Actor Josh O'Connor is reportedly poised to become the next James Bond, capping a long and closely watched hunt for cinema's most famous spy.
The 36-year-old English star has allegedly landed the coveted 007 role, with the claim tracing back to a colleague who let the secret slip during celebratory drinks after his run in the stage drama Golden Boy wrapped on Halloween.
The rumor traveled through a game of telephone, reportedly reaching a cast mate who repeated it over pints at a London pub before it surfaced publicly.
O'Connor is said to have beaten out fellow contenders including Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson for the part.
An Emmy winner for his portrayal of King Charles in The Crown, O'Connor has neither confirmed nor denied the reports, calling the speculation an incredibly bizarre pinch-me moment while declining to say anything further.