George Clooney backs Callum Turner for next James Bond

Hollywood star George Clooney has publicly endorsed British actor Callum Turner to be the next James Bond, adding significant momentum to the ongoing speculation surrounding the iconic role. Clooney, who directed Turner in the 2023 film "The Boys in the Boat," made his comments in an interview published on Wednesday, June 10.

"I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond," Clooney said. "He's tall and handsome and charming and British, so he's the perfect guy to do it." He further praised Turner's career choices, noting the actor has not taken easy paychecks and has done interesting work. Clooney described Turner as having a unique star quality that makes people want to follow him.

Turner, 36, has been a persistent name on lists of potential successors to Daniel Craig, who concluded his tenure as 007 with 2021's "No Time to Die." When asked about the rumors, Turner remained non-committal. "I know as much as you do really," he said, declining to comment on whether he would accept the role if offered. He described the constant speculation as amusing, noting that even old friends text him about it, though he genuinely knows nothing.