Did he have one too many and reveal the new 007? Drunken slip-up accidentally leaks identity of next James Bond

One of Hollywood 's most closely guarded casting decisions may have been revealed in an unlikely setting, after an actor reportedly let slip the identity of the next James Bond during a night of drinking in London.

Josh O'Connor , best known for portraying Prince Charles in Netflix's The Crown, has emerged as the subject of fresh speculation following claims that a fellow performer disclosed his apparent selection for the coveted role.

The alleged revelation took place at The French House in Soho, where an unnamed member of the cast of Golden Boy reportedly told another customer that O'Connor had already been chosen to succeed Daniel Craig.

According to The Sun, the actor made the disclosure after several drinks, claiming O'Connor had privately shared the news with colleagues following the theatre production's final performance on Halloween.

The story has generated considerable interest because the 36-year-old is already understood to be among the contenders for the next Bond film, although no official casting announcement has been made.

Amazon MGM Studios has remained silent on the identity of its next leading man, leaving the reported conversation as an intriguing but unverified development.

The account emerged from an individual who claimed to have encountered one of O'Connor 's Golden Boy castmates while spending an evening at the London pub.

After initially discussing the theatre production, the conversation reportedly turned toward O'Connor 's future, prompting the unexpected disclosure.

"Out of nowhere, and oiled by a few glasses of lager, they blurted out that Josh was the next James Bond," the source told The Sun.

The individual said they questioned the claim, believing it was another example of the speculation that has surrounded the franchise since Craig 's departure.

"I said it was pure speculation but they were insistent it was Josh," the source continued.

The castmate allegedly explained that O'Connor had confided in colleagues during celebrations following the conclusion of Golden Boy's run at London's Almeida Theatre.

Although the claim remains unsubstantiated, O'Connor 's acting credentials have made him a serious candidate for one of cinema's most recognizable characters.

His performances in The Crown, Challengers and La Chimera have demonstrated considerable range, while his appearance alongside Craig in Wake Up Dead Man further strengthened his Hollywood profile.

When will next James Bond be announced?

O'Connor is reportedly competing against fellow British actors Jack Lowden and Callum Turner , both of whom have attracted substantial attention throughout the casting process.

Lowden has received public support from Slow Horses co-star Gary Oldman , while former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has spoken positively about Turner's suitability.

O'Connor recently addressed the speculation himself, describing the possibility of following Craig as an extraordinary experience.

"To be considered in that same sort of bracket is extraordinary," he said. "But I am afraid there is nothing to say beyond that."

The next installment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve , with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay.

Producer Amy Pascal has indicated that an announcement before the end of 2026 is possible, although the studio has yet to confirm a date.

Until then, the reported pub conversation has intensified speculation without providing definitive evidence that O'Connor has secured the role.