Callum Turner Finally Addresses the James Bond Buzz
Callum Turner found himself in the middle of James Bond talk almost instantly at the Berlin Film Festival. During a press event for his new movie Rosebush Pruning, reporters quickly shifted focus from the film to the long-running rumor that he could be the next 007.
The 35-year-old British actor was asked about the Bond chatter only minutes after the press conference began. His name has been linked to the role as director Denis Villeneuve prepares his first James Bond movie for Amazon. One journalist even admitted it might be best to address the rumor right away. Turner did not take the bait. He smiled and shut it down fast, saying, You’re right, it’s very early for that question. I’m not going to comment on it.
The moment became lighter thanks to his co-star Tracy Letts, who jumped in with a joke. I’m sorry, I’m the next James Bond! he said, which caused the room to break into laughter. Turner played along and responded, Tracy, I thought you weren’t going to say anything.
Callum Turner is immediately asked about playing the next James Bond at the Berlin Film Festival.
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 14, 2026
“I’m not going to comment.” His ‘Rosebush Pruning’ co-star Tracy Letts then interjects: “… I’m the next James Bond!” pic.twitter.com/LIUS73TEEh
The Bond jokes did not stop there. A short time later, director Karim Aïnouz was asked what a James Bond movie would look like if he ever directed one. Once again, Letts stepped in and joked that Aïnouz would be directing my James Bond, keeping the tone relaxed and playful.
The press conference took place at the Berlin Film Festival, where Rosebush Pruning was being introduced to international audiences. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, Elle Fanning, Lukas Gage, Pamela Anderson, and Letts. Most of the cast was present at the event, with a few exceptions.
As often happens in Berlin, politics also came up. Letts addressed it carefully, explaining why he prefers to keep the focus on the film itself. I can’t speak for other artists. I don’t feel comfortable taking away from the work, he said. He added that the movie still touches on serious ideas, including how wealth and power can lead to harmful behavior and even fascism.
Rosebush Pruning tells the story of wealthy siblings living in isolation and emotional confusion. When one brother decides to leave the family home, long-hidden secrets begin to surface. The film explores family trauma, control, and violence. It was written by Efthimis Filippou, known for his work with Yorgos Lanthimos, and is loosely inspired by the 1965 Italian film Fists in the Pocket.
In an interview with Variety, director Karim Aïnouz explained why he wanted to tackle such dark material. Only through absurdity can you touch certain issues, he said. Sometimes the biggest violence comes from inside the family. There is a cycle of violence, and maybe violence is the only way to break it.
As for Turner, he stayed focused on the movie and avoided feeding the Bond rumors. Still, the fact that the question came so quickly shows how strong the speculation has become.
Callum Turner handled the situation well. He did not confirm or deny anything, and he kept the attention on his work. That is usually the smartest move. Whether or not he becomes James Bond, the interest around him is clearly growing. What do you think? Should Callum Turner be the next 007, or is someone else a better fit? Share your thoughts in the comments.
