James Bond frontrunner reportedly turns down 007

It looks like he might have other plans.

And with an announcement expected before the end of the year, the timing is certainly interesting.

British actor, best known for playing Prince Charles in The Crown, is said to have ruled himself out of the race to become the next Bond.

According to the Metro, the 36-year-old actor is planning to take a break from acting in 2027.

O'Connor had been among the leading names linked to the role, alongside Slow Horses star Jack Lowden and Fantastic Beasts actor Callum Turner.

But it now appears he may have other priorities.

A source told the Daily Mail: "Josh has turned down the Bond role."

And while the actor himself hasn't confirmed that he was offered the part, he recently made some comments that suggest he isn't particularly keen on taking on the famous tuxedo.

Speaking at a screening of the National Theatre production Golden Boy last week, O'Connor was asked about the possibility of becoming the next Bond.

"No, no, no. We'll see, but I doubt it," he replied.

He then revealed that he was planning to take some time away from acting.

"I'm doing something in January, but then yeah, I'm taking some time out," he said.

So, who could be the next James Bond?

With O'Connor reportedly out of the running, attention is likely to turn to the other actors linked to the role.

Among them is Callum Turner, who has recently emerged as a favourite to replace Daniel Craig.

The British actor has even received the backing of former Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who praised his acting abilities earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Jack Lowden, best known for his role in Slow Horses, is also believed to be among the leading contenders.

Other names linked to the casting process include Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult, although no official shortlist has been announced.

And fans might not have to wait much longer to find out who gets the job.

Bond producer Amy Pascal previously suggested that an announcement before the end of 2026 was a realistic possibility.

"I would say the end of the year is a good bet," she said in August.

What do we know about the next Bond film?

While the identity of the next 007 remains a mystery, some major names are already attached to the upcoming film.

Dune director Denis Villeneuve will take charge of the project, while Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay.

The film will mark a new chapter for the franchise following Daniel Craig's departure after No Time to Die in 2021.

Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the film currently anticipated to arrive in cinemas in 2028.

For now, though, the biggest question remains unanswered.

Who will be the next James Bond?