As we reach the middle of August 2026, it’s now very nearly seven long years since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and drank his last vodka martini (shaken, not stirred) following the hugely -successful last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise. No spoliers, but it was quite the ending.
One thing we know for sure is that there will certainly be a sequel to No Time To Die - it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But there’s still no news on the final piece of the cinematic jigsaw - the actor who will take on the iconic role.
Whoever does will become 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.
A couple of years ago it was reported that Kickass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the part but it turned out not to be the case.
His chances took a tumble 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.”
Apparently auditions are still ongoing, but it’s thought that the casting announcement will be made before the end of the year - at the very latest.
And Scot Jack Lowden is now one of the favourites after Richard Osman said on his The Rest is Entertainment podcast that he would “definitely” be the next James Bond.
Here are the 12 current leading 007 contenders and their chances of winning the part, according to bookmaker BetFred.
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1. Callum Turner - 11/10
'Fantastic Beasts' franchaise star Callum Turner had dropped down the field but has now rallied and, following his recent marriage to pop star Dua Lipa, is now clear favourite to step into 007's handmade shoes with odds of 10/11. His most recent major television role was as Major John Egan in 'Masters of the Air' and he's recently been on the big screen in David Freyne's latest film 'Eternity'. His new film, 'Rosebush Pruning', sees him starring opposite his new wife and premiered at the Berlin Film Festival - where he did little to dispel the 007 rumours. Don't bet against Dua Lipa also bagging the prestigious Bond theme gig too. | Getty Images
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2. Henry Cavill - 3/1
Superman star Henry Cavill has long been rumoured to be a frontrunner for Bond, but his odds have cooled in recent months. In a fairly spectacular comeback he's now priced at just 3/1 for the part - making him the clear second favourite. | Getty Images for AFI
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3. Jack Lowden - 5/1
Jack Lowden was an outside chance to become the next Bond but he is another candidate who has had his odds slashed in recent days - he's not the 6/1 third favourite for the dream role. Equally at home on the stage or on the screen, Lowden first found fame in 2016 BBC miniseries of 'War & Peace' and has since starred in the likes of 'Dunkirk' and 'Mary Queen of Scots'. He's reached his biggest audience to date starring opposite Gary Oldman in acclaimed spy drama 'Slow Horses'. He'd be the first Scottish James Bond since Sean Connery (who was, obviously, also the best). | Getty Images
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4. Harris Dickinson - 6/1
Harris Dickinson has had a string of acclaimed film roles in his short career to date, including 'Baby Girl', 'The King's Man', 'Triangle of Sadness', 'Where the Crawdads Sing', and 'The Iron Claw'. His directorial debut 'Urchin' premiered at the 2025 London Film Festival. He was challenging to be the favourite earlier this year, but he's now drifted out to a 6/1 shot, making him joint third favourite with Jack Lowden. | AFP via Getty Images