As we reach the end of summer 2026, it’s now nearly seven years since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and drank his last vodka martini following the hugely-successful last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
We’ve known for some time that there will be 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 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.
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.
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9. 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
10. 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'. | AFP via Getty Images
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11. James Nelson-Joyce - 16/1
Famous for playing babbies in the likes of 'The Nest', 'The Gold' and 'A Thousand Blows' James Nelson-Joyce is priced at 16/1 to play one of the biggest heroes in cinema history. | Getty Images for BFI