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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5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 5/1
'Kick-Ass' star Aaron Taylor-Johnson seemed to be a cert for the role of the world's most famous spy back in 2024 - some newspapers even suggested he had accepted the part. His odds have narrowed again slightly in the last couple of months, but he's still struggling to remain in the top fve most likely candidates, with odds of 5/1. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
6. Jacob Elordi - 5/1
Another 5/1 shot is Jacob Elordi, who was Oscar nominated earlier this year for his role as at the monster in 'Frankenstein' - the Guillermo del Toro film that was shot in Scotland. He would certainly be a buzzy choice for Bond after shooting to fame in 'Saltburn' - and is currently in cinemas in director Emerald Fennell's followup 'Wuthering Heights'. He'd be the second Australian James Bond after George Lazenby. | Getty Images for Vanity Fair
7. Jack Lowden - 7/1
Jack Lowden is another of the big movers in recent weeks - with his odds nearly halving to 7/1. Equally at home on the stage or on the screen, Lowden first found fame in 2016 BBC miniseries of 'War & Peace' and has since starred in the likes of 'Dunkirk' and 'Mary Queen of Scots'. He's reached his biggest audience to date starring opposite Gary Oldman in acclaimed spy drama 'Slow Horses'. He'd be the first Scottish James Bond since Sean Connery. | Getty Images
8. Josh O'Connor - 8/1
For a couple of weeks in early 2025 Josh O'Connor, best known for playing Prince (now King) Charles in 'The Crown' was the favourite to become the new Bond before vanishing from the 007 radar. He's now roared back into contention, with his odds now at 8/1. He's currently in cinemas starring in new Steven Spielberg blockbuster 'Disclosure Day'. | Getty Images for Universal Pictu