Damian Lewis has had no contact with anyone about the possibility of him taking on the role of James Bond.
The 44-year-old actor wouldn’t say no to donning 007’s tuxedo once Daniel Craig has had enough of the part, but is yet to speak to anyone about the role of the British spy and he’s not actively campaigning for the job.
Asked if role in upcoming spy thriller ‘Our Kind Of Traitor’ could be an audition for a certain MI6 lead, he said: "Not on my part, no."
The ‘Homeland’ star also feels there is a lot of "hysteria" surrounding who will be the next Bond, but said it would be an "exciting" prospect to be asked to play the character originally created by novelist Ian Fleming.
He told ShortList magazine: "Well, it would be very exciting. But, you know actors never lose the excitement of being offered any job. It’s always exciting when you get the phone call. I think there’s a slight hysteria attached to that particular job though…"
One person who would love Damian to land the Bond gig is his wife Helen McCrory – with whom he has eight-year-old son Gulliver Lewis and nine-year-old daughter Manon McCrory-Lewis – as she dreams of starring alongside him as M.
Asked about the prospect of playing M – the head of the Secret Intelligence Service – with her husband as Bond, Helen previously enthused: "(Just think) Family and work together!"
It was reported that Damian was being lined-up to take over from Craig and would be the producers first choice after he hinted he would retire after his most recent outing in ‘Spectre’.
A source previously said: "If Daniel Craig leaves, it’s Damian Lewis who will be crowned the new Bond.
"He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role. As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated. Bond bosses are now convinced Damian is their man."
Other names in the frame are Tom Hiddleston and Idris Elba.
Damian Lewis has heard nothing about James Bond role
