As we navigate the first few weeks of autumn 2026, it’s now nearly seven years since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and handed back his gun following the hugely-successful last instalment of the James Bond franchaise, released on September 30, 2021.
We’ve known for some time that there will be sequel to No Time To Die - it has been previously revealed that it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But there’s still no news on who will take on the iconic role, becoming 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.
Back in 2024 it was reported that Kickass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the part but it turned out not to be the case - and he’s not not even one of the frontrunners for the role, showing how much things can change when it comes to the world of Bond.
His chances started to take a tumble 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.”
Apparently auditions are still ongoing, but it’s thought that the casting announcement will be made before the end of the year - at the very latest.
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5. Theo James - 10/1
Another former favourite who has seen his odds drift out then firm up, 'Divergent' series star Theo James is now a 10/1 shot for Bond...James Bond. Critically acclaimed for his performance in the television series 'The White Lotus', he also plays the lead role in Guy Ritchie's action comedy series 'The Gentlemen'. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
6. Jacob Elordi - 12/1
The favourite to be a non-British Bond 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 made another splash in director Emerald Fennell's followup 'Wuthering Heights'. His odds seem to be lengthening by the day and now sit at 12/1. Could he now be out of the running? | Getty Images
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7. James Norton - 16/1
An actor who has been long been tipped to play Bond is James Norton, but his odds have drifted out since the start of the year and are now sitting at 16/1. The 'Happy Valley' and 'Grantchester' actor certainly looked comfortable in a tux in the BBC's 'McMafia series'. | Getty Images
8. Paul Mescal - 16/1
Irish actor Paul Mescal shot to fame in television series 'Normal People' and his since become one of the most in-demand actors of his generation. He's set to star as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' four-part Beatles biopic and is one of several names who are priced at 16/1 to play Bond. | AFP via Getty Images