James Nelson-Joyce has experienced an incredible transformation in 2025. The talented Liverpudlian actor, previously known for supporting roles in British TV series like Time, The Responder, and The Gold, alongside Andrea Arnold’s film Bird, has burst onto the scene in a remarkable way. His standout performance in Disney+’s boxing drama A Thousand Blows and the BBC’s crime series This City Is Ours has made his presence felt everywhere.
In February, Nelson-Joyce introduced audiences to Edward “Treacle” Goodson, an ambitious bare-knuckle boxer in 1880s London, who envisions a more legitimate future for the sport, unlike his dominating older brother. Then in March, he captured viewers with the ruthless Michael Kavanagh, the loyal underboss of a crime lord who fears being sidelined in their drug empire.
This whirlwind of activity has genuinely catapulted Nelson-Joyce’s career, leaving him taken aback when he discovered rumors linking him to the coveted James Bond role. “Honestly, the whole Bond speculation caught me off guard,” he told Far Out. “Just being associated with that role feels like a dream.”
For many young British actors, landing the role of 007 would be a tremendous opportunity, and Nelson-Joyce is no exception. However, he was genuinely surprised by the chatter surrounding his name. If he were to be approached for the role, he certainly has his ideas about how he’d like to interpret Bond.
“I’d like to do it my way,” he explained. “When you think of James Bond, you think of charm and smoothness, all those iconic traits. But there’s so much depth to his character that deserves exploration, particularly his background and experiences that have shaped him, which often get overlooked in the films.” Although he may just be daydreaming at this point, Nelson-Joyce is eager to see who will embody the character next, acknowledging that putting a personal spin on the role is crucial—“That’s the beauty of Bond.”
Reflecting on his journey, Nelson-Joyce recalls his teenage years spent focused on football, far removed from the acting world. “If you’d told me that in 20 years, I’d be the lead in a hit TV show—one that’s already been renewed for a second season—and that people would be joking about ‘00-Scouse’—I would’ve thought you were crazy.” His rise in British acting serves as an inspiring story, highlighting the importance of exposing young people to the arts during formative years.
His story is almost cinematic. As a teen dreaming of playing for Liverpool, he even faked an interest in sports psychology to gain work experience at the club. His whole life changed after a remarkable encounter in English class. His teacher, Miss Griffiths, recognized his talent during a speech exam, where his emotional monologue moved the examiner to tears. She later encouraged him to pursue acting, guiding him toward further education in the craft.
For over a decade, Nelson-Joyce has been honing his skills across various roles, all thanks to that pivotal moment in his life. He believes many young talents could benefit from similar guidance, especially in a climate where the government underfunds the arts. “The arts should be accessible,” he asserted, referencing Ed Sheeran’s initiative to bring music education to schools. “How will we find the next John Lennon if we don’t nurture young creativity?”
His connection with actor Stephen Graham has been pivotal in his journey. They first met at a Nando’s when Nelson-Joyce was just starting out. Graham, recognizing Nelson-Joyce’s potential, later became a mentor who continues to support him today. The two actors even played brothers in A Thousand Blows, deepening their bond.
As Nelson-Joyce emphasizes, if he can achieve even a fraction of Graham’s success—who seamlessly blends British films with Hollywood projects—he’d consider himself fortunate. His performance in This City Is Ours, particularly as the multifaceted Kavanagh, showcases his talent for portraying complex characters with emotional depth.
This opportunity to shine in This City Is Ours was one he embraced fully, noting the intricate layers within each scene. In shaping Kavanagh’s character, he sought to add depth to key moments, opting for a more nuanced approach in significant scenes, including a pivotal murder that required a delicate balance of emotion.
Today, Nelson-Joyce feels fortunate to be where he is, with the second seasons of A Thousand Blows and This City Is Ours on the horizon. While speculation about him stepping into Bond’s shoes continues, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take a significant leap in his career soon.
Despite the ruthless nature of show business, he cherishes his dream job that allows him to travel and express his passion. “It’s incredibly fulfilling,” he says with a smile. “I’ve done things I never thought I would, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had.”
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