As we navigate the first few weeks of autumn 2026, it’s now nearly seven years since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and handed back his gun following the hugely-successful last instalment of the James Bond franchaise, released on September 30, 2021.
We’ve known for some time that there will be sequel to No Time To Die - it has been previously revealed that it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But there’s still no news on who will take on the iconic role, becoming 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.
Back in 2024 it was reported that Kickass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the part but it turned out not to be the case - and he’s not not even one of the frontrunners for the role, showing how much things can change when it comes to the world of Bond.
His chances started to take 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.
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1. Jack Lowden - 5/6
Jack Lowden had long been an outside chance to become the next Bond but had his odds slashed when Richard Osman said he would be handed the role in his 'The Rest is Entertainment' podcast. He had dropped down to second favourite for a couple of weeks but is now back at the top of the pile with odds of 5/6. 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). | AFP via Getty Images
2. Callum Turner - 6/4
'Fantastic Beasts' franchaise star Callum Turner became favourite to play Bond following his recent marriage to pop star Dua Lipa. He's now the second most likely candidate to step into 007's handmade shoes with odds of 6/4. 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 for Universal Pictu
3. Jack Barton - 6/1
Jack Barton came out of nowhere to be the new favourite to play James Bond a couple of weeks ago. He's best known for playing David Nelson in the Netflix series 'Heartstopper' and also starred in 'SAS: Rogue Heroes'. His odds have now lengthened to 6/1 making him the third favourite to land the job of a lifetime. | Getty Images for Netflix
4. Jack O'Connell - 8/1
Soon to be seen playing ruthless editor of The Sun newspaper in Danny Boyle's new film 'Ink', Jack O'Connell's odds of playing Bond have been steadily narrowing in recent weeks, now sitting at 8/1. | Getty Images