Robbie Williams jokes he's 'officially removing' himself from the James Bond running

The speculation over who will be the next James Bond has been a global guessing game ever since Daniel Craig's departure. Now, one of the longest-running, albeit most unlikely, contenders has officially taken his own name out of the hat with a classic dose of British humor. Singer Robbie Williams, whose name has been jokingly linked to the role for decades, has formally "withdrawn" from the race.

How the 'Millennium' video sparked 007 rumors

The singer took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 20 to set the record straight once and for all. "I appreciate the interest but I'm officially removing myself from the running to be the next James Bond. Thank you for your understanding," Williams posted.

The quip is a clear nod to the speculation that has followed him since his 1998 megahit, 'Millennium.' The song's music video was a famous, high-budget parody of 007, featuring Williams in a tuxedo and referencing classic Bond films like ‘From Russia with Love’ and ‘Thunderball.’

Not the first time he's dismissed the rumors

This isn't the first time Williams has had to address the 007 whispers. Way back in 2003, rumors went into overdrive after Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams and producer Barbara Broccoli were spotted at his Cardiff concert. Williams shot down the speculation at a press conference in Japan at the time, joking, "The makers of the franchise did not want me to play Bond." He was quick to add, "I did the 'Millennium' video as a pastiche of James Bond and I left it there.

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A Bond that 'can't exist' anymore

Even while distancing himself, the singer has shared his thoughts on the iconic spy. In the past, Williams shared that he preferred an older, less polished version of the character. He stated his preference for a "sexist" version of Bond, admitting that such a portrayal could no longer happen today due to audiences' emphasis on political correctness. While fans will never see him in the MI6 role, they can always revisit his 'Millennium' video for a glimpse of what might have been.