As we reach the latter haf of July 2026, it’s now approaching seven years (and counting) since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and gun holster following the hugely -successful last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise. No spoliers, but it was quite the ending.
We know that there will be a sequel to No Time To Die - with the film to be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
Now it’s just a matter of finding the third major part of the jigsaw - the actor who will take on the iconic role.
It will be a life-changing career move for whoever takes it on, becoming 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.
There have been many different actors rumoured to be in the frame, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who had reportedly been offered the part a couple of years ago (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.
At movie-making trade show CinemaCon earlier this year Courtenay Valenti, Amazon MGM’s head of film, addressed the casting decision, explaining: “I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
And it’s now being reported that the auditions to find the perfect actor are now in their closing stages - meaning an announcement could now only be weeks - or even days - away.
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1. Callum Turner - 5/4
'Fantastic Beasts' franchaise star Callum Turner had dropped down the field but has now rallied and, following his recent marriage to pop star Dua Lipa, is now clear favourite to step into 007's handmade shoes with odds of 5/4. His most recent major television role was as Major John Egan in 'Masters of the Air' and he's recently been on the big screen in David Freyne's latest film 'Eternity'. His new film, 'Rosebush Pruning', sees him starring opposite his new wife and premiered at the Berlin Film Festival - where he did little to dispel the 007 rumours. Don't bet against Dua Lipa also bagging the prestigious Bond theme gig too. | Getty Images for Universal Pictu
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2. Louis Partridge - 10/3
The biggest mover in the last couple of weeks is Englsih actor Louis Partridge, who is now the joint second favourite. He ws a child actor who found fame in Netflix film 'Enola Holmes' starring opposite Millie Bobby Brown and (former Bond favourite). His successful acting career has continued in hit television series 'Disclaimer' and 'House of Guinness', but 007 would be a huge step up fo him. | Getty Images for Netflix
3. Tom Francis - 10/3
Also priced at 10/3 is Tom Francis, best known as a stage actor having won the Olivier Award for Best Actor (and a Tony nomination) for starring in 'Sunset Boulevard'. He also played Romeo in jukebox musical '& Juliet', appeared in the final series of 'You' on the small screen and alongside George Clooney in Noah Baumbach's latest film 'Jay Kelly' on the big screen. | Getty Images For SOLT
4. Harris Dickinson - 4/1
Harris Dickinson has had a string of acclaimed film roles in his short career to date, including 'Baby Girl', 'The King's Man', 'Triangle of Sadness', 'Where the Crawdads Sing', and 'The Iron Claw'. His directorial debut 'Urchin' premiered at the 2025 London Film Festival. His odds were slashed earlier this year but he's now drifted out slightly to 4/1. | AFP via Getty Images