Following his acclaimed performances in Netflix’s Top Boy, Steve McQueen’s romance film Lovers Rock and Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light. Micheal Ward found himself at the center of a speculation he found rather flattering.

Rumors began to circulate that Ward was being considered to play the next James Bond in a new 007 flick. Seeing as the actor had just starred in the new film Empire of Light, which is directed by Sam Mendes (the very filmmaker behind 007 flicks Skyfall and Spectre) many were convinced that Ward was set to take over as the iconic spy.

However, during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, Ward set the record straight on this rumor.

“I’m flattered to even hear that those things are even happening but it’s not a conversation I’ve had,” Ward said, per Radio Times. “I’m just excited to work with directors that have even been able to work at that level and learn so much from them.”

He added. “It’s just exciting to know that people like myself, people from my world are getting the opportunity to do great things now and I’m just glad to be a part of that story.”

In recent months, several well-known actors have been rumored to play James Bond in the 007 franchise’s next installment. Idris Elba, Daniel Kaluuya, and Henry Golding are just a few whose names have been linked to being next in the iconic role.

As of this writing, there’s no word on who will be the one to replace Daniel Craig in the next James Bond film.

Michael Ward

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