HOLLYWOOD megastar Michael Fassbender has declared who he wants to take over as James Bond – despite being in the running at one point himself.
The Irish star, 47, has been one of the many names being bet on to take over as the new face of the 007 franchise, joining ranks including James Norton, Gangs of London’s Joe Cole, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson.

Michael Fassbender has backed a hugely popular co-star to be Bond[/caption]
Fassbender believes Regé-Jean Page could have what it takes to be the next Bond[/caption]
But rather than take up the mantle, Michael has revealed who he would like to take on the role while promoting his latest movie, Black Bag.
“Well, I think Regé-Jean Page could be a frontrunner after this, to be honest,” he told US Weekly.
“I think he’s fantastic. He’s got all the attributes. So, let’s wait and see.”
Regé-Jean Page is best known for his role as Duke Simon Bassett in the first season of Netflix smash hit Bridgerton, though he has later appeared in Dungeons and Dragons, The Grey Man and US legal series, For The People.
After his first appearance in Bridgerton back in 2020, he was rumoured to be signed up for Bond when he made the sudden announcement he would not be returning for season two of the sexy period drama, despite being the first season’s lead.
As well as Fassbender, Regé-Jean’s contention for the Bond role was backed up by Naomie Harris, who herself has been part of the 007 world as Miss Moneypenny.
She starred in three of the Bond movies alongside Daniel Craig, who gave up his role with his final appearance in 2022’s No Time To Die.
“I think Regé would be amazing,” she said. “I’d love Regé to be the next James Bond. But who knows? I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The comments come shortly after it was revealed the Broccoli family have handed the reins of James Bond over to Amazon.
It’s expected it will be at least another three years before the iconic spy returns to our screens, with no announcement made on who will take over Daniel Craig.
Despite fears on what it could mean for the series – with worries the quintessentially British character could be made American or even female – insiders have since dispelled the rumours.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”
They added: “Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.”

Regé is best known as the dashing Duke in Bridgerton season one[/caption]
Daniel Craig gave up the role with final movie, No Time To Die[/caption]
Regé and Fassbender star together in new movie, Black Bag[/caption]