Theo James has an unexpected suggestion for the next James Bond: Anya Taylor-Joy. The British actor would like to see her play a female version of the spy, having voiced reservations about pursuing the role himself.
James, 41, spoke with Extra at Netflix’s November 7th event for The Gentlemen in Los Angeles. The outlet published its report on November 9th.
Asked what he was thankful for ahead of the American Thanksgiving holiday, James gave a two-word answer: “The midterms.” He did not elaborate or name a political party or candidate.
The actor has discussed politics more directly before, including criticism of Trumpism and Nigel Farage in a British GQ interview.
The Queen’s Gambit Inspired James’s Choice for Bond
The idea came to James while watching Taylor-Joy play chess prodigy Beth Harmon in Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit. He recalled thinking she would make “a great Bond, Jane Bond.”
Amazon MGM Studios has not announced Daniel Craig’s successor, and James’s suggestion does not establish that Taylor-Joy is being considered.
The next film has Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Craig last appeared as 007 in No Time to Die, released in 2021.
James Has Concerns About Bond’s Impact on His Family Life
When GQ raised the casting speculation in its August 20th interview, James questioned whether the job would suit him. “I’m definitely too old now, for one,” he said.
He was also wary of making a commitment that would permanently change his family’s life. James said losing his anonymity and having his children grow up under intense scrutiny would not be worth the career opportunity.
He had already experienced overwhelming attention after Divergent. James recalled withdrawing from public life, turning down work and spending time with old friends before smaller projects helped him reconnect with acting.
Eddie Horniman Faces a Darker Future in The Gentlemen
James said Season 3 would expand the story into the Middle East and take Eddie through a “deeper and darker descent into hell.”
Eddie entered the criminal business after inheriting his family’s estate. By the second season, his ambitions included expanding into Italy, with his growing appetite for power putting pressure on his relationship with the Glass family.
James was less confident about his own survival prospects in that world. He joked that he would be dead within weeks and that Eddie was both richer and more successful than he was.
Robert Carlyle and Orlando Bloom Join the Season 3 Cast
Netflix’s October 23rd production update confirmed filming in the United Kingdom and Morocco, where James had recently been working.
Robert Carlyle, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Dexter Fletcher and Bruna Marquezine are among the new additions. They join James and Kaya Scodelario, who plays Susie Glass.
Creator, director and executive producer Guy Ritchie is returning. Season 2 premiered on September 3rd, 2026, after Netflix announced the renewal in August. A Season 3 premiere date has not been announced.