James Bond is entering one of the biggest transitions in the franchise’s history. Following Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007 in No Time to Die, Amazon MGM Studios is preparing to launch a new era for the world’s most famous spy. Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct Bond 26, while Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is writing the screenplay.
One question continues to dominate the conversation: who will become the next James Bond? Amazon MGM has confirmed that no actor has been cast, but speculation has only intensified as several names continue to emerge through industry reports, bookmakers’ odds, and their own public comments. Based on everything that’s surfaced so far, these are the five actors currently leading the race to play the next 007.
5. Tom Holland
Tom Holland may be the biggest outsider among the leading contenders, but his name continues to surface whenever discussions about the next James Bond gather momentum. The Spider-Man star doesn’t fit the traditional blueprint for 007. Yet, Amazon MGM’s reported interest in finding a younger actor capable of leading the franchise for years keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Holland has never hidden his admiration for the role. During an appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Scrambled, he described James Bond as “the pinnacle” of an acting career. When Ramsay jokingly suggested he could become the next 007, Holland smiled and replied, “Listen, there’s speculation at the minute. We’ll keep it to a minimum for now… we’ll get there one day.”
The Bond franchise has occupied Holland’s imagination before. Several years ago, he pitched Sony Pictures a young James Bond origin story inspired by Ian Fleming’s spy. Although the idea never moved forward, it eventually evolved into Uncharted, giving Holland his own action-adventure franchise.
The betting markets tell a different story. Major prediction platforms currently place Holland well behind the other leading candidates, with an implied probability of around 3% or lower. His established identity as Spider-Man and Bond’s long-standing preference for actors without another defining franchise role continue to work against him. Even so, his global popularity and blockbuster experience ensure he remains part of the wider conversation.
4. Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson’s rise over the past few years has naturally made him one of the most talked-about Bond candidates. Performances in Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw, and Babygirl have showcased his dramatic range, while his understated charisma and physical presence fit many of the qualities traditionally associated with 007.
Unlike several other rumored contenders, Dickinson has openly acknowledged that Bond is a role he would consider. Speaking on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, he admitted that the character and the world surrounding him were incredibly appealing, making it clear that he would welcome the opportunity if it arose.
Bookmakers have reflected that growing interest. Dickinson is currently listed around 4/1 by several major sportsbooks, placing him among the stronger contenders despite not leading the race. Those odds have remained relatively steady throughout 2026 as speculation around the casting process intensified.
His momentum, however, has slowed in recent weeks. Industry reports suggest Dickinson has chosen to prioritize other projects, including Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles films, rather than actively pursue Bond. No official confirmation has been given, but the reports have tempered expectations even as many fans continue to view him as an excellent fit for the role.
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3. Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi has emerged as one of the more unexpected names linked to James Bond, but his growing profile has made him difficult to ignore. The Australian actor has built an impressive résumé with performances in Euphoria and Saltburn, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars.
Industry reports indicate that Elordi remains high on Amazon MGM’s wishlist as the studio explores a younger direction for the franchise. If selected, he would become only the second Australian actor to portray James Bond after George Lazenby. Standing at 6-foot-5, he would also become the tallest Bond in the franchise’s history.
Unlike several of his fellow contenders, Elordi has chosen not to address the speculation publicly. That silence has done little to cool the conversation surrounding his chances, particularly as his name continues appearing in reports covering the ongoing casting search.
The betting markets continue to view him as a serious contender. Most major sportsbooks currently list Elordi at 5/1, while prediction platform Kalshi gives him roughly a 24% chance of landing the role. Those numbers place him comfortably among the leading names despite his lack of public comment.
Former Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams recently questioned whether some of the internet’s favorite candidates may already be too recognizable for the role, a debate that has followed Elordi throughout the speculation. Even so, his age, international appeal, and rapidly expanding filmography keep him firmly in contention.
2. Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Few actors have been linked to James Bond as consistently as Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Long before Amazon MGM took creative control of the franchise, reports repeatedly identified the Bullet Train and Kick-Ass star as one of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s preferred candidates. Speculation intensified after multiple outlets claimed he had completed a successful screen test, making him the name most fans associated with the search for Craig’s successor.
