Tom Hiddleston jets into Los Angeles as speculation grows he will be the next 007... but Bond director Sam Mendes plays down his chances

By Ben Tufft For Mailonline

Published: 02:07 EST, 1 June 2016 | Updated: 05:15 EST, 1 June 2016

He is hotly tipped to star as the next James Bond.

But Tom Hiddleston remained tight-lipped on his future after jetting into Los Angeles on Tuesday, as speculation continued to grow.

The 35-year-old actor looked fresh-faced despite his long haul flight and rocked a casual low key outfit. 

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Relaxed: Tom Hiddleston remained tight-lipped about his 007 chances after jetting into Los Angeles on Tuesday, as speculation continued to grow

Relaxed: Tom Hiddleston remained tight-lipped about his 007 chances after jetting into Los Angeles on Tuesday, as speculation continued to grow

He teamed grey chinos with a matching T-shirt and suede boots and completed his look with a quilted bomber jacket.

Mindful of the bright weather in LA, he sported a pair of on trend black Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. 

Rumours have continued to swirl that he will play the next 007, after incumbent Daniel Craig reportedly turned down an £86 million deal to stay on as Bond for two more films.

Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play the iconic British spy, with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel.

Handsome: The 35-year-old actor looked fresh-faced despite his long haul flight and rocked a casual low key outfit

Handsome: The 35-year-old actor looked fresh-faced despite his long haul flight and rocked a casual low key outfit

Well dressed: He teamed grey chinos with a matching T-shirt and suede boots and completed his look with a quilted bomber jacket
Well dressed: He teamed grey chinos with a matching T-shirt and suede boots and completed his look with a quilted bomber jacket

Well dressed: He teamed grey chinos with a matching T-shirt and suede boots and completed his look with a quilted bomber jacket

Low key: Mindful of the bright weather in LA, he sported a pair of on trend black Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

Low key: Mindful of the bright weather in LA, he sported a pair of on trend black Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

But the actor has downplayed the speculation, although admitted he is frequently asked about the Bond rumours.

He said: 'It’s a weird thing to have to deal with. I’m having unreal conversations with people about this because I don’t know where the rumours have sprung from.

'It’s difficult, because everyone has very strong opinions about Bond, and who should play him. My name is just an idea in people’s minds, yet it’s becoming overwhelming. 

'I have no power to stop it, but I wish I could convince everyone that the whole thing is news to me,’ he added. 

New role? Speculation has continued to grow that he will be the next 007, after incumbent Daniel Craig reportedly turned down an £86 million deal to stay on as Bond for two more films

New role? Speculation has continued to grow that he will be the next 007, after incumbent Daniel Craig reportedly turned down an £86 million deal to stay on as Bond for two more films

Odds on favourite: Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play Bond with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel

Odds on favourite: Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play Bond with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel

And Bond director Sam Mendes recently appeared to play down the idea that Tom could fill the shoes of Bond.

Speaking at the Hay on Wye Festival, the director of Spectre and Skyfall said the preference of the media and public has no bearing on who will be chosen by producer Barbara Broccoli.

'It's not a democracy - it's not the X Factor, it's not the Euro Referendum, it's not a public vote,' he told the audience, hinting current favourites Tom Hiddleston or Idris Elba may not necessarily be in the mix. 

Mendes added: 'Barbara Broccoli chooses who is going to be the next Bond, end of story. And without that there would have been no Daniel Craig because public support for Daniel was zero.' 

Modest: Tom has played down the speculation, admitting he is frequently asked about the Bond rumours

Modest: Tom has played down the speculation, admitting he is frequently asked about the Bond rumours

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