
James Norton recently shared his thoughts on the evolving role of men in the post-MeToo world, emphasizing that they should not take a passive stance in the face of cultural shifts. Speaking with Radio Times, the actor, known for his role in Happy Valley and rumored to be a contender for the next James Bond, argued that men need to be more proactive when it comes to addressing societal issues, especially those related to gender equality.
Norton believes that while we are in a period of “rebalance” to address the patriarchal wrongs of the past, many men wrongly assume their role is to step back and make space. He sees this as a misconception, suggesting that men should actively engage in these conversations, take responsibility, and sometimes be confrontational in confronting injustice.
This viewpoint resonated with Norton while preparing for his role in Playing Nice, an upcoming ITV series where his character, Pete, navigates a situation involving the accidental mix-up of two toddlers at birth. In the show, Pete goes through a personal journey that mirrors the wider societal expectations placed on men to confront issues head-on, including bullying and controlling behavior.
As for his rumored casting as the next James Bond, Norton maintained a playful stance, acknowledging the ongoing media speculation but offering no concrete confirmation. “It’s lots of quite fun and bemusing media coverage,” he said with a smile, leaving fans to continue speculating.
Playing Nice is set against a dramatic Cornish backdrop and follows two couples who must face the moral dilemma of whether to keep the children they’ve raised or reclaim their biological child. The series will begin airing on ITV on January 5, 2025.
It’s clear that Norton’s views on masculinity in today’s climate are grounded in the belief that men should evolve and actively contribute to positive change, rather than retreat into passivity.