James Bond's top bosses eye-up young star to take on iconic Ian Fleming spy

James Bond bosses are reportedly focusing their attention on Oscar nominated actpr Paul Mescal to play the role of a younger 007 in the next Bond film, which will see the replacement for Daniel Craig who stepped down in 2021

Bosses behind the next James Bond film are reportedly planning to shake things up with the casting of a huge TV and film star, as well as including two 007s.

The next film will reportedly feature a younger and older version of the infamous British spy, with show bosses reportedly setting their sights on Normal People actor Paul Mescal to play the role. The Oscar-nominated actor hit the big time for his portrayal of Connell in the BBC adaptation, and he's reportedly been in talks to play the younger version of the MI6 spy.

The next film, which will be the 26th in the franchise, and rumours of who will take over from Daniel Craig in the lead role have been swirling for years with many names from the acting industry being put forward.

Paul has been asked previously about his feelings about playing the British spy and taking over from Craig. In 2020 he said: "Would I play Bond? Yeah? I don’t know. If it ever came my way, we'd discuss it." The Sun reports that he's now in talks for the role in the 26th instalment of Bond.

Actress Ana de Armas, who featured in Craig's last film No Time To Die, also backed the Irish actor for replacing Craig as Bond in forthcoming films. Craig played 007 from 2006 until his last appearance in 2021, but bosses have so far been tight-lipped about who will be his successor with the next film likely to come out in 2025 or 2026. Producer Barbara Broccoli said in October her team "haven’t even begun" the Bond modernisation process with a spokesperson in their team telling The Sun that "we do not comment on speculation."

Paul Mescal's next major role will see him play Lucius Verus in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, due out next year. The role will see Paul follow in the footsteps of Russell Crowe to take on the lead character in the sequel to the 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott. The original film was a critical and commercial smash - raking in almost £400 million at the box office and winning praise from cinemagoers.

The new role has seen Paul having to bulk up for the part, although he has reportedly made it clear he won't be giving up any vices to get in shape. He told Esquire: "I set the tone early. I smoke and drink and that’s not going to change. I can’t tell you how stressed I am talking about that film in particular because it’s definitely the biggest one I’ve done. I feel really excited."

Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .