Guess that rules him out of the next Bond
Cillian Murphy, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, has long been a speculative contender for the iconic role of James Bond. While his intense screen presence has fueled fan dreams of him donning the 007 mantle, Murphy has now shared his thoughts—and they might come as a surprise.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Murphy expressed his belief that the next James Bond should be a woman, effectively removing himself from the running.
“The thing about it is, if you say anything about Bond, it becomes the headline, right?” Murphy said, acknowledging the intense speculation surrounding the franchise. “There’s two things I’ll say about that: Firstly, there’s a whole other industry which is completely separate from the film side of things, and that’s the bookies. The second thing I’d say is that I think it should be a woman, which rules me out.”
Murphy’s candid suggestion reflects a growing sentiment among fans and industry insiders alike, especially following Lashana Lynch’s groundbreaking portrayal of a female 007 in No Time to Die. However, the possibility of a permanent gender shift for the character remains uncertain.
Murphy, known for his reserved and thoughtful demeanor, isn’t one to court controversy or make statements for the sake of attention. His advocacy for a female Bond feels genuine, adding to the ongoing conversation about the evolution of the iconic spy series.
While fans may be disappointed to hear Murphy rule himself out, his vision for the franchise opens the door to exciting possibilities, leaving audiences to wonder who might be next in line to carry the torch—or the Walther PPK.
