Regé-Jean Page shares update on James Bond speculation: ‘I’ve got enough on my plate’

Page, 34, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are the current frontrunners for the spy role
Regé-Jean Page revealed that playing the iconic British spy isn’t something that has “occupied his thoughts”
Getty Images
Lisa McLoughlin 16 February 2023
The Weekender

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Regé-Jean Page might be a frontrunner to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond but he’s steering clear of adding fuel to the fire that he’ll star as the next 007.

In a new interview, the actor, 34, insisted that playing the iconic British spy isn’t something that has “occupied his thoughts” and that he is staying out of the speculation as to whether he’ll take over the franchise.

The Bridgerton star shared: “It’s a conversation people are having, and it’s terribly flattering that they’re having it. I leave them to it.”

When Page asked whether he’d accept the role if it was offered to him, he told Vanity Fair: “I have no idea. It’s not a thing that is fully occupying my thoughts.

“I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment. I worry about the work I have, not other people’s jobs.”

Craig bowed out of the franchise in 2021 following his fifth turn as Bond in No Time To Die.

Page also explained why he didn’t return to Bridgerton for season 2
LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Page is not the only current frontrunner for the role, but is joined by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who reportedly impressed producers after filming a “secret audition” in November.

Last month, Puck News reported that Taylor-Johnson had sat down with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and that their meeting “very well”.

Elsewhere in the interview, published this week, The Gray Man star revealed the simple reason why he didn’t return to Bridgerton to reprise his breakout role as Simon Basset.

Fans were left disappointed when it was announced that Page wouldn’t be returning to Netflix’s Regency-era series, not even for a cameo.

Explaining the reason why he didn’t come back for season two, the actor said frankly: “I signed up to do a job and I did the job and then I did some other jobs. That’s it. That’s the story. I wish it was more glamorous than that.”

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in