Danny Boyle has publicly backed Jack O’Connell to become the next James Bond, adding his voice to the ongoing conversation over who will succeed Daniel Craig as 007.
Boyle made the endorsement on Wednesday at the Zurich Film Festival, where he was presenting his new film Ink, which stars O’Connell.
“They should cast Jack O’Connell as Bond,” Boyle told the audience.
The director went on to praise O’Connell’s performances, particularly his portrayal of Blake Fielder-Civil, Amy Winehouse’s former husband, in the 2024 biographical film Back to Black.
“Have you seen Back to Black? It’s a wonderful film,” Boyle said, describing O’Connell’s performance as “incredible.”
O’Connell has built a career around demanding and often morally complicated characters. He first became widely known for playing James Cook in the British teen drama Skins before taking on roles in films including Unbroken, ’71, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Sinners and Back to Black.
He has also worked with Boyle on the 28 Years Later franchise. O’Connell appeared in 28 Years Later and returned in a more prominent role as Sir Jimmy Crystal in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
The actor is currently starring in Boyle’s Ink, a drama about the rise of The Sun newspaper in Britain. O’Connell plays Larry Lamb, the newspaper’s editor, opposite Guy Pearce as Rupert Murdoch. The Zurich Film Festival describes the film as a dramatization of the period when Murdoch acquired The Sun and Lamb helped transform the newspaper.
Boyle’s support for O’Connell also carries an unusual connection to the Bond franchise. The filmmaker was previously attached to direct No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final film as 007, but departed the project during its development after creative differences with producers. Cary Joji Fukunaga ultimately directed the film.
Boyle nevertheless spoke positively about the franchise’s current direction, praising Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the next Bond film.
O’Connell has not been announced as the next James Bond. The actor’s name has circulated in discussions about the role, but Boyle’s comments represent an endorsement rather than confirmation of any casting decision.
For now, the search for Craig’s successor remains open publicly, while Boyle has made his preference clear: he believes O’Connell has what it takes to take over one of cinema’s most recognizable roles.
The next Bond film is being directed by Villeneuve, but the studio has yet to officially announce the actor who will play 007.
Taelah Nash is a veteran journalist, media executive, and the Editor-in-Chief of Rapture Stone, leading the publication’s global editorial vision, investigative strategy, and multi-platform newsroom operations. With over fifteen years of award-winning experience spanning investigative field reporting, broadcast production, and digital media management, Nash brings a battle-tested journalistic foundation to the top of the masthead. Before stepping into executive newsroom leadership, Nash built her reputation on the front lines of journalism as a senior field correspondent and investigative reporter. She covered high-stakes socio-political developments, cultural movements, and breaking news across regional and international beats. Known for her unyielding commitment to editorial integrity and sharp analytical depth, her career includes high-profile interviews with government officials, industry leaders, and cultural figures, alongside deep-dive investigative series that brought critical issues to the forefront.
As Editor-in-Chief, Nash oversees Rapture Stone’s full suite of digital content, broadcast reporting, and investigative units. She manages newsroom operations, shapes long-term editorial policy, and enforces rigorous standards of accuracy, ethics, and narrative storytelling. Her 360-degree background across every facet of the industry—from field camera operations and desk editing to live desk anchoring—ensures that Rapture Stone delivers high-impact, authentic, and independent journalism. Nash holds a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism and is a vocal advocate for press freedom, media ethics, and newsroom diversity. Beyond directing newsroom operations, she regularly speaks at international media forums and leads mentorship initiatives dedicated to training the next generation of investigative journalists and digital editors.
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment
Follow US
Find US on Social Medias
