Everyone is desperate to know who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond (Picture: Col Pics/Everett/REX/Shutterstock)
Discussing who will become the next James Bond is practically a national sport.
Ever since the longest-serving Bond Daniel Craig, 56, departed from the blockbuster movie franchise four years ago speculation has been rife over who could be his replacement.
Early theories suggested Idris Elba, 51, would be the next 007 – before the Luther actor promptly poured cold water on the rumours. More recently, it was reported Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 33, had taken on the role.
Other British actors tipped for Bond include Happy Valley’s James Norton, Henry Cavill, and Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page. But there has always been one glaring omission from lists…Rafe Spall.
But has the 41-year-old ever been approached by feted Bond producer Barbara Broccoli? Rafe spilled all to Metro.co.uk about his 007 prospects and even revealed his own ‘close brush’ with James Bond.
Rafe has many of Bond’s quintessential characteristics – he’s British and charming, for starters – and could add a more humourous spin on the character after a rather dour Daniel Craig.
Rafe could be an excellent choice to play James Bond (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
He is starrs in Apple TV family sitcom Trying (Picture: Courtesy of Apple)
But, unfortunately, the One Day actor told us he had never been approached for the role. ‘No, I’ve never been asked to play James,’ he said.
‘The closest that I’ve had to it was that I was in a play with Daniel Craig. That is my closest brush with 007.
‘I think that Aaron Taylor Johnson will make a terrific Bond. He’s a great actor. I’d love to be a James Bond film but I think I’m more likely to be a baddie than 007.’
However, he did admit he was as intrigued to know who would be stepping into Daniel’s shoes as much as the next person. ‘It’s just interesting and just good chat, isn’t it?’ Rafe said.
He is expecting a baby with his Trying co-star Esther (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Rafe is the son of British acting royalty Timothy (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
‘Everyone’s got their ideas about who it should be. I think that if it is Aaron – or anybody else who has been discussed – then good luck to him because it’s, I imagine, a great bit of pressure to carry on your shoulders.’
Bond’s loss, though, is Trying’s gain. Rafe stars alongside his real-life partner Esther Smith, who is pregnant with their first child, in the Apple TV series about a couple who struggle to conceive.
Rafe was previously married to Hollyoaks star Elize Du Toit and shares three children with her. He only recently confirmed his relationship with Esther, and the couple have been together for around 18 months.
Now in its fourth season, sitcom Trying follows Jason (Rafe) and Nikki (Esther) as they parent their adopted teenage children Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner).
Rafe was previously married to Hollyoaks star Elize (Picture: Jim …read more
Source:: Metro
