Taron Egerton: taron egerton Says He's Not 'Right' for James Bond Role

taron egerton has once again pushed back on talk of taking over as James Bond, saying he does not see himself as the iconic spy. The comment matters because Egerton is widely recognised for leading roles in Rocketman and the Kingsman series, making his reluctance a notable rejection of the recurring casting conversation.

Red carpet remarks and a blunt verdict on Bond

On the red carpet, Egerton was direct: “I don’t think I’m right for James Bond, ” he said, adding, “I’ve never felt that that was me. ” He followed that by acknowledging the franchise’s stature: “I think there’s great candidates for it, and I think it’s obviously a huge cinematic institution. I don’t want to be dismissive about it as a thing. I just feel that my path is less… kind of grand and idealised. ”

Those comments came as he attended a public festival appearance, where he spoke with the press before the event’s screenings and awards.

Tropfest appearance, Centennial Park and the jury line-up

Egerton appeared on the red carpet as Tropfest returned to Sydney’s Centennial Park on Sunday, February 22. He served on a star-studded jury that included James Cameron, who appeared virtually, Australian filmmaker Danny Philippou, Sarah Snook, Bruna Papandrea and Dylan River, alongside President Margot Robbie.

The festival awarded its top prize to Lianne Mackessy of Sydney, NSW, for her film Crescendo; the jury described the entry as “absolutely pitch perfect. ”

Past interviews and why he won’t step into Daniel Craig’s shoes

Don’t expect Egerton to replace Daniel Craig as 007. He has made similar points previously: in a 2025 interview he said he didn’t think he was the right fit for the new iteration of the franchise and was unambiguous in his answer when asked if he’d throw his hat in the ring: “No. And I don’t think I’m a good choice for it. I think I’m too messy for that. ”

He further praised the character’s portrayals, singling out Daniel Craig’s tenure, but added that he wouldn’t be right for the part and that casting it on him would likely be wasted when there are “so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. ”

Taron Egerton as Eddie Edwards in Eddie the Eagle

Outside of Bond talk, Egerton has played memorable underdog turns—most notably portraying Eddie Edwards in the 2015 comedy-drama Eddie the Eagle. The film follows Edwards’ improbable story at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, when Britain entered a competitor in ski jumping for the first time.

Edwards finished dead last in two separate events at those Games, earning the nickname Eddie the Eagle. In the film, Hugh Jackman appears as the eccentric, fictional coach Bronson Peary, and Dexter Fletcher directed. Before Egerton was cast, Steve Coogan and Rupert Grint were linked to the role; the film’s credits also include Christopher Walken and Jo Hartley.

Egerton has defended his depiction of Edwards, saying he wanted to show that Edwards “wasn’t an idiot, ” and added, “That’s been a really common misconception. The folklore is that he was this fool, but he wasn’t. He was sharp and shrewd. He’s lovely, but he’s not someone to be trifled with. ” Edwards himself warned that many of the film’s events were completely made up, and the production leans on poetic licence to fashion its underdog tale.

Reviewers and audiences have praised the chemistry between Egerton and Jackman, noting the pair are portrayed as two driven oddballs chasing their own version of success even if that success won’t put them near a podium.

Where Egerton’s statements leave the casting conversation

By restating that he does not see himself as James Bond and by pointing to both past interviews and his work in films such as Rocketman, the Kingsman series and Eddie the Eagle, Egerton has closed off speculation about him taking the role—at least for now. His comments on the red carpet and in earlier press interviews underline a consistent stance: he admires the character and recent portrayals but does not fit the part he has been linked to in casting chatter.