'Outlander' Star Sam Heughan Disqualified from Chance to Be the Next James Bond

No Time to Die, the 25th film in the James Bond franchise, was the final time that Daniel Craig played the role of British super spy 007. Now the search is on for a new Bond to appear in the 26^th film in the franchise, and Outlander star Sam Heughan’s name has been among those bandied about to replace Craig.

Heughan did audition for the role several films back—Bond 21, but as for the talk he will be the next James Bond, he told Parade.com a while back that those are nothing but rumors. “Absolutely rumors,” he said.

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Now it has been revealed that Heughan, who has expressed interest in playing the super spy, may no longer be eligible for the role after a strict mandate has come down from the producers about the age of the actor who will replace Craig.

U.K. entertainment reporter Ross King reported on Lorraine, a weekday morning lifestyle and entertainment show, that Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are looking at actors in their 30s.

King explained, “The latest rumor—and in some ways part of this is very much true—which is, basically, the Bond producers are looking for a younger Bond. Someone probably in their 30s.”

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Heughan, of course, celebrated his 42^nd birthday on April 30, so he may have aged out of consideration for the role as the new Bond, who will undoubtedly star in several upcoming films in the franchise, not just the 26^th.

While he may be too old to play Bond, Heughan is the perfect age to portray Jamie Fraser in Season 7 of Outlander, which is currently filming in Scotland and will be released on STARZ in 2023.

Next, Sam Heughan Wasn't Diana Gabaldon's First Choice to Play Jamie Fraser on Outlander—Find Out Who Was!