Why ‘Breakfast on Pluto’ Is Cillian Murphy’s Comedy That Forgot to Be Funny!

As Cillian Murphy’s star continues to rise following his Oscar-nominated performance in Oppenheimer (2023), speculation surrounding his potential casting as the next James Bond has made headlines. However, Murphy himself has addressed the rumors, revealing that he feels he may be “a bit old” to take on the iconic role.

The conversation began during the Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles in March 2024, when Pierce Brosnan, the former Bond from 1995 to 2002, publicly endorsed Murphy as a strong candidate to replace Daniel Craig. Brosnan, speaking to the BBC, praised Murphy’s charisma and acting talent, stating, “Cillian would do a magnificent job as James Bond on His Majesty’s Secret Service.”

Murphy, however, didn’t share the same enthusiasm. At the event, he candidly responded to the speculation, saying, “I think I’m a bit old for that.” At 47 years old, Murphy’s comment was grounded in both his age and his existing commitments, which have made it clear that taking on such a demanding role may not align with his future career plans.

Historically, actors who have played James Bond have typically been in their 30s or early 40s when they first take on the role. Daniel Craig was 38 when Casino Royale (2006) was released, and Roger Moore, who is often regarded as the oldest actor to take on the role, began at 46 with Live and Let Die (1973). However, some fans on platforms like Reddit have pointed out that while Murphy’s age at 47 might be comparable to Moore’s at the time, the production schedule for Bond films—typically a 3 to 5-year gap between releases—could make it difficult for someone in his late 40s to maintain the energy and physicality required over multiple films.

Adding to the challenge is Murphy’s packed schedule. With major commitments including the Peaky Blinders movie, the upcoming Blood Runs Coal, and potential roles in future projects such as 28 Years Later and Far Cry 7, his plate is full. Reports from ScreenRant have suggested that Murphy’s already demanding workload makes the James Bond role an unlikely prospect.

While some media outlets, including Vanity Fair France, speculated that Murphy remained a frontrunner for the role despite his comments, others have suggested that his dismissal of the idea means his time as 007 may have passed. Fans, too, have joined in the discussion. On Reddit, the consensus has shifted toward younger actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson as more fitting candidates for the role, with some even suggesting that Murphy could instead make an excellent Bond villain, capitalizing on his dramatic range.

As of March 2025, little new information has emerged about the next Bond casting. While some outlets, such as Town & Country, have reported little progress on the search for a new 007, other names like Dominic West have recently emerged in the conversation. Murphy’s name, on the other hand, has largely faded from the spotlight. His comment from 2024 seems to have effectively closed the door on the possibility of him portraying James Bond.

In a surprising twist, FandomWire reported that producers were considering Murphy for the role at 47, even as they deemed Henry Cavill, 40, too old for the part. This speaks to the subjective nature of age in the casting process, and while producers may have once had their eye on Murphy, it appears his own stance has firmly ruled out the role.

As of March 2025, Murphy, now 48, seems unlikely to reconsider his position. The Bond franchise remains in development limbo, with no official casting announcements made as of yet. However, one thing is clear: Cillian Murphy, whether in the role of James Bond or not, will continue to be a powerful force in Hollywood.