Pierce Brosnan Endorses Callum Turner As Next James Bond As “He’s So Strong”; Josh O’Connor Reacts To Talk Around 007 Casting

Two names rumored to take on the James Bond role next are Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor, and reactions to the idea of them playing 007 on the big screen are coming in.

Turner got a major endorsement from former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan and, in a new interview, shared his thoughts.

“All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum, Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair. “They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men.”

Brosnan said he was “eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history,” later adding, “Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond.”

As far as Denis Villeneuve’s vision for the next iteration of James Bond, Brosnan said, “I think we are going to be blown away. I really do.”

“[Villeneuve] is such an iconoclastic director. His work is visionary, and his stealth and imagination of camera work and storytelling is so visceral and sensuous. It’s going to be great. It’s going to be truly magnificent,” he continued. “Of course, we all get sentimental and nostalgic, and you have to give it time and be patient, and it’s always such a delightful game. But Villeneuve is someone who I have great admiration for, and I look forward to seeing the work.”

O’Connor’s name has also floated around and was recently asked about the speculation of him taking on the role, telling British GQ, “Oh, Christ… It’s all very flattering. It’s nice to be mentioned — for any role — and I’m just not really going to add to the noise.”

“To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary,” adding that it’s “such an incredibly bizarre pinch me moment… even being uttered in that same sentence and being considered for something like that. But I am afraid there is nothing to say beyond that.”