As we reach August 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 do at least know that there will certainly be a sequel to No Time To Die - directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But there’s still no news on the one of the biggest parts of the film - the actor who will take on the iconic role.
Whoever takes it on will become 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.
A couple of years ago it was reported that Kickass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the part but it turned out not to be the case.
His chances took 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.
Here are the 10 current leading 007 contenders and their chances of winning the part, according to the number crunchers at ActionNetwork.com who have tracked the odds across several leading bookmakers.
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1. Callum Turner - 40.68 per cent chance
'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 his implied odds of 40.68 per cent. 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
2. Tom Francis - 23.08 per cent chance
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', is now secind favourite to play Bond, with a 23.08 per cent implied probability. 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. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Louis Partridge - 18 per cent chance
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) Henry Cavill. 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
4. Harris Dickinson - 16.67 per cent chance
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. He was challenging to be the favourite earlier this year, but he's now drifted out to a 16.67 per cent chance. | Getty Images