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Cillian Murphy is basking in the glory of his Oscar win as Best Actor for his performance inOppenheimer, and this feat has impressed a lot of people, especially theJames Bondproducers. Yes, the Irish-born star is reportedly in the running now to become 007.

It’s been quite sometime now since Daniel Craig ended his tenure in the spy movie franchise, and producer Barbara Broccoli and her team have been on the lookout for the next actor to portray the famed British agent.
James BondProducers Reportedly Captivated By Cillian Murphy’s Performance
Cillian Murphy’s victory at the Academy Awards already spells more opportunities for him in the movie industry. In his acceptancespeech, he calls himself “a very proud Irishman” as he humbly took the award.
Now, a new report fromThe Sunrelates that Murphy’s performance inOppenheimerwowed the studio bosses ofJames Bond, and he is now the frontrunner for the coveted role.

“Cillian is the toast of Hollywood right now, and this would be the ultimate role. This is a way to elevate the Bond franchise with an actor who is at the very top of his game.”
“I couldn’t go along with that, obviously”: Oppenheimer Star Cillian Murphy Had a Major Disagreement With Real Scientists for a Personal Reason
Even his co-star inOppenheimer, Clay Bunker, believes he has the capability of taking on the mantle and bringing to life a different version of James Bond. He told the same outlet:
“Cillian is the nicest human, but he has that dark side, and there’s a darkness to Bond. We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character Fleming created — a pretty dark character. He just happens to be on the side that we call good.”

Murphy’s other notable works include BBC’sPeaky Blindersand Warner Bros’Batman Begins, both of which he displayed a wide range of acting prowess. Bunker thinks the actor has an innate sense of darkness that he can tap into when needed.
“Cillian has that ability to tap into that. We’ve seen that in something like Peaky Blinders, even in Batman when he is playing Scarecrow — the myriad of other films he’s done. But he himself has goodness. He’s got a focus thing, which is very James Bond as well.”

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However, Murphy does not think he would fit the bill. In his interview withHello Magazine, he admits being “a bit too old for that,” pertaining to the role of James Bond. Interestingly, that’s the samehindrancethat’s blocking Henry Cavill from taking on the part.
Is Cillian Murphy Too Old To Become James Bond?
James Bondproducers have noted before that they are looking for a slightly younger actor who can commit to thefranchisefor at least ten years. While Henry Cavill has been a top contender, he is already 40 years old.
“It would have to feel legitimate”: Oppenheimer Star Cillian Murphy Breaks Silence on Returning for Peaky Blinders After Season 6 Conclusion
Cillian Murphy, on the other hand, is 47, even way past the preferred age limit. With the recent news of theOppenheimeractor being eyed for James Bond, fans think he would rather make a good villain:
He’s 47. A bit late to start

— The Film Jump (@thefilmjump)August 22, 2025
He’s already stated himself he’s too old for the role.
— Gemini 🏴☠️ 🇮🇪 🇪🇺 (@IrishItalian88)July 26, 2025
He doesn’t have the look.
Isn’t he close to 50? That also means only one or two films from him.
— Jay McGill Says Kamala Harris For President!!! (@Jay_McGill94)June 26, 2025
I’m betting this is absolutely false. They’re not looking to start the next leg of this franchise with an actor that’s 47. They’ve even stated they want someone in their 30’s.
— Heather Greenspan (@NotPurfect07)June 20, 2025
As a Bond villain: yes. As 007? Depends what route they want to go down. Would certainly be a change of style: less action, more nuanced?
— A$tinBSc 🇺🇳🇪🇺🌍🦊 🇵🇸🇫🇮 (@DrewNista)June 28, 2025
Have you seen how long of a gap there is between Bond films?? If they announced it today it wouldn’t come out until 2026 at the earliest where he’s basically 50. Then he’d be close to 55 by the time his 2nd and probably last one released…next choice…
— Colin (@Collsy84)July 12, 2025
While Murphy has expressed disinterest in the role, fans still hope he would reconsider joining the franchise given the majority wants him to portray aBondvillain.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.