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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9. Henry Ashton - 8/1
A newish name in the frame for 007 is Henry Ashton. The English actor and former model is best known for his roles in Amazon Prime fantasy series 'My Lady Jane' and the BBC Three teen drama 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder'. His odds have been cut in the last couple of months to 8/1. | Getty Images for HBO Max
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10. Theo James - 10/1
Just a few months ago suave 'Divergent' actor Theo James had seen his odds drift out, suggesting her was out of the running, despite having led the charge for a time in 2025. He's now back in contention with his odds now set at 10/1. He had an eye-catching part in television show 'The White Lotus' and certainly looks the part. | Getty Images
11. Leo Suter - 10/1
Leo Suter only entered the running to be Bond in the second half of 2025 but has recently seen his 007 odds drift out to 10/1. His highest-profile performance to date is as Harald Sigurdsson in the Netflix series 'Vikings: Valhalla'. | Getty Images