Next James Bond favourite rules himself out as new 007 'I'm too old now'

Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Dune trilogy director Denis Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight on screenwriting duties.

Yet new 007 producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are yet to announce Daniel Craig's replacement for the reboot.

The bookies' current favourite continues to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but James Norton has spent the last seven years in the top tier of the 007 odds, after catching fan attention in a tuxedo during the BBC's McMafia.

Yet having just turned 40, he's now ruling himself out, especially after rumours that Amazon are looking for a star in his late 20s.

Speaking with The Mirror, Norton said: "I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer. There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paps outside my door. It is all speculation." Nevertheless, asked hypothetically what he'd do if offered the role, the King and Conqueror star replied: "It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub [without being recognised that easily]."

Norton added: "I like my life right now. I have no idea what it is like to be Leonardo DiCaprio. I imagine the apex is pretty big, but I like the fact I can leave my house and go down to the shop." The Happy Valley star may rule himself out but it's worth pointing out that Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan were all in their early 40s when cast as Bond.

Of course, if Amazon really is looking for a younger actor, his chances will slip, but you never know.