Josh O'Connor plays down James Bond rumours, saying 'I doubt it' and revealing he is taking time out in 2027

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, with producer Amy Pascal saying a casting announcement by the end of the year is a "good bet.

Pierce Brosnan, whom George Clooney has also backed Turner to succeed as Bond, with Clooney saying: "I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond.

Josh O'Connor, 36, best known for 'The Crown' and 'Challengers', publicly dismissed Bond speculation at a National Theatre screening, telling reporters 'no, no, no — we'll see but I doubt it' and confirming he plans to take time off next year after completing 60 shows in 'Golden Boy' at the Almeida Theatre. Pierce Brosnan has meanwhile given his backing to Callum Turner, calling him 'so strong', prompting William Hill to shorten Turner's odds to 8/13 favourite.

Turner and Jack Lowden, both 36, are confirmed to have completed final auditions last month alongside O'Connor and a fourth mystery actor.

Lowden, now at 2/1 with William Hill, told GQ Hype he sees his future in directing and is 'not really going to add to the noise'.

Turner resigned as director of his own production company last month and was photographed sipping martinis with wife Dua Lipa — details bookies say sealed his frontrunner status.

The TelegraphPierce Brosnan backs Callum Turner for Bond role Daily MailJosh O'Connor responds to rumours he could play the next James Bond The GuardianCallum Turner emerges as James Bond favourite as Pierce Brosnan endorses actor: ‘He’s so strong’The SunJames Bond hopeful Josh O'Connor breaks silence on 007 rumours after it's revealed he's one of four final names HuffPost UKFormer 007 Pierce Brosnan Has His Say On Latest Rumoured James Bond Frontrunners

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