The name’s Bond… James Bond. It’s a line so famous, from a character so well known and loved by generations.
Whether it was uttered by Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery, Daniel Craig or any of the seven actors who have played the iconic role of 007 across 25 films, it’s undeniable that taking on the role of James Bond is a big deal, and people want to know who will be next.
While the creators of the beloved spy franchise have yet to confirm the next star to don the iconic black suit, rumours surrounding the franchise’s next leading man have continued to circulate and now, Daniel Craig has weighed in on the rumours.
During his promotional tour for Queer, Craig responded to Variety’s questioning about who should play the next incarnation of Bond with a simple, “I don’t care,” and while that doesn’t tell us much, his recent press tour has also brought one of Craig’s co-stars into the mix for the new Bond.
As new rumours continue to circulate, we round up everyone who has been tipped be the new James Bond.
Who is the new James Bond?
Drew Starkey
Okay, we may have all been convinced that the latest Bond was going to go to Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but after seeing him alongside Daniel Craig in the Queer press tour, some fans are convinced that Drew Starkey may be the latest contender for the role.
Despite fan’s hopes that the Outer Banks star could soon be the new 007, it doesn’t appear that Daniel’s approach to the role has really mustered much enthusiasm, with the actor previously sharing to Time Out that “I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists,” than star in another Bond movie.
Theo James
He may be co-starring with Aaron on their new film Fuze, but multiple publications have tipped Theo James as the new frontrunner for the next James Bond film.
It wouldn’t be the first time Theo has starred in an action franchise, with the actor being best known for his role in the YA franchise, Divergent.
Addressing the chatter surrounding his potential Bond role, Theo told The Guardian, “Everyone’s interested in [Bond] because it’s a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn’t be me. I do think there are better people for that job.”
“You have got to be willing to live a very different life and have a different life for your family, and that would be pretty tricky.”
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Over the last few years, Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has repeatedly popped up as a reported front-runner for the iconic British role.
Despite rumours appearing to subside throughout 2023, in March 2024, Aaron made headlines after The Sun reported that the 33-year-old had been “formally offered” the top job.
“Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back,” an insider told the publication, adding, “As far as Eon [Productions] is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”
Speaking to Numero one week prior, Aaron addressed speculation surrounding the role, sharing, “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”
While the 34-year-old has yet to officially confirm or deny whether he’s been offered the coveted role, his Bullet Train co-star Brian Tyree Henry teased that they had chatted about the offer, telling 9Honey Celebrity in September 2024, “I told him don’t take it unless I can be the villain. I love him very much. I care about him a great deal and it would be the smartest move they ever made if he was Bond. Truly.”
Henry Cavill
Could Superman be the newest Bond? The latest bout of rumours is nothing new, as Henry was previously close to being cast in the famed role which eventually went to Craig.
“They told me that it was just down to me and Daniel [Craig] and I was the younger option,” said Cavill in an interview with entertainment reporter Josh Horowitz.
Whilst fans are hoping Henry is next in line, it looks like he may actually be in talks to play the next Bond villain instead, with whispers that he is in negotiations to play a role opposite to Bond in the next film.
Regé-Jean Page
Bridgerton to James Bond? It would be a pretty impressive leap, and we could definitely see it.
Although we’re still a while away from getting a new James Bond film, fans have been speculating that the Bridgerton actor could be the man for the job.
In February 2023, the actor who recently starred in The Gray Man alongside Ryan Gosling spoke about the Bond rumours in an interview with Vanity Fair.
“It’s a conversation people are having, and it’s terribly flattering that they’re having it. I leave them to it,” he said.
When asked whether he’d take the role if given the chance, he responded, “I have no idea. It’s not a thing that is fully occupying my thoughts. I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment. I worry about the work I have, not other people’s jobs.”
It’s not the first time the actor has addressed the rumours, in 2021 he told The Mirror, “I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that. I think that’s fairly normal and I’m flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed. Nothing more, or less, than that.”
Liam Hemsworth
An original James Bond actor suggested that the Australian heartthrob should take over the iconic role in early 2023.
George Lazenby, the third actor to play Bond in the franchise, reckons the Hemsworth brother is perfect for the job.
Not only did the 84-year-old tell TMZ that the Australian’s acting resume warrants the license to kill, he also suggested that Liam will be adequately prepared for the accompanying media scrutiny.
George (a fellow Aussie) added that Liam was “crazy enough, arrogant enough, confident enough, ambitious enough to take on the role”.
Lucien Laviscount
The Emily in Paris star is another strong suggestion for the role of 007.
A source told The Mail that Bond producer, Barbara Broccoli is “very taken” with the actor.
“Lucien ticks all of the boxes,” the source shared. “He is a super talented actor, is extremely handsome and in the past 18 months has won lots of new fans since he joined Emily In Paris.”
“Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how dapper and fitting to the role he will look.”
Although we may be waiting a while for the next James Bond film, why not re-watch the classics? The franchise is available to rent on Prime Video.
Stream James Bond on Prime Video from $9.99/month, with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
