7 Best Contenders for the Next James Bond, Ranked

In a new development, James Bond is venturing into the Amazon age as Amy Pascal, former Sony chair, and David Heyman take over from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have long been in charge of the franchise. This change comes after Daniel Craig’s departure from the role, initiating a hunt for his successor to don the 007 mantle. The search has yielded various potential candidates spanning different age groups and concepts for Bond’s upcoming mission. Rumors are swirling that Pierce Brosnan could reprise his role or Jeremy Irons might portray an older Bond, although these possibilities appear unlikely at present.

The filmmaker behind Dune, Denis Villeneuve, is set to take on Bond 26, with Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, drafting the script. Previous reports suggest that both Villeneuve and Amazon executives are keen on casting a young British actor for this project. This marks a shift towards younger candidates compared to the departed producers Broccoli and Wilson, who were rumored to be considering actors in their 30s or 40s.

After thorough research across various online sources, including betting websites, Reddit discussions, and official news outlets, we’ve managed to narrow down the possible contenders for the role of James Bond in “Bond 26” to less than ten actors. It’s quite an achievement considering that numerous British actors, as well as some actresses, have been suggested for this iconic spy role. However, you won’t find Tom Hardy or Idris Elba on our list, although they’ve been mentioned in some conversations. There will be a few names not making the final cut, but they deserve recognition for their potential. To begin, let’s delve into who might be donning the tuxedo as 007, listed in order of probability.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to those previously noted, there are numerous other impressive decisions that didn’t make it into the top seven initially, but were highly regarded when the movie first came out. Dev Patel and Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton are frequently mentioned as potential successors, with Patel having established himself as a notable action star since his role in Slumdog Millionaire. Damson Idris, known for his roles in F1 and Snowfall, is also gaining popularity, although he’s rumored to be contending for the part of the new Black Panther in Marvel. Nicholas Hoult, who played Superman and has worked with Marvel, is also in the running, but he’s likely to have a busy schedule ahead. And he’s not the only one facing a full itinerary.

7) Paul Mescal

The actor who starred in “Gladiator 2” was once strongly considered for the Bond role, following a series of victories and award nominations at just 29 years old. Audiences appreciated him in “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers,” but Ridley Scott’s Roman epic marked Mescal’s most significant role to date. Could he be prepared to join a major franchise? Or will Mescal instead find himself portraying Paul McCartney in the upcoming series of films about The Beatles?

6) Aaron Pierre

If you haven’t checked out “Rebel Ridge” on Netflix yet, I strongly recommend taking a break from your current activities and giving it a watch. Aaron Pierre’s performance is on par with some of Denzel Washington’s best work in revenge films. Additionally, it demonstrates that he is at ease with physical action, having previously played Mufasa and a role in the Underground Railroad. At the moment, he stands out as the highest-ranked actor of color among oddsmakers, and his popularity continues to grow.

As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but feel that if this actor lands the role, it’s bound to stir up quite a buzz among those who are fiercely opinionated about their favorite films. However, I believe even the most hardened critics will eventually see the merit in his performance or risk missing out on something truly special.

5) Jacob Elordi

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the appearance of the talented actor from Saltburn and Euphoria in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, slated for 2025. Yet, since the official Bond producer changes, there’s been a buzz surrounding his potential role as 007. His Australian roots even spark comparisons to the original Bond replacement, George Lazenby. Currently, he’s unencumbered by any franchise obligations, with The Dog Stars under Ridley Scott being his only other project lined up outside of Euphoria in 2026. He possesses the right look and has been a frontrunner on several occasions, but will he secure the role? The question remains unanswered for now.

4) Henry Cavill

In most cases, describing the ideal James Bond character would likely lead to Henry Cavill being mentioned. Known for his roles in movies like Man of Steel and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Cavill demonstrated his aptitude for spy work. In The Man from U.N.C.L.E., he even embodied a James Bond-like character alongside Armie Hammer. He also made an unforgettable impression in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, where he showcased his fighting skills in the memorable bathroom fight sequence. Cavill even ventured into Bond-esque roles with Argylle, but later returned to a more substantial espionage part in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

The key aspect is that he’s an experienced player in the field, but at just 42 years old, he’s far from aging. Given his age isn’t a concern, Cavill should undoubtedly make the final roster.

3) Harris Dickinson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, in a pleasant blend of youthful vigor and seasoned expertise, has proven his mettle. His role in “The King’s Man” provided him with a solid foundation within the genre. Furthermore, he left an indelible impression as the tragic David Von Erich in “The Iron Claw,” and managed to shine among the attractive ensemble cast in “Triangle of Sadness.

Currently, he’s strongly favored and appears on several prominent lists as the potential next James Bond. This level of recognition provides him with an advantage at present.

2) Tom Holland

As a follower, I’ve been vocal about my desire to step into the role of the next James Bond, even proposing a reboot focusing on a younger Bond back in 2019. I envisioned it as an origin story, but at that time, the Bond producers weren’t keen on the idea. Maybe the new decision-makers will see things differently?

Fans believe he’s a strong contender, as indicated by Polymarket’s betting site. Holland ranks third, and his odds are generally lower than those of Dickinson, Elordi, and Cavill across various online bookmakers. However, Holland’s busy schedule in the superhero genre might pose a challenge for him. Another name is currently ahead in the race, though. We’ll be keeping a close watch to see how things unfold.

1) Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Actor from “Bullet Train” and “Kick-Ass,” now on the verge of assuming the role of James Bond, has gained significant popularity. His rise to prominence is backed by an impressive resume, and his recent appointment as Omega’s latest global ambassador further strengthens his chances. As GQ suggests, this association with Omega, a brand long-associated with James Bond since Pierce Brosnan’s tenure in “Goldeneye,” makes his candidacy even more promising.

According to numerous sources, Taylor-Johnson’s age seems to be the main concern, but at 35 years old, he falls within a prime age range below Cavill. Interestingly, there are reports that Taylor-Johnson was previously offered the role by Broccoli and Wilson, producers who have since departed, yet he never announced it publicly. As a result, he is strongly considered for the part and currently leads as the favorite due to his partnership with Omega.

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2025-08-17 05:14