As we reach June 2026, it’s been over six-and-a-half years (and counting) since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and gun holster following the last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
It has long been confirmed that there WILL be a sequel to Craig’s swansong performance in No Time To Die - with the film to be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
Next up it’s a matter of finding the third major part of the cinematic jigsaw - the actor who will take on the iconic role.
It will be a life-changing role for whoever takes it on and becomes only 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, 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 ever days - away.
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5. Jacob Elordi - 5/1
Jacob Elordi became the favourite to be cast as Bond for the first time in March, with his odds slashed from 20/1. He's now drifted out to 5/1 joint fourth favourite. He was recently Oscar nominated for his role as at the monster in 'Frankenstein' - the Guillermo del Toro film that was shot in Scotland. He would certainly be a buzzy choice for Bond after shooting to fame in 'Saltburn' - and is currently in cinemas in director Emerald Fennell's followup 'Wuthering Heights'. He'd be the second Australian James Bond after George Lazenby. Interesting his filming schedule looks oddly empty towards the end of the year... | Getty Images for HBO
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6. Henry Ashton - 8/1
A newish name in the frame for 007 is Henry Ashton. The English actor and former model is best known for his roles in Amazon Prime fantasy series 'My Lady Jane' and the BBC Three teen drama 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder'. His odds have been cut in the last month to 8/1. | Getty Images for HBO Max
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7. Theo James - 10/1
Just a few months ago suave 'Divergent' actor Theo James had seen his odds drift out, suggesting her was out of the running, despite having led the charge for a time in 2025. He's now back in contention with his odds now 10/1. He had an eye-catching part in television show 'The White Lotus' and certainly looks the part. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
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8. Leo Suter - 10/1
Leo Suter only entered the running to be Bond in the second half of 2025 but has recently seen his 007 odds drift out to 10/1. His highest-profile performance to date is as Harald Sigurdsson in the Netflix series 'Vikings: Valhalla'. | Getty Images