Says he is not right fit to replace Daniel Craig amid ongoing 007 casting speculation
Taron Egerton as James Bond. Photo: file
Taron Egerton has addressed ongoing speculation about him potentially taking over the role of James Bond, stating he does not believe he is the right fit to replace Daniel Craig as 007.
Speaking during a red carpet interview with Variety AU/NZ at Tropfest 2026 in Sydney, Egerton said he has never seen himself as the iconic British spy. “I don’t think I’m right for James Bond,” he said, adding that while the franchise is a major cinematic institution, he feels his career path is different from the grand and idealized image associated with the character.
Egerton, known for his performances in Rocketman and the Kingsman film series, has frequently been mentioned among potential candidates for the next James Bond. However, this is not the first time he has dismissed the idea. In a 2025 interview with Collider, he reiterated that he did not consider himself a strong choice for Amazon’s upcoming iteration of the Bond franchise, describing himself as “too messy” for the role.
He also praised Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007, noting his admiration for the character while suggesting that younger actors may be better suited for the future of the franchise.
Egerton made the comments while attending Tropfest at Sydney’s Centennial Park. The 2026 jury included James Cameron, Danny Philippou, Sarah Snook, Bruna Papandrea, Dylan River and President Margot Robbie. Lianne Mackessy won the festival’s top prize for her short film Crescendo.
Egerton has starred in several biographical films, portraying military officer Edward Brittain in the drama Testament of Youth (2014), the titular ski-jumper in the sports film Eddie the Eagle (2016), and singer Elton John in the musical Rocketman (2019).
