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As we draw ever-closer to spring 2026 it has been well over six years (and counting) - since Daniel Craig starred in the memorable last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
We now at least know with certainty that there WILL be a sequel to Craig’s swansong performance in No Time To Die.
Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been announced as director, while Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight will be writing the script of the film.
Now it’s just the minor matter of finding the third main part of the jigsaw - the actor (or actress) who will take on the iconic role - and the casting should be confirmed sooner rather than later.
It will be a life-changing role for whoever takes it on and becomes only the eighth actor to play 007 following Sean Connery (the best, obviously), David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
Since Daniel Craig hung up his tux there have been many different actors rumoured to be in the frame, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who had reportedly been offered the part (he clearly hadn’t).
All bets were off when Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have handpicked the Bond actors since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
Here are the 11 current leading contenders according to the bookies.
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9. Jack Lowden - 12/1
'Slow Horses' has made Jack Lowden a global star, and he's priced at 12/1 to become the first James Bond from Scotland since the original (and the best) - Sean Connery. His odds have narrowed in the last couple of weeks, having been 18/1 at the turn of the year. | AFP via Getty Images | Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for T
10. Jonathan Bailey - 12/1
A new-ish name in the running to become the next James Bond is Jonathan Bailey. He wasn't even being talked about for the role before mid-2025 but is now a 12/1 shot. He started his career on the stage, winning an Olivier Award, before rising to fame in television series 'Broadchurch'. He's now a big screen star, with roles in huge blockbusters like 'Wicked' and 'Jurassic World Rebirth'. | Getty Images
11. Damson Idris - 12/1
Also priced at 12/1 to become the British superspy is Damson Idris. He found fame starring in crime drama 'Snowfall' and showed he can handle big action blockbusters last year by playing Formula One driver Joshua Pearce in 'F1'. | Getty Images | AFP via Getty Images