, Idris joked that the rumours surrounding the agent role have made him 'more famous for not playing Bond' than 'some of the actors who did'.

Chris quipped: 'There were loads of rumours flying around a few years ago about you and a certain infamous role of a British agent, right? James Bond. Right? Was that ever a thing? Was that ever close to being a thing? Did you ever want it? There were rumours, but I don't know if you ever spoke out about it one way or the other.'

Idris replied: 'I have several times, several sort of half-a-million times. No, it was definitely one of the biggest rumours. 

'I'm arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did!

'And you know, it's been one that I've taken lightly at times. You know, everyone loves Bond. Such a fantastic character, and just to me, I found it as a compliment to be considered all those years ago.'

Chris persisted: 'But listen, you never know. It's not dead', but he was shot down by the acting sensation who responded: 'Well, I mean yeah, it is. The rumour has definitely done. 

'And I mean, I'm ancient now. I don't know what kind of Bond I'd be.'