It’s been well over three years since Daniel Craig’s hung up his tux after starring in his final James Bond film, ‘No Time To Die’, but we still don’t know who will be stepping into his immaculately-made shoes.
We do now know that it will be Dune director Denis Villeneuve behind the camera for ‘Bond 26’, with speculation that the main casting decision will be announced in a matter of weeks.
A succession of big names have seemed to be in poll position to follow in the footsteps of Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.
In 2024 it was reported that Kickass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the job, but that proved to be less-than-accurate.
Further doubt was cast on the recuitment process after Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have effectively previously handpicked the actors to play the character since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
The odds have swung dramatically over the last few months, with a number of actors leading the race, but now there’s a familiar face at the head of the pack.
Meanwhile, some actors with previously short odds are no longer in the running - with Superman actor Henry Cavill and Paul Mescal among those who are now long shots.
Here are the latest 13 actors currently tipped to pull on 007’s tuxedo.
5. Theo James - 11/2
A relatively recent tip to play 007, Divergent series star Theo James' name hadn't been mentioned until a few months ago and is now one of three actors priced at 11/2. Recently in cinemas starring in horror film 'The Monkey', he's drifted out in recent months though, having been as lowly priced as 2/1 at one point. Critically acclaimed for his performance in the television series 'The White Lotu's, he also recently played the lead role in Guy Ritchie's action comedy series 'The Gentlemen'. | Getty Images
6. Jacob Elordi - 11/2
A name that's come from seemingly nowhere, Jacob Elordi is 11/2 to become the second Austrian James Bond after George Lazenby. He shot to fame in 'Saltburn' and played Elvis in 'Priscilla'. | Getty Images
7. Jack Lowden - 7/1
Equally at home on the stage or on the screen, Scot Jack 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's priced at 7/1 joint seventh favourite to be the first Scottish James Bond since Sean Connery. | Getty Images
8. Damson Idris - 7/1
A lesser-known name whose name has been connected to the role in recent months is Damson Idris, best known for starring in crime drama 'Snowfall'. He also played the lead role in Netflix sci-fi 'Outside the Wire' and is currently starring in 'F1 the Movie' - in cinemas now. He's a 7/1 shot. | Getty Images