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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9. Arty Froushan - 10/1
A lesser known name in the frame to play Bond is 10/1 shot Arty Froushan. He's a highly-rated stage actor who has appeared in Amazon Prime series 'Carnival Row' and Disney+ series 'Daredevil: Born Again', as well as films including 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'. | Getty Images for Disney
10. Donal Finn - 10/1
Donal Finn recently won a new army of fans thanks to his role in BBC hit show 'The Other Bennet Sister', having previously starred in Amazon Prime series 'The Wheel of Time' and 'Young Sherlock'.(2026). He's another 10/1 shot to play one of the world's most famous fictional character. | Getty Images for BritBox