'Oppenheimer' star Cillian Murphy rumored as next James Bond following Daniel Craig's departure

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: According to reports, Cillian Murphy has entered the race to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Film executives are still on the hunt for a new '007,' as Daniel Craig chose to retire his Walther PPK after his fifth outing as the iconic agent in 2021's 'No Time To Die.'

'Peaky Blinders' star Cillian Murphy has piqued their interest, thanks to his standout performance in 'Oppenheimer,' garnering attention during award season.

Daniel starred in five 'James Bond' films: he debuted in 'Casino Royale' (2006), and his final appearance was in 'No Time To Die' (2021), per Daily Mail.

Cillian Murphy 'is the toast of Hollywood' for James Bond role, claims source

According to The Sun, Cillian's performance in the movie 'Oppenheimer' has attracted the attention of Bond executives, who are currently searching for Daniel's successor.

The 47-year-old actor is a strong favorite to win Best Actor at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, after receiving praise for his leading performance in the box office hit 'Oppenheimer.'

A source remarked, "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."

'James Bond' producer Barbara Broccoli reportedly closely monitored Cillian during 2023. However, production on the 26th film, featuring writer Ian Fleming's iconic secret agent, is not expected to commence until at least 2025.

Having co-starred with Cillian in 'Oppenheimer,' Clay Bunker is endorsing him as the next James Bond, highlighting his performances as Scarecrow in the 'Dark Knight' trilogy and as gangster Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders.'

"He would fare beau­tifully," Clay said. "It's funny because Cillian is the nicest human but he has that dark side and there's a darkness to Bond."

Clay added, "We forget that sometimes Bond is like the character [Ian] Fleming created — a pretty dark character. He just happens to be on the side that we call good. Cillian has that ability to tap into that."

Christina Hogue, who co-starred with Cillian in the atomic bomb epic, stated that the conclusion of the final '007' film offers the perfect chance to present a new Bond.

"It leaves the canvas wide open for something entirely new. And when Daniel Craig did it, he was breaking a mold," she explained.

Cillian Murphy clinches Best Actor at BAFTA Awards for stellar performance in 'Oppenheimer'

The announcement comes after Cillian expressed deep appreciation for his wife and sons during his Best Actor win for 'Oppenheimer' at the BAFTAs in February.

Accepting the award for his role in Christopher Nolan's atomic bomb epic, the actor addressed a full audience at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Cillian emerged victorious over contenders including Barry Keoghan for 'Saltburn,' Teo Yoo for 'Past Lives,' Paul Giamatti for 'The Holdovers,' Colman Domingo for 'Rustin,' and Bradley Cooper for 'Maestro.'

He expressed gratitude to his wife of 20 years, Yvonne McGuinness, and their sons, Malachy, 18, and Aran, 16.

Cillian also offered tribute to "the most dynamic, kindest producer-director partnership in Hollywood, Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas, thank you for seeing something in me that I probably didn't see in myself."

"I know it's a cliche to say, but I'm in awe of you," he continued, acknowledging his "fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies."