Tom Hiddleston is all too aware that his fans are pushing for him to become the next James Bond.
"What can I say that you don't already know?" he told Empire Magazine, when asked about the rumors of him taking over the 007 mantle. "It's interesting in itself that I've suddenly become very aware of what I'm saying, is it not? Because there's something about what I'm saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but for the world outside. Whatever I say, I've found, generated more questions," he added.
Current James Bond actor Daniel Craig will play the character for a fifth and final time in the upcoming No Time to Die. The film was originally scheduled to release in Nov. 2019 before later being delayed twice shortly after Cary Fukunaga replaced Danny Boyle as director. No Time to Die later became one of the first major tentpoles to move in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, shifting from April to Nov. 2020. It has since shuffled back two more times and is now slated to arrive this fall.
Throughout No Time to Die's release date changes, rumors have continued to circulate about who will play Ian Fleming's iconic secret agent after Craig, with popular candidates including Harry Styles and Idris Elba. The Lost City of Z costars Tom Holland and Charlie Hunnam have also thrown their hat in the ring, but admitted they've yet to have a real conversation with the Bond series' producers. By comparison, British betting firm Ladbrokes now lists Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page as a potential contender.
At the same time, rumor has it No Time to Die will end by making Lashana Lynch's character, the 00 agent Nomi, the new 007, taking Bond's place in future movies. And while Lynch has neither confirmed nor denied the idea, she hinted there might be some truth to it in Nov. 2020. "I just have to remind myself that the conversation is happening and that I’m a part of something that will be very, very revolutionary," she teased.
Directed and co-written by Cary Fukunaga, No Time to Die stars Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, Ana de Armas, Dali Benssalah, David Dencik, Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen and Rami Malek. The film arrives in theaters Oct. 8.
Source: Empire Magazine, via Digital Spy