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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13. Tom Holland - 20/1
Tom Holland is already pretty busy playing Spider-man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He's 20/1 to add another huge franchaise to his CV in the form of James Bond. | Getty Images
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14. Henry Cavill - 20/1
'Superman' and 'The Witcher' star Henry Cavill had been favourite to be the next Bond when Daniel Craig hung up his tux but had seen his odds slowly lengthen ever since - now out to 20/1. He's no stranger to playing iconic British characters - he portrays Sherlock Holmes in the 'Enola Holmes', but may be destined to be one of the best Bonds we never had (see also: Clive Owen). | Getty Images
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15. James Norton - 20/1
Another actor who has been long been tipped to play Bond is James Norton, but his odds have drifted out to 20/1 in recent months. The 'Happy Valley' and 'Grantchester' actor certainly looked comfortable in a tux in the BBC's 'McMafia series'. | Getty Images