According to Deadline, director Denis Villeneuve and the film’s producers have begun contacting actors selected for a new round of auditions scheduled for later this summer, bringing the long-running search for Daniel Craig’s successor one step closer to a conclusion.
While no official shortlist has been announced, these ten performers have repeatedly been linked to the iconic role.
Callum Turner
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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
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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.
Jacob Elordi
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Jacob Elordi has emerged as one of the most frequently discussed candidates in the ongoing search for the next James Bond. The Australian actor first gained international recognition through Netflix’s The Kissing Booth films before earning critical acclaim for his work in HBO’s Euphoria. More recently, he has taken on higher-profile dramatic roles in films such as Saltburn and Frankenstein, showcasing a range that extends far beyond his early teen heartthrob image. At 29, Elordi fits the age range many fans and industry observers believe producers may be targeting for a long-term Bond.
Leo Suter
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
