Richard Armitage addresses James Bond rumours as he admits own casting choice for role
Richard Armitage appeared on Loose Women on Friday to discuss his role in the new Netflix thriller Fool Me Once.
Richard Armitage says he’s interested in playing Bond villain
Richard Armitage has opened up on rumours that he might be the next James Bond. The 52-year-old thespian was appearing on Loose Women today to discuss the Harlan Coben thriller Fool Me Once, which also stars Michelle Keegan, when he was asked if he was still in the running for 007.
“Apparently,” he said. “My little nephew, every time I go home he’s like, ‘Are you going to be James Bond, Uncle Richard?’ And I’m like, ‘No you’ve just read it in the papers'.
“I think James Bond with a Zimmerframe is probably not apt,” he joked before admitting: “I’d cast a guy in his 20s."
However, he hasn’t entirely ruled himself out of appearing in the franchise, revealing: “I’d be up for playing a Bond villain.”
The current odds seem to align with his reticence to take on the role. He is currently a 300-1 outside bet for the coveted iconic part.
According to bookmaker Coral, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently favourite favourite to take over from Daniel Craig in the role with odds of 2/1 slashed from 5/2.
Superman star Henry Cavill is second favourite with odds of 7/2.
Meanwhile, Happy Valley actor James Norton is also considered a contender at 4/1.
Other outside possibilities include Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page at 5/1, Tom Hardy at 7/1, and Aidan Turner at 18-1.
Don't miss...
EastEnders' Mitchell family gets a new addition as legendary actor joins cast [SPOILER]
Coronation Street star set for surprise new role away from the cobbles [INSIGHT]
Neighbours' star admits to getting 'teary eyed' filming eagerly awaited wedding [EXCLUSIVE]
While he might not be Bond anytime soon Richard has revealed that he has plenty to keep him busy.
Last year he wrote a crime thriller called Geneva and he told the panel that it has been optioned as a TV show by Sony.
While he intends to appear in it, he did confess that since it can take over five years to develop a show it might be possible.
"I have to be in it," he said. "But at the same time it can take five-six years to get something up and running so I might be too old by the time we get there."
Loose Women is on ITV every weekday at 12.30pm.