Rumours James Norton is set to play James Bond intensify as Amazon takes over franchise

Rumours that James Norton is set to be the next 007 have intensified as it is announced that the James Bond franchise faces major change. It was announced today that after more than 60 years, the Broccoli family have relinquished creative control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

As this major shift was announced, fans immediately began speculating again about who could play the iconic character – and Norton a clear frontrunner among fans. The Happy Valley actor, 39, is currently up against the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba as the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement continues.

At the Baftas on Sunday, the actor denied the rumours while chatting with TV presenter Alex Zane. Commenting on the bookies’ speculation that he is the frontrunner to play the character he said: ‘Am I? Whoever’s deciding on these odds needs to get a new job.’.

He added: ‘It’s so weird and bemusing.’. Although he has denied rumours, fans think they’ve spotted a huge giveaway that he is set to play Bond. James recently starred ITV drama Playing Nice, which follows two couples whose worlds are torn apart when they find out their toddlers were unknowingly swapped at birth.

In one scene in the third episode of the drama, James’ character Peter attends a gala, where he appears to be the only man not wearing a tuxedo. And this could possibly have something to do with a rumoured future role of his if he’s already signed the Bond contract.

Taking to TikTok to explain their theory, podcast hosts Benedict and Hannah Townsend explained: ‘Are you watching the brand new TV drama Playing Nice, and if you are, did you notice this?’. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.

Up Next. Benedict tells their followers: ‘James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond. ‘Now, every James Bond has in their contract they cannot wear a tuxedo in any other media while they are James Bond. ‘There’s a scene in the third episode of Playing Nice where they’re at a gala and every single man in that room is wearing a tuxedo except James Norton, who was wearing a regular suit.

‘Now, admittedly his character is meant to be humbled… so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe.’. Are you enjoying Playing Nice? #playingnice #itv #jamesbond. ‘But it could be that he is maybe going to be the next James Bond,’ Hannah says.

Benedict goes on: ‘He might have signed the contracts already and might be precluded from wearing a tux. ‘It’s only after you’ve signed the contract. So Daniel Craig can wear a tux now in a movie. But you didn’t see him in a tux the entire time he played James Bond,’ he continues.

In 2023, James addressed the Bond rumours, insisting at the time that there was no truth to them. He told Variety that no discussions with Bond producers had taken place, saying: ‘No, no conversations. Basically nothing else to say other than I think they’re probably still working it all out.

‘It’s a big challenge to know which direction to take that huge franchise in. But beyond that, it’s lots of quite fun and bemusing media coverage. There’s nothing concrete behind it.’. He’s since been tipped to take on the role, while Aaron is widely considered the favourite.

The likes of Callum Turner, Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page, Damson Idris and Theo James are also all rumoured to be possible replacements. And when asked about what he could bring to the role back in 2021, ahead of No Time To Die’s release, James seemed on board.

‘I’m a type one diabetic. How cool would it be to have a diabetic Bond?,’ he commented to Metro.co.uk. ‘It would be wonderful for all those diabetic kids out there to think even a type one diabetic could be Bond! Other than that, I’d leave it to Daniel and the writers to carry on the legacy.’.

The star also praised Craig for ‘re-defining it for a modern era and it’s this human role in a really wonderful way’. Cineworld is going all out for the release of Wicked, and we couldn’t be more excited. Playing Nice is available to watch on ITVX and continues on Sunday at 9pm.

Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Neighbours axed again after 40 years by Amazon.