After Daniel Craig officially retired as James Bond following 2021’s No Time to Die, there have been undying questions about who will become the next 007.
As long-time franchise producer Barbara Broccoli put it, “We're reinventing who he is, and that takes time.”
And the time it has taken has only made fans more excited. It has been four years since the world’s most famous secret agent last graced the big screen.
But with Bond 26 seemingly inching closer to pre-production following Amazon’s acquisition of one of the longest continually running film series, here are some of the names that have emerged as potential successors.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is now the frontrunner for the next Bond. Former 007 himself, Pierce Brosnan, believed “he would be very good” for the role after the two worked together in the 2009 film The Greatest.
“I cast him in one of the movies I made a long time ago called The Greatest, actually, and he played ‘the greatest,’” he recalled. “This young man came on the set and took the space, filled the space with passion and energy. So yeah, I think if he wished it, wanted it, and got it, he would be great.”
Known for his movies Kick-Ass and Kraven the Hunter, the 34-year-old was once rumored to have been offered the role, but nothing seemed to materialize.
The Sun claimed in 2024 that Taylor-Johnson was “on board” pending final confirmation. Several industry insiders believed the deal was already close.
With his suave appearance, physicality, and growing presence in high-profile action movies, there is no denying that Taylor-Johnson is a strong match.
Henry Cavill
For some global recognition, Henry Cavill is probably the best choice. If truth be told, he almost played the role in 2005 but lost to Craig for being deemed too young.
With several hit movies under his belt, from Man of Steel to Enola Holmes and more, the British actor has built a reputation of being a charismatic leading man with serious action chops.
“I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers. … In an ideal world, I’d never have to turn anything down,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. “Nothing is off the table. It’s an honor to even be part of that conversation.”
Anyhow, despite being a strong contender, some industry insiders see Cavill as “too famous” and too associated with other franchises.
There is also an issue with age, making him the oldest actor to debut as Bond at 41, since Roger Moore, who was 45 when he had the license to kill in 1973’s Live and Let Die.
Regé-Jean Page
After Netflix’s Bridgerton catapulted him to stardom, Regé-Jean Page is seen as the modern, stylish version of Bond.
True enough, the 37-year-old actor has the charm, the poise, and the international appeal producers often look for.
Well, he would never become a household name overnight after being seen as the ultra-sexy Duke of Hastings for nothing.
"It’s a conversation people are having, and it’s terribly flattering that they’re having it. I leave them to it," he said about the claims.
James Norton
James Norton, known for his roles in McMafia and Happy Valley, is another strong candidate to become the next Bond.
His suave, intense, and relatively under-the-radar personality makes him a perfect fit. Sadly, despite the rumors, it looks like he has not been offered the role yet.
“It’s difficult, because you don’t want to fuel it or look like you’re courting it. Because nobody’s called me up about it and I haven’t had a conversation with anybody,” he explained. “[...] It’s just noise unless there’s something real behind it.”
At 39, Norton could strike a balance between youthful energy and mature gravitas, though we have to admit he lacks the blockbuster presence compared to the big names on the list.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba has been a long-time fan-favorite pick for the role of 007. In fact, he has already been repeatedly asked about the possibility of continuing Bond’s legacy.
"Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered,” he said on the Smartless podcast.
Though there are doubts about him being the next Bond due to the franchise’s long history of casting white actors, he remains one of the most talked-about names in casting conversations.
Tom Hardy
Another fan favorite is Tom Hardy, thanks to his gruff look and intense style.
He is one of the most compelling and unpredictable actors in Hollywood today and has proven himself in his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, Venom, and Inception.
“I would love to do it. Who wouldn’t? If I did get the chance, I would smash it out the park,” he said.
Though Hardy has a penchant for darker, more eccentric characters, possibly leaning his portrayal into the antihero archetype, his extensive action-film experience makes him a contender with a proven track record.
Richard Madden.
Richard Madden, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Bodyguard, is one of the most popular names in Bond casting rumors.
From gravitas to physical presence, the 38-year-old has everything to become the new 007. In fact, he has already proven his talent in BBC One’s action-packed series, showing his range and intensity.
However, despite fans’ high hopes, it looks like it will never happen.
“I think anyone who gets asked about Bond will say that it’s flattering. But, you know, it’s not something I’ve ever discussed with anyone,” he revealed.
“I’m the next one. Everyone just loves the rumour mill on that topic,” he continued. “I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role.”
Tom Holland
Tom Holland is maybe a wild card, but hey, nothing is impossible. Though he will only turn 29 in June, his proven action chops, charisma, and affable nature make him a potential contender.
“Oh mate, it would be an actual dream come true,” he said if the casting happened.
However, he is also aware that his age may get in the way.
“But you know, should they want to do a younger James Bond, you best believe I would be there,” he added.
But as producers seem to eye a younger actor to be the next Bond, Holland has a good chance.
Bond 26 is expected to enter development by late 2025 or early 2026. As an announcement is expected to happen soon, fans will finally see who will wear the tuxedo this time.