The next James Bond search, let’s face it, is probably one of the most over-the-top, heavily criticized, and scrutinized casting spectacles in recent cinema history. The rumor mill gets so loud it could provide energy for half of London, and right now, it is at a very high point with Daniel Craig’s tenure being officially done, and Amazon MGM being the speculation. Denis Villeneuve will direct Bond 26, and the producers have signaled that they are looking for a Bond who can maintain the tradition and, at the same time, bring something new to the franchise. So, which one of them is actually going to be the one to wear the world’s most famous tuxedo? Here is a list of the top 12 most likely candidates, starting with the least probable ones and moving to the most probable ones.
12. Pierce Brosnan
Yes, Pierce Brosnan. The man who defined Bond’s suave era in the 1990s is still willing to slip back into the role. Brosnan has quipped, “I think I could get away with [playing Bond]. Yes, in a pinch. Let’s see what happens. They know where to find me.” While fans would love a final cinematic encore from the Irish legend, even Brosnan admits it’s probably better to pass the torch to a younger actor. Still, in Bondland, “never say never” is a motto that often holds.
11. Idris Elba
For years, the internet and many fans have championed Idris Elba as a perfect candidate for 007. Elba himself seems ready to leave those rumors behind. He explained, “Essentially, it was a huge compliment. But those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race.” Now 52, Elba has stepped out of consideration, focusing on his hit series Luther, though the idea of a Black Bond will likely remain a topic of conversation for years to come.
10. Dev Patel
Dev Patel is regularly one of the names tossed around, due in large part to his charisma, experience in action films, and international renown. The one who seems completely uninterested in the part, however, is Patel himself. “No, I don’t want to be James Bond, I want to be Monkey Man,” he said. While he does possess the physicality and on-screen charm to handle the role, Patel is much more invested in building his own creative trajectory than attempting to wear 007’s mantle.
9. Jacob Elordi
Australian star Jacob Elordi has been on the rise since Euphoria and Saltburn, and the rumor mill says Amazon has taken notice. Elordi said, “I just like that people maybe want to put me in their movies. That makes me really glad.” He certainly fits the physical profile, tall with an intense gaze and brooding presence; some critics, however, have noted that he’s Australian, which might be a hurdle for a quintessentially British spy. Then again, George Lazenby managed it decades ago, so it’s far from impossible.
8. Tom Holland
For years, there have been rumors about Tom Holland, the boyish Spider-Man, taking over the mantle of Bond. Holland himself once pitched a young Bond origin story to Sony, though the idea never caught on. “It was the dream of a young kid, and I don’t think the Bond estate was particularly interested,” he said. Holland certainly brings undeniable charm, energy, and action skills, but some feel he may be slightly too youthful and clean-cut for the traditional Bond edge.
7. Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson has quietly climbed into the conversation thanks to a mix of indie credibility and blockbuster experience. With performances in Triangle of Sadness and The King’s Man, plus a Cannes-worthy directorial debut, Dickinson shows versatility and sophistication. “I’m loving seeing the development of James Bond and seeing how it changes over the years. I think Daniel Craig was such a good Bond that I’d almost be quite frightened to try,” he said. At 28, he represents the “fresh face” option producers often covet.
6. Theo James
Theo James is often described as having been “made in a Bond factory.” He has action credentials, romantic lead experience, and the right age. James himself jokes, “You’d be the first Bond-opolis. The Greek Bond with hummus.” While he may be hesitant, fans continue championing him, impressed by his versatility and screen presence.
5. Richard Madden
Richard Madden, of Bodyguard and Game of Thrones fame, has been a constant presence in fan polls and bookmakers’ odds. His intensity, charm, and physicality have him pegged as a near-perfect Bond. “It’s very flattering to be involved in that conversation at all. But it’s all just talk, and I’m sure next week it will be someone else,” Madden said. At 37, he’s right in the sweet spot: old enough to have gravitas, young enough to take the franchise for another ten years.
4. James Norton
James Norton’s resume reads like a checklist for 007: period dramas, action roles, critically acclaimed performances in shows such as Happy Valley and War and Peace. Diane Keaton has championed him as possessing all the qualities required. “He’s a fantastic actor. And good-looking, right? Women are gonna love him.” At 39, he offers both the versatility and sophistication producers usually crave.
3. Regé-Jean Page
Ever since he exploded onto the scene with Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page has been a frequent contender for Bond. Page described the speculation as “terribly flattering,” leaving the decision to the producers. He brings charm, screen presence, and international appeal, though some critics question whether he can capture the grittier, brooding intensity Daniel Craig brought to the role.
2. Callum Turner
Currently, the bookmakers’ favorite is Callum Turner, buoyed by standout performances in Masters of the Air and Fantastic Beasts. With his tall, charismatic build and fully British demeanor, he has checked off all the boxes that producers are looking for. Even more telling, Turner has visited GoldenEye, Ian Fleming’s iconic Jamaica retreat, to seemingly study the role firsthand. If Amazon relaxes age constraints a tad, he could be your frontrunner.
1. Aaron Taylor-Johnson
While there have been rumors of several actors, it is Aaron Taylor-Johnson of whom most people talk. Numerous sources have revealed that the part has been offered to him, and the only thing that is left is his confirmation. After a series of action-intensive movies like Kick-Ass, Bullet Train, and Tenet, not to mention being the Omega watch’s global ambassador, he has the necessary physicality, character, and marketability to take Bond into his next decade. Moreover, at 34 years of age, he would also be in that perfect spot with regard to age and vigor. If anyone is an obvious insider, it must be Taylor-Johnson.
The new James Bond has to be an absolute tough, charming, and able to breathe new life into a franchise while still respecting its past. Along with one more criterion of being a male actor in his 30s and of any ethnicity, producers have mentioned that the chosen one should be ready for a ten-year commitment. With Amazon MGM running the show and Denis Villeneuve promising to combine tradition with innovation, the stakes could not be higher. Fans are guessing, bookies are getting nervous, and potential Bonds are no doubt rehearsing their martini orders at the same time as we are. Whichever one of them gets the role, it is the only thing that is certain: he will have to be audacious, exceptional, and open to a whole new world of espionage cinema.