Few roles in film history carry the weight and prestige of James Bond. With each passing era, the question of who will take on the mantle becomes a global conversation. The next actor must bring a mix of charm, intensity, and timeless appeal to redefine the character for a new generation. As producers consider their options, the list of possible contenders grows longer and more intriguing.
Tom Holland
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Tom Holland, widely recognized for his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has emerged as a surprising frontrunner in the race to become the next James Bond. Reports indicate that Amazon MGM Studios, now holding full creative control over the franchise, is reportedly seeking a British actor under the age of 30, a criterion Holland, currently 29, fits.
While some fans express reservations about his youthful image, his extensive franchise experience and global recognition could provide a fresh direction for 007, appealing to a new generation while still possessing a demonstrated acting range in more dramatic roles.
Harris Dickinson
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Harris Dickinson, an acclaimed English actor known for his diverse roles in films like Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw, and Babygirl, has seen his name rise significantly in the James Bond casting speculation. He is reportedly among a shortlist of young British actors being considered by Amazon MGM Studios.
Dickinson’s ability to deliver nuanced performances, combined with his age (under 30), positions him as a compelling candidate who could bring a blend of intensity and a less-established, yet critically praised, presence to the iconic spy role.
Lucien Laviscount
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Laviscount might be best known for being a romantic interest for Lily Colin’s character in Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” which he will reprise in the fourth season, but he has also appeared in series such as “Waterloo Road,” “Snatch” and “Katy Keene.”
The 31-year-old actor is elegant (a really important attribute of the character) and young enough to bring Bond to a new generation but also to be believable. However, whether he can or cannot pull off the action stunts is something to be seen.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
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Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 33, seems like one of the latest frontrunner in the race for the role, with reports saying that he has even been officially offered the role. And, actually, it makes all the sense in the world.
The actor has already played big, heroic roles in movies such as “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Godzilla,” “Tenet” and “Bullet Train.” While his athletic abilities are there, he has also shown that he has the emotional range to portray complex, interesting characters.
Henry Golding
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Let’s just say: those cheekbones. While we know that it takes more than a beautiful bone structure to embody the character of James Bond, there’s no doubt that Henry Golding has what it takes to tackle the role.
The “Crazy Rich Asians” actor is charismatic enough to charm any potential Bond girl with ease, but thanks to his role in Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen,” we also know that he has the action chops to be a ruthless spy.
Callum Turner
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Maybe not an obvious choice, but we stand by it. Turner, aged 30, has built his career on romances and period dramas such as Autumn De Wilde’s adaptation of “Emma,” where he portrayed Frank Churchill, and Netflix’s “The Last Letter From Your Lover.”
However, he has also showcased his talent in war dramas like “Masters of the Air” and “War and Peace.” Besides his range, Turner possesses charm and swagger, qualities we envision for a great agent. Additionally, he has expressed his desire to work with Barbara Broccoli in any capacity.
Jacob Elordi
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Jacob Elordi, 26, earned worldwide recognition thanks to his role in the teen romance “The Kissing Booth,” but he won critical acclaim as Nate Jacobs in “Euphoria.” The Australian actor, who is 6 feet and 5 inches tall, is one of the rising young talents in Hollywood. And a role like Bong could solidify his status even more.
In the past year, Elordi already portrayed another iconic character, as he took the role of Elvis in Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.” He also reacted to the rumors that link him with Bond, calling them “beautiful.”
Damson Idris
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While Idris Elba always comes up as an option to be the perfect first Black James Bond, maybe we need to look somewhere else. And a rising name is Damson Idris, known for appearing in the series FX’s “Snowfall” and Prime Video’s “Swarm.”
He’s good-looking, charming, and enigmatic, qualities that are important for the character. He gained worldwide recognition for his role alongside Brad Pitt in F1 Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Ben Aldridge
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Ben Aldridge is one of those actors that had an extensive CV, despite not being recognized as big stars. “Our Girl,” “Fleabag,” “Pennyworth,” “Spoiler Alert,” “Knock at the Cabin” are some of his most recent titles. And he has expressed interest in the role of Bond.
Aldridge, who is gay, said that he would like to be the first “gay” Bond, but he quickly stated that “I don’t think there should be a queer Bond. I think they should write something new for a queer character who is a spy as well. I don’t think they should make Bond queer, because that’s not what Bond’s about.”
Joseph Quinn
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James Bond’s producers have stated that they want a younger Bond. In that case, a great fit could be Joseph Quinn. The 30-year-old gained fame thanks to his role of Eddie Munson in “Stranger Things.” And while the character couldn’t be more far away from Bond, it’s a testimony of his charisma.
If only a few episodes were enough for him to become a fan-favorite, he could do wonders with a complex, interesting character as Bond. Plus, he also knows how to rock a great suit. Also, he has talked about the possibility of being approached about the character, and he said that it would be “stupid” to say no to it.
