As we enter July 2026, it’s been well over six-and-a-half years (and counting) since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and drank his last vodka martini, following the last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
Film fans know there WILL be a sequel to Craig’s swansong performance in No Time To Die - with Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve on board to direct a film to be written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But we have still to discover the third main part of the cinematic jigsaw - the actor who will take on the iconic role - at the same time as Britain is also looking for a new Prime Minister and Doctor Who.
It will be a life-changing role for whoever becomes 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.
There have been many different actors rumoured to be in the frame over the Bond-less years, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who had reportedly been offered the part (he clearly hadn’t).
All bets were off 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.”
Auditions have reportedly been taking place over recent weeks so an announcement could now only be weeks - or even days - away.
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5. Jacob Elordi - 7/1
Jacob Elordi became the favourite to be cast as Bond for the first time in March, with his odds slashed from 20/1. He's now drifted out to 7/1 fifth favourite. He was recently Oscar nominated 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 is currently in cinemas in director Emerald Fennell's followup 'Wuthering Heights'. He'd be the second Australian James Bond after George Lazenby. Interesting his filming schedule looks oddly empty towards the end of the year... | Getty Images for HBO
6. Scott Rose-Marsh - 8/1
Little-known actor Scott Rose-Marsh has had a handful of parts in television and film to date but has apparently screentested for the role of James Bond. That explains why he's one of the leading contenders, with odds of 8/1. | Contributed
7. Josh O'Connor - 14/1
For a couple of weeks in early 2025 Josh O'Connor, best known for playing Prince (now King) Charles in 'The Crown' was the favourite to become the new Bond before vanishing from the 007 radar. He's still just about in contention, with odds of 14/1. He's currently starring in new Steven Spielberg blockbuster 'Disclosure Day'. | AFP via Getty Images
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8. Theo James - 14/1
Just a few months ago suave 'Divergent' actor Theo James had seen his odds drift out, suggesting her was out of the running, despite having led the charge for a time in 2025. He's now back in contention with his odds now 14/1. He had an eye-catching part in television show 'The White Lotus' and certainly looks the part - while his performance in action movie 'Fuze' earlier this year will also have helped his cause. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images