According to an exclusive by Deadline, Denis Villeneuve is expected to begin searching for the next actor to embody Britain’s legendary secret agent once he finishes “Dune: Part Three” next year. Sources say the filmmaker and his team want a fresh talent to carry the 007 legacy, remaining faithful to Ian Fleming’s vision of a male spy from the British Isles. Industry chatter is already swirling with possibilities—here are the ten names generating the loudest buzz so far.
Callum Turner
With his commanding presence and classic leading-man looks, Callum Turner has emerged as a major contender. Known for his roles in Fantastic Beasts and the WWII epic Masters of the Air, he has a proven ability to deliver nuanced performances in high-stakes stories. His age and relative lack of “A-list” baggage make him a perfect fit for a long-term commitment, offering the filmmakers a clean slate to build a new iteration of 007.
Harris Dickinson
A critical darling with a diverse filmography, Harris Dickinson represents the kind of artistic risk-taker who could redefine the character for a modern audience. Praised for his work in films like Triangle of Sadness and The Iron Claw, he has a subtle intensity and an unpredictable quality that could bring a fascinating edge to the role. As a rising star who is not yet a household name, he fits the classic mold of a Bond actor on the cusp of a major breakthrough.
Daryl McCormack
An actor with immense charisma and a quiet confidence, Daryl McCormack has rapidly become one of the most exciting young talents from the British Isles. His breakout performance in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande showcased his remarkable emotional depth and magnetism, while his turn in Peaky Blinders proved he can handle a more menacing, authoritative presence. McCormack has the raw talent and star quality to make Bond entirely his own.
Leo Suter
A less-known but increasingly popular choice among fans, Leo Suter possesses the classic look and quiet intensity that could make him a surprise standout for the role. His work in historical dramas and action series like Vikings: Valhalla showcases his ability to command a scene with a powerful, understated presence. He represents the kind of “blank slate” actor that producers often look for—a talented performer who can fully inhabit the role without the weight of past character baggage.
Dev Patel
A critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated actor, Dev Patel has shown remarkable depth and emotional intelligence in his roles. His recent turn as an action star in Monkey Man has proven he can deliver brutal, kinetic fight sequences with a visceral intensity that would suit a grittier Bond. Casting him would not only bring an immense acting talent to the franchise but would also be a groundbreaking move, allowing for new storytelling possibilities.
Regé-Jean Page
Since his breakout role as the Duke of Hastings in Bridgerton, Regé-Jean Page has been a fan-favorite for the role. With his effortless charm, suave demeanor, and a magnetic screen presence, he embodies the classic sophistication of the character. His recent work in action films like The Gray Man has also proven he can handle the physicality of the part, making him a compelling choice who is both a familiar face and a fresh start for the franchise.
Damson Idris
Known for his compelling and intense work on the American crime drama Snowfall, Damson Idris has a level of dramatic range and raw power that would distinguish him as a new kind of Bond. His ability to command the screen with a single look and convey a complex inner life would offer a fascinating psychological dimension to the character. As a British actor with a strong reputation in the U.S., he is perfectly positioned to become a global star.
Jack Lowden
Scottish actor Jack Lowden has all the qualities to be a fantastic new Bond, particularly as he’d be the first Scottish actor to take on the role since Sean Connery. His performance as a young, disgraced agent in the espionage series Slow Horses has already given audiences a glimpse of his ability to portray a spy with a sardonic wit and a capacity for sudden violence. With a filmography that includes Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, he is a versatile performer capable of both vulnerability and action.
Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult has demonstrated an incredible range throughout his career, moving from quirky comedy in The Great to intense action in Mad Max: Fury Road. This versatility makes him a strong contender. He has a sophisticated and almost aristocratic look that harks back to earlier Bonds, but his ability to portray a deeply layered and even morally ambiguous character would align well with the modern, more complex 007.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
While perhaps the most established name on this list, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is still well within the age range for the role and possesses a formidable combination of intensity and physicality. His career has been marked by a series of transformative roles, from a young John Lennon in Nowhere Boy to the action star of Bullet Train. His experience across a wide range of genres, from indies to blockbusters, makes him a versatile and intriguing choice for the next 007.