Who Will Be The Next James Bond?
James Bond is one of the most sought-after roles for any actor, particularly if that actor happens to be British and suave. But getting to say the lines "shaken, not stirred" is no walk in the park, and there's always huge speculation about which Bond will be next....as we enter November 2024, the speculation is only heating up.
Here, we look at all the 007 front-runners and fancy their chances to become Bond, James Bond.
Jamie Dornan
An Irish Bond would just be so fun, and Dornan has the looks and the acting range as well as the physicality to pull it off. However, His association with 50 Shades of Grey may put off producers, who want to be able to have the audience only see James Bond when they look at the actor.
Sam Heughan
Sam Heughan has a massive and dedicated following thanks to his role in Outlander, but he's not a super household name—something Bond producers tend to like. Still, Heughan might get lost in the casting shuffle. He's a bit off the beaten path, but not in any super distinct way.
Matt Smith
Currently starring as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon and with a background as the Doctor in Doctor Who, Matt Smith has the acting chops as well as the cheekbones to portray the dashing double agent. But Smith is maybe a little on the older end (he's in his early 40s) to kick off a new Bond era. More than that, he'd likely have to give up House of the Dragon to become James Bond.
Loredana Sangiuliano, Shutterstock
Theo James
With a face like that, plus a very Bond-like role in Netflix's The Gentlemen, there's no way Theo James's name hasn't come up in the Bond boardrooms. There's just one problem. James doesn't seem to want the job. As he said in one interview, “I love some of the Sean Connery movies, but I think they need to do something else...They need to really go with a reinvention of it in a different way and that wouldn’t be me.”
Richard Madden
Especially after his turn in The Bodyguard, there was all sorts of speculation that Bond people were approaching Richard Madden. Yet as always, speculation in the Bond-verse isn't necessarily a good thing, and in the years since the heat seems to have died down for Madden.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is just such. a good. actor. and has the Oscar to prove it. The fly in the ointment is that patriotic British 007 just doesn't seem like this dyed-in-the-wool Irishman's thing.
Elena Ternovaja, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dev Patel
People have been buzzing about Dev Patel as Bond for years now, and this only got louder after he released his action-packed Monkey Man. Plus, he has charisma in spades, and would be a reinvention for the franchise.
Patel has seemed gun-shy about jumping on the Bond train, and may be more into making his own films than slogging away for years on another person's set.
Ariela Ortiz Barrantes, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Will Poulter
Will Poulter has bulked up and put himself on the action stage with a role in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy 3, plus he's a noted Bond fan.
Nonetheless, though Poulter is in his early 30s and the right age for Bond producers, he just looks young.
Taron Egerton
Taron Egerton showed everyone his spy skills in the Kingsman series, and his name has been floating around for James Bond ever since, especially after his Oscar-worthy work in the Elton John biopic Rocketman.
However, Bond producers are notoriously fidgety when it comes to "big name" actors, especially if people keep saying they "should" be the next James Bond. At this point, Egerton might be too obvious.
Tom Holland
In classic Peter Parker fashion, Tom Holland has been candid about just how excited he'd be to be Bond, once saying, "I’d love to be James Bond. I’m just putting that out there. I look pretty good in a suit.”
That said, Holland doesn't just look young, he is young. There's a sense his time, if it comes, will be next round.
Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson shot onto the scene with work in A Murder at the End of the World and The Kingsman, and he just looks extremely British. But like Tom Holland, he also looks quite young.
Montclair Film Festival, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jacob Elordi
With projects like Priscilla and Euphoria, Jacob Elordi is surely the It-boy of the moment. One big issue: He's Australian. He's also quite young. Both aren't necessarily total dealbreakers in this new Bond era, but they will be obstacles.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Robert Pattinson
There's just something so watchable about Robert Pattinson, and he always makes the most interesting choices. He could do the same with Bond. Pattinson, however, is notoriously private and may not want the role.
Fabien Frankel
Fabien Frankel smoulders as a hunky guard in House of the Dragon, and has the right Bond looks. Plus, he's got a newcomer vibe Bond's production company tends to like.
In the end, Frankel might just be too new and untried for producers to trust he'll hold the whole weight of the franchise.
Tom Glynn-Carney
Tom Glynn-Carney is yet another exciting House of the Dragon actor, whose time as Aegon on the show has showcased his impressive acting range.
But like Fabien Frankel, Glynn-Carney might be a bit too "one to watch" for Bond.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tom Hiddleston
Everyone who watched it loved Tom Hiddleston's spy turn in The Night Manager, and he sure cuts an imposing figure in a tux.
But Hiddleston's been rumored to be Bond for so long, it's hard not to see him maybe as too obvious now. Plus, Bond owner Barbara Broccoli has reportedly called him "too posh."
Jonathan Bailey
Bridgerton fans have long been on the joys of Jonathan Bailey. Dashing, with a glint in his eye, Bailey is the right age and type to play Bond, and comes with a built-in fandom.
Of course, Bailey seems to have leant into more indie and theatre roles in the wake of his success, and may not want the Bond shackles.
Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy was already supposedly a shoo-in for Bond, with rumors that he was The One coming out in September 2020, just before No Time to Die came out.
In the years since those heady days, Hardy's name seems to have taken a backseat in some of the speculation. Hardy himself has only said, "There’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting...that if you talk about it [Bond rumors], you’re automatically out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that one!”
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Luke Evans
When GQ held a poll about the next Bond, the debonair Luke Evans was readers' top choice. More than that, Evans has that recognizable but not overexposed quality to his name that most Bonds have.
However, when it comes to professional bookies who bet on the next Bond (yes, this is a thing), for some reason Evans isn't high in the running.
