James Bond: Tom Hiddleston blames The Night Manager for rampant speculation that he will replace Daniel Craig
The British actor plays spy Jonathan Pine in the BBC adaptation of John Le Carre's novel
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Those ‘Tom Hiddleston for James Bond’ rumours have been gathering so much speed that the British actor can go nowhere without facing questions about his 007 chances.
The 35-year-old’s role as Jonathan Pine in the BBC’s adaptation of John Le Carre’s book The Night Manager has further fuelled speculation, with many viewing his performance as a Bond audition.
Hiddleston joined Jimmy Kimmel on his US chat show on Tuesday to discuss the 10/1 odds that have him down to replace Daniel Craig.
“‘Who’s gonna be James Bond?’ is one of the nation’s favourite pub conversations, up there with ‘Who’s gonna win X Factor?’ and ‘Is Britain gonna leave the EU?’” he said.
“I play a British spy in The Night Manager so people I think have made the link. I mean, as somebody who grew up with Sean Connery and Roger Moore, when you mention it there’s a part of me that goes, ‘Really? Are you kidding?”
Hiddleston has previously acknowledged the similarities between Pine and Bond, admitting that it would be an “extraordinary opportunity” if it “ever came knocking”.
“I’m a huge fan of the series,” he told The Sunday Times. “We all went to see Spectre when we were shooting Skull Island in Hawaii. I simply love the theme tune, the tropes and the mythology. I love the whole thing. But I’m very aware of the physicality of the job. I would not take it lightly.”
James Bond: The spy who loved to look cool
Show all 14Craig could still reprise the role for a fifth time but said after Spectre’s release that he would rather “slash his wrists” than play Bond again.
Other contenders are believed to be Damian Lewis, James Norton, Henry Cavill and Aidan Turner.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments