License To Kill? A “Fantastic” James Bond Favorite Emerges To Lead Amazon’s Reboot

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Following Amazon’s decision to regain creative control in February, the search for the next installment is officially on. Though fans were initially worried about this unusual move, early signs are encouraging. Director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, will lead the project, working from a script by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders.

The search for the next James Bond is still on, and while the possibilities are thrilling, we don’t yet know who will take on the role. Leading this famous movie series forward will be a challenge, and many actors – both famous and up-and-coming – are being considered. So, according to betting odds, who’s the frontrunner to become the next 007?

‘Fantastic Beasts’ Star Callum Turner Is the Odds-on Favorite


Warner Bros.

Ever since Amazon acquired the James Bond franchise, rumors have surfaced about the qualities they’re seeking in the next 007. Reports suggest they want a new, relatively unknown actor, specifically a British one, to star in the upcoming film, tentatively titled James Bond 26. Currently, bookmakers favor a particular English actor as the most likely candidate, and many believe he would be an excellent fit for the role.

Though he’s known for roles in films like the Fantastic Beasts series, George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat, the war drama Masters of the Air, and the thriller Green Room, Callum Turner might be a fresh face to action movies. However, he definitely has the physique and intense charisma to captivate audiences and convincingly play the iconic 007.

Unlike other actors being considered for the role, Turner isn’t tied to any existing movie franchises. He’s been working on films like the satirical war movie Atropia, the romantic comedy Eternity, and the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Rose of Nevada (which has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes), but he’s available to commit to the long-term contract that playing James Bond requires.

Though Richard Turner is 35, which might be a bit older than Amazon’s preferred age for the next James Bond, he still has the look of a new, exciting actor. However, Amazon might need to act fast if they’re interested, as Turner is currently gaining a lot of attention due to his engagement with singer Dua Lipa – who, by the way, would likely create an amazing Bond theme song.

Who Are the Other Top Choices for ‘James Bond 26’?


Warner Bros.

Okay, so everyone’s buzzing about who’s going to be the next James Bond, and right now, Callum Turner seems to be the frontrunner. But let me tell you, things in Hollywood shift fast! Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who you’ve seen in films like 28 Years Later and Bullet Train, and Theo James from The Gentlemen are consistently right up there too. Both have been considered the likely choice at different times, and honestly, the talk about wanting a younger Bond – someone in their late 20s or early 30s – doesn’t seem to be enough to dethrone either Turner, who’s 35, or Taylor-Johnson, who’s quickly becoming a major star at 40.

Austin Butler, known for his roles in Elvis and Dune: Part Two, is also a strong contender. Despite being a famous Oscar nominee and an American actor, he’s considered a frontrunner. Other popular choices consistently favored by bookmakers include Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Harris Dickinson (The King’s Man), James Norton (Happy Valley, King and Conqueror), and Henry Cavill, who previously played Superman. Cavill and Norton have long been fan favorites to take on the role of James Bond.

Okay, so while I don’t expect any of the big names currently being thrown around to actually land the role, there are a couple of actors who feel like real possibilities, based on what little we’ve heard about Amazon’s plans for James Bond. First up is Jack Lowden. He’s not a household name yet, but he’s already proven he can handle a spy thriller with his work on Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. But the one that really catches my attention is Anthony Boyle. Honestly, if you’re asking who he is, that’s kind of the point – he’s a bit of a dark horse, and that makes him incredibly interesting!

You might not know the name, but you’ve likely seen his recent work. Boyle is the star of Netflix’s new historical series, House of Guinness. The series was written by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders. This means Boyle fits the profile of actors often chosen for Bond – not a huge household name – and he already has a connection with the writer who’s working on the next Bond film, Bond 26. Plus, he’s still quite young, at only 31 years old.

Callum Turner is currently the frontrunner to be the next James Bond. He appears to have all the qualities needed to take on the iconic role and usher in a new era for 007. However, Amazon needs to move quickly with James Bond 26. If they wait too long, Turner might become too old for the part or land a leading role in another major film series.

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2025-11-08 01:18