2021’s No Time To Die was Daniel Craig’s final James Bond movie. Since then, there’s been non-stop speculation about who will end up as the next 007 now that the franchise is in the hands of Amazon MGM Studios. After all, few Hollywood roles have as much legacy behind them as James Bond (and aren’t superheroes).
Following Daniel Craig’s more grounded and gritty take on the role, it’s going to be fascinating to see what a new Bond actor might bring to the table for a new era. That said, the next 007 will no doubt need to be able to carry the James Bond franchise for the next several years.
Following recent reports that auditions are underway for the next James Bond, it’s fun to look at some of the top contenders online and major fan-casts. From franchise vets to rising stars, here are 10 actors who would be perfect as the next Bond.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is definitely a major frontrunner in the James Bond conversation online. Some of his most popular roles include
Kick-Ass, Bullet Train, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Kraven the Hunter, collectively proving that Taylor-Johnson can handle action-heavy and/or big franchise stories.
Incredibly charismatic, it’s not hard to picture Taylor-Johnson as the next Bond. Likewise, he can also be quite intimidating when necessary, an essential quality for a new 007. At 35, Taylor-Johnson also feels like he’s at the right age where he could certainly carry the Bond franchise just as long as Craig did (if not longer).
Joseph Quinn
Thanks to shows and movies like Stranger Things, Gladiator II, and his latest role in the MCU as The Human Torch, Joseph Quinn has quickly become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, having starred in major franchise projects.
Although Quinn may not have the same action résumé as some other big contenders online, he does have some great natural charisma. If Amazon is indeed looking for a younger (and potentially more reckless) Bond, Joseph Quinn could be the perfect man for the job.
Henry Cavill
For many, Henry Cavill has been the dream James Bond casting choice for years. To that end, Cavill actually auditioned for Casino Royale, only to lose out to Craig as producers felt like he was too young at the time. Ironically, Henry Cavill is now on the older side of this list, though he’s certainly built up quite the resume in the year since he was first up for the role of 007.
Having been the DCEU’s Superman and The Witcher on Netflix, many are hoping that the time has finally come for Cavill to get his due with a major franchise role that actually lasts and ends on his terms. Furthermore, it can also be argued that his role in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. already proves that he has what it takes to be a perfect James Bond, and the same goes for his role in the Mission Impossible franchise.
Richard Madden
Game of Thrones alum Richard Madden has certainly felt like a realistic Bond contender ever since projects like Netflix’s Bodyguard and especially Amazon’s major spy action series Citadel. Across all of his projects, Madden has very much proved he can convey the right amount of intensity and charisma required to play a believable 007. Additionally, his existing relationship with Amazon might at least get him an audition if he wants one.
Dev Patel
Without a doubt, Dev Patel would easily be one of the most exciting James Bond choices ever. First gaining recognition with Slumdog Millionaire, Patel’s more recent work has increasingly showcased his action chops, particularly with 2024’s Monkey Man. He was also incredibly captivating in 2021’s The Green Knight, playing Sir Gawain. If Dev Patel were to become the next 007, audiences would likely receive a Bond with some great depth.
James Norton
James Norton has definitely been a frequent name in online conversations about the next James Bond. Known for projects like Happy Valley, McMafia, and Bob Marley: One Love, McMafia in particular proves his ability to potentially play a new James Bond.
Additionally, the rumor mill was firing on all cylinders early last year thanks to Playing Nice, a television project where Norton’s character at one point attends a formal event…and was the only one not wearing a tuxedo. Whenever a new actor signs on to play James Bond, they are contractually forbidden from wearing a tux in any other project to maintain the 007 image. As such, speculation naturally abounded about Norton as the next Bond once this was pointed out online (though it may be pure coincidence).
Ben Barnes
Although Ben Barnes may not be at the top of most James Bond rumor lists, I do think he deserves far more consideration. Over the years, Barnes has built up a fairly impressive resume across various fantasy, action, and thriller projects.
Ben Barnes’ breakout role was Prince Caspian in the second Chronicles of Narnia movie. Since then, some of his biggest and most captivating roles have admittedly been as villains/antagonists in projects like Shadow and Bone, Westworld, and Marvel’s The Punisher. However, Ben Barnes is still quite charming even in his darkest roles, which could be very exciting if Amazon MGM is looking to give the next James Bond more of a darker intensity.
Regé-Jean Page
After his major role in Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page quickly became one of the internet’s favorite Bond picks in the last few years, and it’s easy to see why.
Page has an impressive amount of natural charisma and dynamic screen presence. Likewise, he’s also shown some great action potential in projects like Dungeons & Dragons and The Gray Man. Without a doubt, it’s easy to see Amazon MGM going with Page to revitalize the entire James Bond franchise for a new era.
Tom Hiddleston
For years, Tom Hiddleston has absolutely been a name to frequently show up in James Bond fan-casting discussions. Much of this comes from his leading role in 2016’s spy thriller series The Night Manager, which can very much be viewed as a faux-audition piece for 007.
Naturally, Hiddleston is also a major Hollywood name thanks to his iconic MCU role as Loki. From 2011’s Thor to 2023’s Loki season 2, Hiddleston has had one of the most dynamic character arcs in the entire MCU, going from villain to hero to villain and back again.
Likewise, Hiddleston’s performance as Loki never stopped being full of dynamic charm and charisma. While he may be on the older side of this list, Hiddleston’s Bond could be more refined and intellectual, focusing more on spy craft compared to what we saw from Craig’s 007.
Callum Turner
Callum Turner is another intriguing option to play the next James Bond for Amazon MGM. Recent projects include Masters of the Air, Eternity, his role as Thesus Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and The Boys in the Boat. While he has done some action and big franchise work, it can be argued that Turner is still fairly new to the space compared to other potential contenders, which might be appealing to producers looking for a relatively fresher face who could really grow into the role across multiple new 007 films.
- TV Show(s)
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Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
- Video Game(s)
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GoldenEye 007, The World Is Not Enough, 007: Nightfire, James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, Quantum of Solace, James Bond 007: From Russia with Love, James Bond 007: Blood Stone, GoldenEye 007 Remake, 007: Agent Under Fire
- First TV Show
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Fleming: The Man Who Would be Bond