Sean Reynolds, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Josh O'Connor
Josh O'Connor physically fits the description of Ian Fleming's Bond, but he also brings something a little strange and off-kilter to the screen, which could be perfect for Bond's reinvention. Even so, O'Connor's film roles, which aren't very action-based, may spook some Bond producers.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Alan Ritchson
Reacher star Alan Ritchson would go even further into the "swole" era of Bond that Daniel Craig provided. But it's probably not going to happen. He's American and, maybe more than that, he looks very American.
Anna Hanks, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Charles Melton
Charles Melton got lots of buzz for May December in the recent awards season, and he's got bone structure for days. But he's also American!
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Barry Keoghan
After his diabolical turn in Saltburn and his emotional one in The Banshees of Inisherin, Barry Keoghan is the name on everyone's lips. (Plus there's his on-off relationship with Sabrina Carpenter). The thing is, it's kind of impossible not to see that he'd make a better Bond villain!
Daryl McCormack
After work like Peaky Blinders, Vikings, and Good Luck to You Leo Grande, Daryl McCormack is ripe to become a household name. He's just a tad young and inexperienced for the role.
Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Andrew Garfield
In recent years, Garfield has begun wearing suits like nobody's business, and he has the grace and charisma of the best Bonds.
Although he's gotten scruffier and more adult-looking as the years have passed, Garfield still gives off some of the Peter Parker nice-guy quality that won him the role of Spider-man way back when, and which doesn't match Bond's energy.
Damson Idris
Damson Idris is due to break out into a household name after he stars in the upcoming Brad Pitt Formula One movie. As a Black man, he also represents a new direction for Bond.
Time will still tell, though, if the Bond franchise is ready for their first Black Bond, but that'll be no fault of Damson Idris, who has the goods.
Celebrity Myxer, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Henry Golding
Henry Golding was plucked from practically the middle of nowhere to star as the romantic lead in Crazy Rich Asians, and his career (and suit-wearing skills) has exploded ever since. But Golding might come across as a tad too nice to be blowing up villains.
Paul Mescal
Who doesn't love Paul Mescal? The Irish actor would be a different direction for Bond, and he could certainly bring a sense of fun to the proceedings. Producers may want to see him in grittier roles before giving him a shot at Bond...and Gladiator II coming out in November 2024 will provide that.
Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Regé-Jean Page
Like Jonathan Bailey, Page comes with a built-in fan base thanks to his salivating turn as the Duke in the first season of Bridgerton. Unfortunately, Bond producers have tended to go for the male gaze over the female, and Page's resume may seem a little too flowery for them.
Jamie Campbell Bower
After starring in The Mortal Instruments, Jamie Campbell Bower suffered from addiction, and only recently made his comeback in a much acclaimed role in Stranger Things. Now, that's a story that can't help but tug at your heartstrings.
Still, Campbell's blonde looks and reedy frame aren't necessarily qualities Bond producers have gone for frequently in the past.
German Comic Con, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Austin Butler
After playing Elvis and then Feyd-Rautha in Dune, Austin Butler rocketed to Hollywood fame and acclaim, and he has the suave looks Bond producers adore.
Sure, he's not British...but we all know he can do and keep an accent.
P. Lovell, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paapa Essiedu
Paapa Essiedu broke out in I May Destroy You, and no less than director Danny Boyle said he was one of his own personal top Bonds. That said, Essiedu may still be too new.
James Norton
As Diane Keaton said of Grantchester actor James Norton, "He's got everything that you need. First of all he's extremely attractive, very smart, he's well educated, and he's a fantastic actor. And he's sexy, right?
Despite Keaton's approval, the name recognition just might not be there for him. Bond producers like to go with only relative unknowns.
Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed is an extremely versatile actor, with roles in The Night Of and Nightcrawler. But except for some fan casting, he doesn't seem to be on the Bond radar.
Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult may hit that sweet spot of some name recognition without total superstardom for the Bond producers, and he could bring something more delicate back into the role. Except, well, isn't he maybe too pretty for a baddie-busting spy?
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Harry Styles
Harry Styles has mounds and mounds of fans, and is becoming more interested in acting with roles in Dunkirk and Don't Worry, Darling. He still lacks acting experience, and is also currently tied up in Marvel movies.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
There has been so much industry paper-trail around Aaron Taylor-Johnson's chances, with The Sun once reporting he'd gone for a screen test with producers, and that they loved him. A March 2024 report even claimed he'd been formally offered the role.
While Taylor-Johnson is the massive odds-on favorite for the next Bond, all Bond-followers know it ain't over till it's over, and no announcement has been made as of this writing.
OSCAR GONZALEZ FUENTES, Shutterstock
Idris Elba
Ah, Idris Elba. Practically the original "Is he the next Bond"? He has all the magnetism and stature of Bond, so it makes sense people have been begging him to be 007 for years.
At this point, Elba may have aged out of the role, or else become too obvious a choice, as sad as it is to think. He's also expressed only lukewarm interest in the part in the past.
Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Henry Cavill
All the actors on this list necessarily look great in a tux, but Henry Cavill looks like what a computer would spit out if you asked it to draw James Bond. Plus, he's proven he can do action in work like The Witcher. Besides, did you know that Cavill very nearly was James Bond? He and Daniel Craig were the final two options, and Craig only just edged him out in an audition.
Everything that makes Cavill the perfect Bond might be working against him. He's starred in his fair share of spy movies already, among them Argylle, where he plays a James Bond-esque character. This might give Cavill a "been there, done that" sense in an era where Bond producers say they're looking for reinvention.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}