The Bond succession conversation has been running for years.
Ever since Daniel Craig’s run ended in 2021 with No Time to Die, the world has been debating the strongest cases for and against the next man to step into the tuxedos and Omega watches. Even Amazon MGM acquiring creative control over the franchise has added to the conversation.
With the 26th Bond film pencilled in for 2027 filming and a 2028 release, casting is kept quiet, as it usually is for the franchise. After all it’s not so often James Bond gets a new face, only 7 actors have played the 007 agent.
But the question for the next few months remains. Who is the next James Bond?
Here are a few of the candidates.
Credit: Earl Gibson III / Getty Images
Callum Turner
Born: 15th February 1990
Turner is the most mentioned name currently. He’s 35 (A week shy of 36 at the time of writing), British, and has steadily built a resume of roles that strengthen his case. From his BAFTA-nominated turn in The Capture to franchise work like Fantastic Beasts.
Case for: Great range, physical presence, classic look that fits the Bond style.
Case against: No defining action franchise under his belt yet.
Credit: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Born: 13th June 1990
Taylor-Johnson has long been in the running, even rumoured to have been confirmed as 007 early last year. He’s British, experienced in action and drama and has carved a path from Kick-Ass to Nocturnal Animals to Bullet Train that all help is case.
Case for: Versatile and physically capable, reportedly did a secret screen test for 007, Rugged acting style could portray an action heavy bond well.
Case against: At 35, he’s slightly older than what is rumoured to be the target age for producers hoping to make multiple films over many years.
Credit: GQ Australia
Paul Mescal
Born: 2nd February 1996
Mescal’s acting profile has grown well in recent years. Depth and vulnerability through Normal People to high profile films show he’s worthy of the role.
Case for: One of the younger names in circulation, strong global following and in demand for popular films.
Case against: He’s less proven in action than others, Bond demands not just emotional range but physicality. His casting may be a shift away from classic Bond archetypes.
Credit: Mondadori Portfolio
Jacob Elordi
Born: 26th June 1997
Elordi’s peak public recognition comes from roles in Euphoria, Saltburn, Frankenstein and recently Wuthering Heights.
Case for: He hits the youthful slot within the desired range, tall and charismatic which helps his on screen confidence and physically suited to the role.
Case against: He’s Australian, not British. Which would be a notable departure in a franchise long anchored in British identity. Producers have signalled a preference for a UK actor.
Credit: Getty
Henry Cavill
Born: 5th May 1983
Another name that’s been thrown around for some time, Cavill has been a perennial favourite to play Bond even back to the previous casting when Daniel Craig landed it. Cavill’s audition was a sign to all that he would be a great choice.
Case for: he already has global name recognition and action experience in similar roles. He fits the classic bond silhouette, tall, composed, charismatic.
Case against: He’s older than many speculation targets, and its known that producers want someone younger and less instantly iconic to shape their own legacy.
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James Norton
Born: 18th July 1985
Norton is a British actor best known for his intelligent, character-driven roles in drama and thriller projects. He’s yet to star in a large scale production, putting him in a great position to be the next James Bond.
Case for: Norton brings class and nuance, is comfortable with complex characters who aren’t just surface cool.
Case against: He lacks that proven action leading-man CV that studios often prioritise for blockbuster franchise roles.
Credit: V Magazine
Robert Pattinson
Born: 13th May 1986
Pattinson is an unpredictable decision, and not a traditional Bond choice. His darker roles like Batman make his case further from what we’ve seen before, but could be a new take on Bond, perhaps something the franchise needs for its fresh start?
Case for: Brooding roles show he could handle the psychological side of Bond if the franchise takes a darker route.
Case against: Public commentary hasn’t leaned towards blockbuster leads; persona isn’t aligned with Bond’s classic suavity. It would be a curveball.
Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
Damson Idris
Born: 2nd September 1991
Idris has roots in dramatic television and action work, and coming off hot from F1 he will be in high demand for his next role.
Case for: He has the physicality, screen presence and could bring a fresh dynamic to the character.
Case against: Like others, lack of a clear franchise defining role may be a hurdle in producers’ eyes.
Credit: Church’s
Theo James
Born: 16th December 1984
James has been tied to rumours for years, particularly off the back of his role in The Gentlemen. He’s spoke about the idea publicly in the past but modestly deflected the hype.
Case for: Experienced, sharp, calm confidence, experience in gentlemanly roles.
Case against: Said himself he’s not Bond material (and casting someone who doesn’t want the role won’t land well).
Credit: Getty Images
Harris Dickinson
Born: 24th June 1996
Films like The Iron Claw and The King’s Man put Dickinson on the radar. He’s in a similar boat to Elordi, with recent attention adding to their case.
Case for: One of the younger actors in the running, got the looks of a young Bond.
Case against: He’s not yet a household name or led a major franchise. (though this could work in his favour).
Credit: Jason Lloyd Evans
Jack Lowden
Born: 2nd June 1990
Lowden’s work in the drama and action genre’s, particularly the spy-adjacent material makes him a very credible dark horse. Mary Queen of Scots, Dunkirk and Slow Horses all strengthen his resume.
Case for: British, versatile and has played in espionage-style films before.
Case against: Doesn’t have the marketing draw of bigger names.
Tom Hardy
Born: 15th September 1997
A name that always rises in public discussion. Hardy is another name that’s been in the running since Craig’s tenure ended. He’s got the physical prowess and the resume to go with it, but there’s one primary factor holding him back.
Case for: undeniable talent, range is huge, perfect physique. Most likely the best resume on this list.
Case against: Nearing 50, which would imply he’s far too old to play the rebooted bond.