Ed Sheeran was lined up to create the Bond theme for 'No Time to Die' - but it didn't happen
He explained to Boogie & Arlene why it didn't happen.
Last updated 2nd Nov 2021
Ed Sheeran has revealed to Boogie & Arlene that he was talks to write the Bond theme for the latest movie 'No Time to Die' - but it didn't happen.
While Ed was in chatting about his latest album 'Equals' they asked him if he would ever consider writing a Bond theme. To which he replied "I was actually in talks to do this one."
He went on to explain that original director Danny Boyle had the conversation with him about creating a Bond theme when they were both working on the movie 'Yesterday'. Danny subsequently left his post as director so it didn't happen. On meeting Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, he said "It wasn't anything more than a conversation of interest."
"The film fits, the fact it's Billie Eilish singing it, it's perfect. I'm always open to doing a Bond theme."
Ed also went on to reveal that he completed all the Bond movies in the weeks following his daughters birth. "She was sleeping 20 hours a day for the first month so I made it through every single Bond film in that time."
Listen to the full chat with Ed Sheeran on the MFR Interview Hub
While chatting about the new album, Boogie & Arlene wanted to know how his records keep getting better and better. To which he replied "the harder you work, the luckier you become". He played them a recording of one of his performances as a teenager - which was a bit out of tune... "I wasn't born being able to sing, I learned how to sing."
In a previous interview with us, Ed revealed the unusual birthday present he bought for Sir Elton John. It wasn't what we were expecting...
Listen live to Boogie & Arlene Saturday mornings from 9am on MFR or catch-up on our app.
11 little known facts about Ed Sheeran
1. What TV show tattoo has he got?
He's got The Fresh Prince of Bel Air logo on his arm, of course. Acquiring the tattoo while tour in Philadelphia in Autumn 2012, the inking is in honour of the popular TV show, which is one of Ed's favs.
2. Who's he F.R.I.E.N.D.S with?
Actual real life Monica Geller, or as we know her here in the real world, Courteney Cox. He lived with her for three months, rent-free, in exchange for housework, which Ed told the Daily Mail entailed 'making the tea'.
3. Is Ed a big spender?
Certainly not all of the time! The music video for the singer's 2011 hit 'The A Team' was produced for the low low price of £20! Bargain.
4. Do all of Ed's albums contain explicit language?
Nope! He removed all of the explicit lyrics from his album 'X' so that his cab driver's daughter could listen to it. Such a QT!
5. Is Ed a Nando's stan?
Of course he is! Where else would Ed get his chicken? To set in stone just how much he loved the chicken chain, he even teamed up with his pal Example, bringing us the infamous Nando's Song. Who could ever forget?!
6. Which rapper helped cure his stutter?
None other than Eminem! After receiving an unexpected award at the 2015 American Institute for Stuttering Gala, Ed explained that after unsuccessful speech therapy sessions when nine-years-old, learning the rapper's "fast and melodic" lyrics "back to front" enabled him to get rid of his stutter by the time he was 10!
7. Is there anyone he HASN'T written for?!
Ed holds an extensive list of celebs that he was written for/collaborated with, including pretty much everyone. To taste a few, there's One Direction, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Jessie Ware, Rudimental, Usher, Justin Bieber, Major Lazer, Hillary Duff, Robbie Williams, Olly Murs, Stormzy, and the list goes on...
8. Is his single 'Don't' about a certain someone?
Well...it was reportedly written by Ed about an ex-girlfriend that cheated on him. This is, however, not confirmed by the singer.
9. How long was he homeless for?
Ed says he slept outside Buckingham Palace and even spent a week sleeping on the Circle Line.
10. Does he name his guitars?
He sure does! They're called Lloyd, Felix, Cyril and Nigel. Lovely!
11. What other talents does he have?
A lot, we're sure - but to mention one, Ed is a fan of painting! He painted the artwork for his album 'Divide' and even sold a piece of his art as part of a charity auction!
12. What does Ed think when meeting fans?
Ed Sheeran revealed that when meeting fans what he really wants is to have a chat with them! He explained that he prefers this over snapping a quick photo with them: "I would rather a conversation than a selfie, and I feel like people want to do a selfie because they think it's quick. But I would rather talk to someone. I feel like a selfie kind of cheapens the moment."
13. What is Ed Sheeran's favourite scary film?
When asked what his favourite scary film was, Ed revealed he'd just seen the film called Smile which: "Absolutely terrified the living daylights" out of him. He also said The Dark and Wicked was a 'messed up' film!
14. Has Ed ever surprised his fans?
In April 2023, Ed surprised a New York City busker by asking if he could duet with him. 62-year-old Mike Yung was entertaining commuters at Church Street subway station in Brooklyn with his rendition of Ed's track, 'Eyes Closed'. The pair sang together for a few moments, with Mike saying that the interaction 'made his day' after the track ended. Ed then surprised Mike again by offering him free tickets to his next show.
15. Did Ed Sheeran write 'Shape of You' for Rihanna?
Back in 2017, Ed Sheeran had huge success with his hit 'Shape of You', which he released along with 'Castle On The Hill', however it could have been very different, as he revealed he originally thought of offering the song to Rihanna.
As he started to write the lyrics he eventually thought that she probably wouldn't sing them, so he kept the song for himself.