Huge name linked to James Bond shatters rumours with three-word statement

08 March 2024 , 10:39

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Cillian Murphy shuts down James Bond rumours as he says he's 'too old' to play 007 (Image: Getty Images)

James Bond fans will have to wait a little longer to find out who is next to take over from Daniel Craig.

Cillian Murphy has insisted that he's 'too old' to play the role, shooting down feverish excitement surrounding the Oscar-nominated star.

The Oscar-nominated actor was said to be in the running to take over the iconic role as James Bond following Craig 's 15-year reign as 007. The Irish actor, 47, is reportedly top of film bosses lists after his incredible portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's masterpiece, Oppenheimer.

Peaky Blinders actor Cillian impressed bosses so much after his BAFTA-winning performance that they are said to be desperate for him to take on the legendary role which was previously filled by fellow Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, as well as Sean Connery, and Roger Moore.

Huge name linked to James Bond shatters rumours with three-word statement qhiquqiqhuiqdrinv

Cillian says he's too old to play James Bond (AFP via Getty Images)

However, Cillian thinks that he wouldn't fit the iconic part. When asked if the James Bond rumours were true, he quickly shut down speculation as he told HELLO! Magazine: "I'm a bit too old for that now."

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Cillian, who is tipped to win the Best Actor Oscar for Oppenheimer this Sunday night, made his professional acting debut in 1996, and he subsequently performed onstage in Cork, Dublin, and London through the end of the decade. He began appearing in films in 1997, and came to international prominence after starring in Danny Boyle's groundbreaking 28 Days Later in 2002.

While he has always been regarded as an incredibly talented actor, it seems that Cillian has impressed the most in his 40s, after playing the iconic role of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer which has bagged him his very first Oscar nomination.

"Cillian is the toast of Hollywood right now and this would be the ultimate role. This is a way to elevate the Bond franchise with an actor who is at the very top of his game," a source told The Sun.

Huge name linked to James Bond shatters rumours with three-word statement

Daniel Craig was the last actor to lay 007 (MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Clay Bunker, who starred opposite Cillian in Oppenheimer, is also rooting for the Irish actor to become the next James Bond. Clay said his roles as gangster Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders and Scarecrow in the Dark Knight trilogy prove how amazing he would be as 007.

Clay said: “He would fare beautifully. It’s funny because Cillian is the nicest human but he has that dark side and there’s a darkness to Bond. We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character Fleming created - a pretty dark character."

While Cillian might be a current fan favourite star, his son is also pursuing greatness. The Oppenheimer star’s 16-year-old son, Aran, is joining the Hollywood world, it seems. He's is being tapped for the top and has signed to a major Hollywood law firm, who at on behalf of some of the world’s biggest stars. A source told The Mirror: “Aran is only young but already has a stellar team behind him. The future looks very bright indeed.”

The youngster is being advised by Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern who have struck deals for stars including Ryan Gosling, Will Smith and Angelina Jolie. He is also being represented by top acting agency Lisa Richards who look after a slew of stars.

Cillian's son is following in his acting footsteps

Their combined weight have already negotiated a role in Klara and the Sun, director Taika Waititi’s adaptation of the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. Other stars attached to the film include Hollywood starlets Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.

Before that he enjoyed a brief role in the acclaimed film LOLA, and in a stage touring production of Hamnet, where he played the lead character.

Aran recently made a rare appearance at the Golden Globes, with his dad and mum Yvonne, who Cillian married in 2004. The couple are also parents to Malachy, 17. During his Best Actor acceptance speech at the Globes, Cillian dubbed himself 'the luckiest man' as he spoke directly to his wife and children. The star said: "To my family, I'm the luckiest man and I love you."