James Norton

James Norton is the latest star to rule himself out of the franchise.

The 40-year-old actor's name has often been mentioned as a potential successor to Daniel Craig, but with producers looking for a younger star, he's glad his time has past.

He told Vulture: "Nearly every interview for ten years, I’ve been asked, ‘So … James Bond?’ ”

Of the talk of a younger Bond, he added: “Part of me is like, Wow, I’m getting old. Part of me is relieved because when I really spent time thinking about it, it would always have been a mixed bag. It’s an honour and it’s iconic and it’s a big cost.

“Good luck to whoever young whippersnapper takes the role. I’ll be sitting there with my pipe and my book and my slippers.”