James Norton has ruled himself out of playing James Bond because he thinks he's too old to portray 007.

A host of superstar names have been touted since Daniel Craig relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them. 

However, James has now said he believes that casting directors will 'go younger' as he shut down the rumours. 

Henry Cavill, 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Theo James, 40, is also in the running. 

Other rumoured contenders include Callum Turner, 35, followed by Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, both 29, as well as Jack Lowden, 35. 

Daniel first took on the role in 2006 for Casino Royale, he was 38 at the time and 53 when he last starred as the spy. 

Addressing the speculation, James told The Mirror: '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 paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.'

When asked if he would take the opportunity, James added: 'It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now.'

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, was previously amongst the favourites but shutdown rumours and told Esquire: 'It's not really for me to say anything.' 

Like James, Idris Elba, 53, also said he was 'too old' after he was rumoured to be the next 007. 

He admitted that he is 'ancient' and while he appreciated the compliment of being considered back in 2009, the opportunity is now 'dead'.

Speaking to Chris Moyles on Radio X, Idris joked that the rumours surrounding the agent role have made him 'more famous for not playing Bond' than 'some of the actors who did'.

Chris quipped: 'There were loads of rumours flying around a few years ago about you and a certain infamous role of a British agent, right? James Bond. Right? Was that ever a thing? Was that ever close to being a thing? Did you ever want it? There were rumours, but I don't know if you ever spoke out about it one way or the other.'

Idris replied: 'I have several times, several sort of half-a-million times. No, it was definitely one of the biggest rumours. 

'I'm arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did!

'And you know, it's been one that I've taken lightly at times. You know, everyone loves Bond. Such a fantastic character, and just to me, I found it as a compliment to be considered all those years ago.'

Chris persisted: 'But listen, you never know. It's not dead', but he was shot down by the acting sensation who responded: 'Well, I mean yeah, it is. The rumour has definitely done. 

'And I mean, I'm ancient now. I don't know what kind of Bond I'd be.'

James can next be seen in gritty new period drama House Of Guinness which premieres on Netflix on September 25.

From the mind of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the eight-part series promises to be one of the streaming giant's most ambitious dramas yet.

House Of Guinness tells the story of the legendary family behind the world-famous brewery, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York.

According to Netflix, the series 'explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties - the Guinness Family.'

The synopsis continues: 'Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery.

'And the far-reaching impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the phenomenon that is Guinness.'

The all-star line-up includes Masters Of The Air actor Anthony Boyle as Arthur, while Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge plays his brother Edward. 

Emily Fairn, known for The Responder, steps into the role of Anne, and Normal People's Fionn O'Shea rounds out the siblings as Ben.

The cast is further bolstered by BAFTA nominee James Norton, Dublin-born actress Dervla Kirwan, and Game of Thrones favourite Jack Gleeson.

The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery.

But behind the story of wealth and prosperity lies a tragic tale of seemingly endless misfortune for the family.

From Tara Browne, who died following a car crash in South Kensington, to scandalous affairs and divorces and the tragic drowning of Honor Uloth aged just 19 in 2020, the family seems to have been dealt a series of devastating blows.

The personal losses faced by the Guinnesses have become so infamous that it is thought to be 'cursed', despite holding a fortune of over £900million today.

Creator Steven Knight commented: 'The Guinness dynasty is known the world over – wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from.

'I've always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.'

House Of Guinness is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 25