The franchise’s transition to Amazon MGM didn’t end those rumors, but it did reshape the race. With Denis Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight writing Bond 26, the studio appears to be evaluating a wider pool of actors before making its decision. Taylor-Johnson has nevertheless remained one of the strongest names in the conversation thanks to his blend of action experience, dramatic performances, and established leading-man credentials.
The actor has consistently avoided fueling the speculation. During press for Kraven the Hunter, he redirected Bond questions toward his upcoming projects instead. He struck a similar tone in an interview with Rolling Stone UK, explaining that he prefers discussing work that has actually been announced rather than planning years ahead. “I can only really talk about the things I’m going to show and tell,” he said, adding that he has never felt the need to map out his entire career in advance.
Recent betting markets suggest the race has become more competitive. Taylor-Johnson now sits around 5/1 with several major UK bookmakers, a noticeable shift after spending much of the past two years as the bookmakers’ favorite. Even so, those odds still place him among the leading contenders, reflecting the credibility of the reports that have surrounded his name for years.
At 36, Taylor-Johnson offers a balance between experience and longevity. His performances across action blockbusters and character-driven dramas demonstrate the versatility many fans expect from Bond, making him one of the safest choices if Amazon MGM ultimately favors an actor with an established track record.
1. Callum Turner
No actor has gained more momentum in the Bond race over the past year than Callum Turner. The English actor’s performances in Masters of the Air and the Fantastic Beasts series have steadily raised his profile, while his understated screen presence and effortless confidence have convinced many fans that he possesses the qualities needed to reinvent 007 for a new generation.
Turner’s name has become even more prominent as Amazon MGM pushes forward with the casting process. According to Deadline, Denis Villeneuve has personally begun contacting selected actors as the production moves into another round of closed screen tests and auditions scheduled for August 2026. While the identities of those actors remain confidential, Turner continues to dominate both industry speculation and betting markets.
He has offered little encouragement to the rumors. During the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, journalists asked whether he had already met with Villeneuve about Bond. Turner smiled before responding, “You’re right, it’s very early for that question. I’m not going to comment on it.” He maintained the same position in a later interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “Really, I know as much as you do,” before once again declining to discuss the speculation.
Those carefully measured responses haven’t slowed his momentum. Turner is now the 5/4 favorite with several major UK sportsbooks, while prediction platform Kalshi gives him an implied probability of roughly 41%, making him the strongest publicly discussed candidate in the race. No other actor currently enjoys comparable support across both traditional bookmakers and prediction markets.
His profile also aligns with many of the qualities reportedly guiding Amazon MGM’s search. Variety previously reported that legendary casting director Nina Gold has joined Villeneuve in looking for a relatively fresh British actor capable of carrying the franchise for years to come. Turner fits that description while avoiding the level of franchise baggage that accompanies some of his rivals.
Being the betting favorite, however, is far from the same as landing the role. Amazon MGM Studios, Denis Villeneuve, and Steven Knight have all stressed that no actor has officially been cast. Knight recently described James Bond as “folklore” and “bulletproof,” suggesting the creative team intends to preserve the character’s core identity even as it introduces a new era for the franchise.
With closed auditions reportedly continuing behind the scenes, Turner may lead the race today, but the search for the next James Bond is still very much alive.
Who Would You Cast As The Next James Bond?
While Turner, Taylor-Johnson, Elordi, Dickinson, and Holland currently dominate industry reports and betting markets, the debate among fans looks very different.
A recent discussion on Reddit’s r/JamesBond community showed just how divided opinions remain. User u/Wide_Leek5383 backed Richard Madden as their ideal Bond after his performance in Bodyguard, while also naming Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Lucien Laviscount, and Regé-Jean Page as personal picks.
The same discussion questioned whether Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, and Tom Holland have the qualities needed to play Ian Fleming’s iconic spy. Other Reddit users argued that Amazon MGM should prioritize a younger, relatively unknown actor capable of leading the franchise for the next decade, while another suggested Leo Woodall as a dark-horse candidate despite his name not featuring prominently in recent reports.
The debate may continue for a while longer. According to Deadline, Denis Villeneuve has reportedly begun contacting actors who have advanced to the latest stage of the casting process, with another round of closed auditions expected to take place in August. The publication added that the shortlist could include anywhere from five to seven actors, or even extend into the teens, as Amazon MGM works toward selecting its next James Bond before production on Bond 26 begins in 2027.
Until the studio makes that announcement, every name remains speculation.