Richard Madden Keeps (Sort of) Mum on James Bond Rumors

Richard Madden is entering a heralded tradition for U.K. actors of a certain caliber: figuring out how to elegantly sidestep rumors that he is next in line to play James Bond.

The Bodyguard star is reportedly high on the list to take on the role, picking up where Daniel Craig will leave off after the 25th Bond film hits theaters in 2020. In a recent cover story with British GQ, Madden sort of addressed the rumors (rumours), chalking them up to false chatter—and the fact that he got good reviews in Bodyguard, a thrilling 007-esque series thats been a massive ratings hit in the U.K. (Though its also been criticized for being Islamaphobic.)

“This is what happens with all these shows, like Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager,” Madden said, referencing another actor who was also rumored to be up for the part. “Then theres the next one. Im the next one. Everyone just loves the rumor mill on that topic. Im just the current one. Therell be a different one next week.”

Madden did, however, admit that the rumors are good for the ego: “Im more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role,” he said. “Im very flattered and thankful. Its a really brilliant thing to be in.”

This is all fine and good; classic rumor sidestepping, the kind of polite, noncommittal remark that Madden likely perfected from his time working on Game of Thrones. But then, he kept going. When asked if he would ever rule out playing the part, Madden had this to say: “I dont want to curse anything by saying anything. I think thats the curse of that. If you talk about it, youll curse it.”

Clearly, it seems, Madden would really like to play Bond. But perhaps he is also silently begging franchise fans not to rumor him to death, lest he has to face questions about 007 at every turn—like Idris Elba (still the Peoples Bond!). Frankly, it may be a little too late for that, considering how wild bookies go every time a strong Bond rumor floats to the surface.

Madden does seem to know what hes doing, though. Which brings us to his final comment on the topic: the Scottish actor really wants franchise fans to know that he has done his Bond homework. “I love the movies. Ive read all the books,” he said. Hes a bona fide series fan, and—this is pure conjecture—hes even sewing the seeds for acceptance among Bond purists when and if he gets cast. Even Craig would have to admit, thats smooth.

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