Who Should Be the Next James Bond? 25 Picks for the New 007

The departure of Daniel Craig from the James Bond franchise has sparked a fervent global discussion about who will don the legendary 007 tuxedo next. With auditions entering their final phase, speculation continues to intensify, fueled by reports of meetings between prospective actors and the film’s creative team.

Following the appointment of Denis Villeneuve as director and Steven Knight as screenwriter for the forthcoming Bond installment, the casting process has gained momentum. Casting director Nina Gold, collaborating closely with Villeneuve, is tasked with selecting a successor who can captivate audiences for years to come.

Previous producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson established clear guidelines for the new Bond: he must be British, youthful enough for a potentially lengthy tenure, and male. However, the transition of creative control to Amazon MGM—with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman taking the helm—introduces an element of unpredictability about the future direction and casting choices for the franchise.

Interestingly, the narrative continuity established in “No Time to Die” leaves James Bond’s fate ambiguous, with his MI6 code number reportedly passed to Lashana Lynch’s character, Nomi. Whether the next film will honor this timeline or diverge into an alternate Bond universe remains uncertain.

Variety.com’s recent analysis highlights a diverse roster of under-40 actors who embody the sophistication, intensity, and charisma required for 007. Among the contenders is Callum Turner, whose versatility spans from athletic roles in “The Boys in The Boat” to complex characters in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” and the Apple TV+ miniseries “Masters of The Air.” Turner’s physicality and range position him as a strong candidate capable of executing Bond’s demanding action sequences.

Rory Kinnear, known for his acclaimed role in the spy thriller series “Slow Horses” and soon to portray Mr. Darcy in Netflix’s “Pride & Prejudice,” brings both dramatic depth and action experience to the table. His history of diverse roles, including appearances in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk,” suggests he could infuse the Bond persona with nuanced gravitas.

Josh O’Connor, celebrated for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Prince Charles in “The Crown,” offers a blend of intensity and charm, having also demonstrated a flair for complex characters in films like “La Chimera.” Meanwhile, Jack O’Connell, recognized for his raw performances in “Skins” and “Sinners,” may need to channel his intense screen presence into the suave confidence typically associated with Bond.

Emerging talents such as Australian actor Jacob Elordi bring a compelling mix of allure and menace, evidenced by his roles in “Euphoria” and “The Kissing Booth” series. Similarly, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s diverse career—from Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” to psychological thrillers—reflects the versatility that would serve the iconic spy role well.

Harris Dickinson and Regé-Jean Page also feature prominently among potential Bonds. Dickinson’s work ranges from Oscar-nominated films to physically demanding roles like professional wrestling in “The Iron Claw,” highlighting his adaptability. Page, who gained global attention from “Bridgerton” and showcased action skills in “The Gray Man,” represents a fresh and diverse talent with the charm to redefine the franchise.

Other notable mentions include Paul Mescal, whose athletic background and acclaimed performances in “Normal People” and “Gladiator II” have drawn praise, and Tom Hughes, who has transitioned from acclaimed stage performances to film and has reportedly auditioned for Bond.

Damson Idris, known for his intense roles in “Snowfall” and “Black Mirror,” and Nicholas Hoult, whose career includes everything from “Skins” to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” round out a lineup of actors who bring both depth and physicality to the role.

The list also encompasses Aaron Pierre, a classically trained actor with demonstrated martial arts skills and dramatic weight, and Henry Golding, who combines charm with experience in action and comedy genres. Rising stars like Lucien Laviscount and Johnny McCormack add to the mix, bringing youthful charisma and a growing portfolio of nuanced roles.

Joe Alwyn, with his understated screen presence and refined British sensibility, is another contender who could infuse Bond with a fresh vulnerability alongside the expected sophistication.

As the franchise prepares to announce its next leading man, the selection process reflects evolving expectations for the character—a blend of tradition and innovation. The chosen actor will inherit a legacy that demands not only suavity and style but also the ability to navigate complex narratives and perform demanding physical feats. Fans and industry insiders alike await the official reveal, eager to see how the next James Bond will carry forward the enduring mythos of one of cinema’s most iconic figures.