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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9. Damson Idris - 16/1
Starting out as a theatre actor, Damson Idris found fame for playing Franklin Saint in the FX crime drama 'Snowfall' and Joshua Pearce in sports film 'F1'. He's a 16/1 shot to add the role of James Bond to his CV. | Getty Images for Paramount Pictu
10. Leo Suter - 16/1
A relative unknown, Leo Suter is also priced at 20/1 to play the world's most famous spy. His highest-profile performance to date is as Harald Sigurdsson in the Netflix series 'Vikings: Valhalla'. | Getty Images
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11. Anthony Boyle - 16/1
Last November the bookies reckoned that Anthony Boyle was the favourite for the spy role - and to become the first Northern Irish Bond. His odds have lengthened significantly since but he's still one of the many 16/1 shots. He found fame in London's West End, playing Scorpius Malfoy in 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' (winning an Olivier Award). He's gained further prominence for playing Arthus Guiness in recent hit Netflix television drama 'The House of Guiness' - which is written by Steven Knight, who is already on board as scriptwriter on the new Bond film. | Getty Images for Peabody Awards
12. Jonathan Bailey - 16/1
Back in the running to become the next James Bond is Jonathan Bailey, with odds of 16/1. 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 for Peugeot