On the surface, Taron Egerton is virtually everything a franchise like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or James Bond would be looking for when it comes to a leading man.
He’s got plenty of experience under his belt despite still being just 33 years old – coincidentally the exact same age as current Multiverse Saga big bad Jonathan Majors – while he’s equally adept at intimate dramas as he is action-packed and effects-heavy blockbusters.
Box office success stories and award-winning independents are all on the resume already, so there aren’t many boxes that he doesn’t tick. However, that didn’t stop the actor from lamenting the rampant fan-driven speculation and casting rumors that tend to follow him everywhere he goes in an interview with Total Film.
“Yes, thanks for asking that. It’s actually quite frustrating, to be honest. Because, particularly with those roles – and I don’t even want to mention them – particularly with those roles that are very universally adored, they’re really exciting prospects. But what I find is that I’m kind of damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t.
No matter what I say, it gets spun into something that I end up feeling a little bit misrepresented by, or very misrepresented by. So I’m going to try and not talk about it anymore I think. It’s really flattering that some people want me to play those roles but I think the sad fact of it is, I think the more that I get asked about it, the more the chances probably dwindle.”
Egerton has already ruled himself out of the running to become the next 007 after claiming he’s sure somebody’s already been cast in the role, while Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3 has quietened down that particular avenue for now. It doesn’t mean he won’t sidle up to the MCU eventually, but for the time being it would appear that his focus is elsewhere.