‘Slinky and sexy’ Bridget Jones star wants to be the next James Bond

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy star Leo Woodall has thrown his name into ring as a potential contender to play James Bond. The actor, 28, plays charming Roxster in the latest instalment of the long-running romantic comedy franchise. Facing off against hunky teacher Mr. Wallacker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) for the affections of Renée Zellweger’s prolific diarist, Roxster must also contend with the ghosts of her past – both literal and kind-of-literal.

Prior to playing Bridget Boy in the chaotic Englishwoman’s latest outing, Leo first broke hearts as Dexter in the Netflix romantic drama One Day. Since then, he has appeared in The White Lotus (not to be confused with the submarine/car driven by Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me), demonstrating a sense of danger behind the cherubic good looks. Currently starring in the Apple TV thriller Citadel, Leo has proved that he can handle both ends of the action.

And, as one of the nation’s brightest new talents, it was surely only a matter of time before his name became associated with that of fiction’s greatest spy. While speaking to Variety, he was asked whether he’d have any interest in playing 007 – replacing actor Daniel Craig, who departed the role (rather dramatically) in 2021. ‘Every British actor’s getting that!’ Leo joked. He continued: ‘That call hasn’t come yet. Yeah, I’d do Bond. I’d love to do something like that.

‘It doesn’t need to be saving the world, but I want to beat up some bad guys, you know?’. Leo may not have given the matter much more thought, but his fans have. And those who have taken notice are already spreading the word. ‘Look no further for the next James Bond. The name is Woodall. Leo Woodall. He’s slinky, sexy and sophisticated. MGM? Helloooo!’ wrote maliniaik on X. ‘I always thought James Norton would make a fine Bond, but Leo Woodall definitely deserves a shot at it,’ said JackWorsley14.

‘Leo Woodall should be the new James Bond,’ agreed BradMilne79. ‘My James Bond shortlist would be Cosmo Jarvis, Sope Dirisu, Jack Lowden, and Leo Woodall. They are likely to pick older but younger makes sense if they want an actor in the role for a few films as they take years to make,’ chimed in georgiabeeb. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.

Up Next. The hunk previously addressed rumours during an appearance on Lorraine where he was interviewed with co-stars Renée and Chiwetel. ‘I asked my agents a while ago if there was anything in it (the Bond rumours) and they went “we haven’t heard anything about it”. So I think it’s one of those rumours spawned from nothing,’ he explained. Leo’s name is in the running along with the likes of Venom actor Tom Hardy, The Witcher star Henry Cavill, Oppenheimer Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy and Poldark’s Aidan Turner.

If he wants to take the License to Kill, Leo will have to topple running favourite Aaron-Taylor Johnson, who’s been tipped to take the tuxedo as recently as last year. The Kick-Ass star has reportedly even shot his own 007 gun barrel sequence amid rumours of a ‘secret audition’ for the role. As for Aaron’s thoughts on the job? He’s remained tight-lipped, telling Entertainment Tonight to watch his Kraven The Hunter instead of idly speculating.

‘I would say come see Kraven because that’s what’s out this weekend and it’s not going to disappoint. I promise you that, guys,’ he joked. Make of that what you will. Cineworld is going all out for the release of Wicked, and we couldn’t be more excited. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is out in cinemas now. 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.