British actor overlooked as James Bond gives his verdict on becoming 007 (2024)

Discussing who will become the next James Bond is practically a national sport.

Ever since the longest-serving Bond Daniel Craig, 56, departed from the blockbuster movie franchise four years ago speculation has been rife over who could be his replacement.

Early theories suggested Idris Elba, 51, would be the next 007 – before the Luther actor promptly poured cold water on the rumours. More recently, it was reported Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 33, had taken on the role.

Other British actors tipped for Bond include Happy Valley’s James Norton, Henry Cavill, and Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page. But there has always been one glaring omission from lists…Rafe Spall.

But has the 41-year-old ever been approached by feted Bond producer Barbara Broccoli? Rafe spilled all to Metro.co.uk about his 007 prospects and even revealed his own ‘close brush’ with James Bond.

Rafe has many of Bond’s quintessential characteristics – he’s British and charming, for starters – and could add a more humourous spin on the character after a rather dour Daniel Craig.

But, unfortunately, the One Day actor told us he had never been approached for the role. ‘No, I’ve never been asked to play James,’ he said.

‘The closest that I’ve had to it was that I was in a play with Daniel Craig. That is my closest brush with 007.

‘I think that Aaron Taylor Johnson will make a terrific Bond. He’s a great actor. I’d love to be a James Bond film but I think I’m more likely to be a baddie than 007.’

However, he did admit he was as intrigued to know who would be stepping into Daniel’s shoes as much as the next person. ‘It’s just interesting and just good chat, isn’t it?’ Rafe said.

‘Everyone’s got their ideas about who it should be. I think that if it is Aaron – or anybody else who has been discussed – then good luck to him because it’s, I imagine, a great bit of pressure to carry on your shoulders.’

Bond’s loss, though, is Trying’s gain. Rafe stars alongside his real-life partner Esther Smith, who is pregnant with their first child, in the Apple TV series about a couple who struggle to conceive.

Rafe was previously married to Hollyoaks star Elize Du Toit and shares three children with her. He only recently confirmed his relationship with Esther, and the couple have been together for around 18 months.

Now in its fourth season, sitcom Trying follows Jason (Rafe) and Nikki (Esther) as they parent their adopted teenage children Princess (Scarlett Rayner) and Tyler (Cooper Turner).

As for how he creates the family dynamic on-screen with Esther, as well as Scarlett and Cooper, Rafe self-deprecatingly credits Trying’s writer Andy Wolton. ‘The writing does it for you – it makes it really easy,’ he admitted.

The Hot Fuzz actor continued: ‘We’re just trying to create a fun, inclusive, warm set where people feel like they can contribute and have a laugh and are emboldened enough to be creative. I know that sounds quite trite, but it’s true.

‘You just want people to have fun. It’s supposed to be fun making TV, film, and plays. It should be. Trying is no exception. It has always been one of my favourite things to shoot and remains to be.’

It’s rare these days for a comedy to live beyond two seasons, so what’s the secret to Trying’s success? ‘It’s identifiable and relatable,’ Rafe responded.

He explained: ‘It deals with a weighty issue- infertility – which is serious but still somewhat taboo in our culture and isn’t necessarily spoken about in public discourse.

‘It also deals with adoption, parenting… things that are real and serious, but it deals with them in a comedic way. And that is a reflection of life. Because I think when the chips are down, we as humans deal with difficulty with humour.’

Rafe’s own childhood was more unusual than most as he is the son of British acting royalty Timothy Spall – and they used to have famous stars milling around the family home.

He said: ‘I grew up in show business but to me it was never out of the ordinary and it was just normal to have my dad’s actor friends around. To me, they weren’t actors, they were just Mum and Dad’s friends. But it meant that there were always very confident, fun, silly people in my house who were always up for a laugh.’

Can you name any names and share any juicy tales? Rafe replied: ‘I wouldn’t ever speak out of school. What goes on tour stays on tour. No one likes to snitch.’

Despite being Timothy’s son, Rafe has so far evaded the nepo baby label – but insisted it is only because he’s ‘not famous enough.’

The Black Mirror star said: ‘I understand people’s annoyance and inherent frustration with the idea of nepotism.

‘If you do have a famous parent, then it’s one’s duty to understand that you have had an advantage, and to suggest anything else is disingenuous. That takes away from how hard it is, especially for those who haven’t had a slight leg up.’

‘I don’t think nepotism is necessarily what people think it is in terms of my dad’s never made phone calls to get me a job ever, but if a casting director has a list of actors on a list and one of them is the kid of a famous actor, out of interest they’re going to see them, so they get through the door.

‘They’re not going to give you the job, but you’ll get through the door – and don’t we know that getting through the door is the hardest thing. I had an advantage and I’m deeply grateful for that.’

Rafe has only starred alongside his dad in one show – an ITV adaptation of A Room With A View – but would love to work with him again. ‘I’m as much of a fan of his acting as the rest of the country is,’ he said. ‘And I’d really love to act opposite him again.’

He revealed he’s been ‘working on an idea’ that would involve his dad and is pitching the project to relevant executives. Rafe kept the plot details under wraps but said they would play father and son.

Rafe said: ‘It’s a thing that I’m excited about…. whether it will ever see the light of day who bloody knows?’ Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Trying is available to stream on Apple TV Plus.

This article was first published on June 1.

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