James rules himself out of next James Bond search

Actor Theo James has ruled himself out of contention to become the next James Bond, stating he is "too old" and expressing reservations about the level of fame the role would bring. The comments, made in an interview with British GQ, add another prominent name to the list of actors distancing themselves from the ongoing search to succeed Daniel Craig.

James, 41, who currently stars in the Netflix series The Gentlemen, told the magazine, "I’m definitely too old now, for one. But, yeah, that would be an example of a place you could never come back from." He explained that beyond age, the all-encompassing fame associated with 007 is not something he wants for himself or his family. "Imagine, suddenly, you and I cannot walk down the street. What that does to your children, who are trying to find themselves in the midst of hyperscrutiny and fame. None of that, to me, is worth it."

The actor, married to Ruth Kearney with two young children, emphasized that such a career-defining part would limit his freedom. He described the offer of a "huge, sexy part" as "intoxicating" but concluded it "really wouldn’t ultimately be worth it." James previously rose to widespread fame through the...