As the global guessing game around who will inherit the legendary James Bond mantle intensifies following Daniel Craig’s exit, Shah Rukh Khan has finally addressed a question that has long intrigued fans: could Bollywood’s most enduring superstar ever step into the iconic tuxedo?
During his visit to London for the unveiling of a bronze statue alongside his Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge co-star Kajol, Khan spoke to BBC News India and offered a characteristically witty reply.
When asked if he would ever take on the Bond role, he joked, “No, I don’t have the accent,” and added with a laugh, “I’m not fond of shaken martinis either.”
View this post on Instagram
The remark was lighthearted, yet it came amid serious global speculation. Reports have consistently named Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner as frontrunners, though producers have not confirmed any decisions. Craig’s retirement after No Time to Die has triggered a wave of curiosity about what direction the franchise will take next.
While he brushed aside the idea of being James Bond, he warmly acknowledged the legacy of the franchise. “As for James Bond, I’m not certain, but Sean Connery for sure,” he said, highlighting his admiration for the actor who defined the character and inspired generations of successors, from Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig.
The series itself is entering new territory. The upcoming instalment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, signalling a bold creative shift.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan continues to dominate Bollywood. Fresh from winning a National Award for Jawan, he is gearing up for his next major release, King, scheduled for 2026. The film will co-star his daughter, Suhana Khan, marking a new chapter in both his career and his family’s presence in cinema.
Whether or not he ever dons Bond’s tuxedo, Khan remains one of the world’s most charismatic leading men. And if his latest comments are any indication, he is content to leave shaken martinis to someone else – while he continues to shake up box offices on his own terms.
