GoldenEye star Sean Bean weighs in on future of James Bond as fans await casting news

The 67-year-old actor, who appeared as Alec Trevelyan in 1995's GoldenEye, has admitted the constant rumours and speculation about who will take over from Daniel Craig have left him unsure about who will be the next to take on the role of 007.

He told the Metro newspaper's 60 Seconds column: "I don't know. I'm so confused! I mean, there's so many names flying around."

The likes of Jack Lowden, Theo James, Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner have all been linked to the role.

However, whoever's next in the famous tuxedo has a tough act to follow.

Asked who the best Bond really is, Sean said: "I must say, I like Daniel Craig. He did a fantastic job.

"At the beginning people weren't quite sure of him and then he totally turned it around.

"But I worked on GoldenEye with Pierce Brosnan and he's a great actor and a really lovely man. So, I'd better say Pierce."

His former castmate - who played 007 in four films between 1995 and 2002 - recently has weighed in on the hunt for the next Bond, as bosses at the Amazon MGM Studio prepare to announce their decision on who will take over the role following the departure of Daniel Craig.

Brosnan is adamant there is plenty of talent to choose from and he's convinced the final pick won't be a familiar face.

He told The Times newspaper: "I’m just a member of the audience now awaiting the next Bond and wishing him well.

"There are lots of good hats in the ring. Lots of great actors. I see it. I follow it. They could probably just go left-field and pick someone that none of us know about."

When asked who he would pick as the next Bond, the actor replied: "I wouldn’t pick anyone. My wife told me not to say anything and I’ve said too much.

Gary Oldman recently suggested the role has already been cast and the job has gone to his Slow Horses co-star Lowden.

Speaking to Canada's The Morning Show, Gary said: “It’s been rumoured that [Jack's] on the shortlist. We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack."