As ever-present speculation as to who will don the black tux of 007 continues — following Daniel Craig's bow out from the role with 2021's No Time to Die — actor Andrew Scott has weighed in on the possibility of his All of Us Strangers co-star and fellow Irishman, Paul Mescal stepping into the gilded shoes of the iconic MI6 agent.

Having played C, the villainous antagonist of 2015's Spectre, Scott is no stranger to the 007 franchise. “He’d probably be a great James Bond,” he told Variety at a special LA screening of All of Us Strangers on Saturday night. “I want to see him in ‘Gladiator’ first," Scott added with a sly smile.

Mescal, who is set to lead the upcoming sequel to Ridley Scott's historical epic 'Gladiator,' as Lucius Verus, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), was unable to attend the screening, as he is currently filming in Malta. The sequel film's cast also includes Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen — who will reprise her role as Lucius' mother.

Paul Mescal at God's Creatures premiere at Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin. 23rd February 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Scott says Mescal has sent him photos from the “Gladiator” set. “It’s gonna be incredible,” Scott said. “It’s so exciting. I’ve seen some images that are going to delight the world over..."

In All of Us Strangers, Scott and Mescal star as neighbours, whose intense love affair, following a chance encounter leads Scott’s character to embark on an emotional journey, as he comes to terms with the death of his parents (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell.)

Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal as Adam and Harry in All of Us Strangers. Photo: Instagram/aoustrangers

"We knew each other a little before, just the right amount,” Scott said of his role alongside Mescal. “We want to have that freestyle. We wanted that sexy feeling that when people who don’t sort of know each other and gradually as the story goes on they become more comfortable with each other… And we both really admire each other’s work so much, so it was really really easy.”

Written and directed by Andrew Haigh, All of Us Strangers is based upon Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers. Receiving four Gotham Independent Film Awards last month, three Independent Spirit Awards nominations, and most recently taking home seven British Independent Film Awards, All of Us Strangers has seen widespread critical acclaim and awards success since its August Telluride Film Festival debut.

All of Us Strangers is in Irish cinemas on January 26th 2024. 

Watch the latest trailer for All of Us Strangers below: