Taron Egerton effectively ruled himself out of becoming the next James Bond on Sunday, while leaving many fans shaken and stirred with his unexpected new look. 

The British actor, best known for his starring role as an ambitious young spy in The Kingsman film franchise, was understood to be one of several serious contenders for the coveted role.

But Egerton, 36, played down his chances of replacing former 007 Daniel Craig as Bond number seven while appearing at the 2026 Tropfest in Sydney on Sunday evening. 

'I don't think I'm right for James Bond,' he told Rolling Stone Australia from the red carpet. 'I've never felt that that was me. 

'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.' 

The actor's humility was subsequently praised by fans after the exchange was posted on social media, but others were more preoccupied with Egerton's new buzz cut. 

Taking to X, some erroneously suggested his latest look – understood to be for his next role in forthcoming comedy Everybody Wants to F*ck Me – confirmed that he is going bald. 

Commenting on the British actor's comments while walking the red carpet appearance in Australia, one viewer wrote: 'I swear he had hair.'  

A second joked: 'A Connery toupee wouldn't help.'

While a third added: 'Fair, also his balding would be an issue.'

Others offered a rather more charitable response, with one posting: 'Taron downplaying himself while the rest of us know he'd absolutely kill it. Humble king behavior.'

A second added: 'Honestly, Taron choosing his own path shows a lot of self awareness, not every actor is meant for 007.'

While a third, referencing the actor's dramatically cropped hair, wrote: 'In case anyone is wondering: He shaved for his next film.'

Egerton had previously dismissed his chances of playing Bond last year, by insisting he is too 'messy' to play the suave secret agent. 

'I don't think I'm a good choice for it, I think I'm too messy for that,' he told Collider. 'I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig's tenure, but I think I wouldn't be good at it.

'I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably.'

While the identity of Bond is yet to be announced, it has been confirmed that Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct the untitled movie.

The French-Canadian filmmaker will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe.

Amazon previously announced Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film's producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

The streaming giant completed a massive $8.5billion acquisition of MGM Studios, which included the James Bond franchise.

They obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the kids of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli.

Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumoured to be upwards of $1billion.

Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.