Daniel Craig [1]'s reign as James Bond came to a close with "No Time to Die" in 2021 (along with a fiery end that leaves the future of the series entirely up in the air [2]). But while the end for Bond in this movie seems a bit final, we definitely know 007's story isn't over. As always, when the franchise returns, a new Bond will be at the helm. "No Time to Die" producer Barbara Broccoli told Variety [3] in April 2022 that "it's going to take some time" to figure out who should be cast in this iconic role. "It's a big decision," she said. "It's not just casting a role. It's about a whole rethink about where we're going."
Thus far, a lot of names have been thrown around [4] to possibly step into the role, with some being more rooted for than others among fans. The debate among fans about who should replace Craig as Bond is so serious, in fact, that people place actual bets on gambling websites [5] that their prediction will become a reality. The odds are constantly changing, of course.
The latest name to be thrown into the mix? None other than Oscar-nominee Paul Mescal [6]. Former Bond girl Ana de Armas said in a Wired Autocomplete interview [7] on 20 April that she can see the Irish actor in the role, but if producers of the Bond franchise are to be believed, it's likely the 27-year-old is too young. For example, producer Michael G. Wilson shut down rumours that they were looking to cast someone younger than the usual 30-something in the role in an "In Conversation" event at London's British Film Institute in October 2022, according to Deadline [8]. "We've tried looking at younger people in the past but trying to visualise it doesn't work," Wilson said. "Remember, Bond's already a veteran. He's had some experience. He's a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He's probably been in the SAS or something. He isn't some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That's why it works for a 30-something."
Longtime Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams echoed Williams's sentiment in an 11 April interview with Radio Times [9], explaining that although they did consider younger actors for the role ahead of Craig's casting in 2006's "Casino Royale," they realised quickly it wasn't going to work. "When we started, it was a slightly different feel," McWilliams said. "We did look at a lot of younger actors, and I just don't think they had the gravitas, they didn't have the experience, they didn't have the mental capacity to take it on. Because it's not just the part they're taking on, it's a massive responsibility. So we kind of scrubbed that idea and went back to the drawing board and started again."
And as far as the would-be Bond's level of fame, McWilliams said they need not be established movie stars. In fact, most Bonds were relatively unknown to the general public before their casting. "Timothy Dalton was known, but he was known as a Shakespearean actor, really," McWilliams said. "Pierce [Brosnan] was known, but that was basically from television. Roger Moore was known from television. Sean Connery wasn't – nobody had ever heard of him. A certain audience had heard of Daniel Craig, but much more the kind of independent cinema audience. He hadn't done any huge commercial film at all, really."
Considering everything we know, here's who the world is rooting for to be the next James Bond ranked from the most likely to least likely contenders.
— Additional reporting by Gabriella Ferlita
Will Idris Elba Be the Next James Bond?
One of the most talked-about actors to take over as James Bond is Idris Elba. Fans have been hoping for Elba to step into 007's shoes for years, and the time might finally be near. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson told Deadline [10] in January that Elba is part of the conversation in terms of casting. Broccoli said, "We know Idris ... he's a magnificent actor."
Elba's not sure it's going to happen, though. He told CBS Mornings [11] in April, "You know, it's one of those rumours that I'm proud to be considered, you know, a contender for Bond, of course. There's like, it's an incredible compliment to me. But as a career choice, it's not one that I've pursued. I've never really pursued this rumour, you know. Listen, if it was offered to me, I would heavily consider it. But I don't think it will be. It's not in the cards."
Elba, at 50, is definitely at the older end of the Bond ideal age window, but the oldest Bond ever, David Niven, was already 57 upon his casting. Additionally, although Elba has a very successful movie career, his most iconic franchise-leading role as Luther Morgan is on television. Considering how popular Elba is with fans, we can't knock him out of first place for consideration.
Will Rege-Jean Page Be the Next James Bond?
There's been a lot of chatter about "Bridgerton [12]" star Rege-Jean Page [13] taking over the 007 role. Page talked to Jimmy Fallon about the rumours [14] in January 2021, saying it's like a "merit badge" to have his name as part of the conversation. "I think there might be an element of cultural translation to be done here," he said. "Like if you're a Brit, and you do something of any kind of renowned that people regard well, then people start saying the 'B' word," implying the Bond name. As happy as he was to be considered worthy of the role among fans, he expressed that it was mostly just internet rumours. However, that could just be him playing coy. The 34-year-old actor fits the Bond casting age bracket, and though he's had roles in major films following his television breakout on "Bridgerton," they've been mostly supporting or ensemble roles. All this considered, Page is definitely close to the top of the list of contenders.
Will Tom Hardy Be the Next James Bond?
Tom Hardy's name has been floated as the next Bond, and he's holding his own in some of the betting odds. Ladbrokes's odds, according to The Express [15], showed a renewed interest in Hardy in May 2022. However, the 45-year-old actor has a pretty extensive, successful movie career, which includes leading roles in franchises such as "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Venom," so the likelihood of him taking on Bond feels unlikely.
Will Lashana Lynch Be the Next James Bond?
Lashana Lynch joined the Bond family for "No Time to Die" in the role of Nomi. She had 00 status in the movie, which puts her quite close to full-time 007. Of stepping into 007's shoes, Lynch told British Vogue [16] in April 2020, "Nomi represents one thing in this movie, but if she was going to represent more down the line, I would want to talk about the Black female experience to the high heavens, and I don't know if people are ready for that."
However, as much as we'd love to see a woman be the next Bond, let's not forget that at the end of "No Time to Die," she lost her 007 status, which does not put her in a good position to be Bond. Plus, producer Barbara Broccoli firmly told The Hollywood Reporter [17] that Bond will never be a woman. "We should create roles for women, not just turn a man into a woman," she said.
Will Henry Cavill Be the Next James Bond?
Former "Superman" star Henry Cavill has been gunning for a Bond role for years now. He lost out previously for being not quite the right fit, but now that he's a bit older (he's 39), he could take over. He told the Sunday Times [18] in December 2021 of possibly earning the role, "Time will tell. You don't know which direction they want to take Bond in and so I like to say that everything's always on the table."
Earlier, in November 2021, he told The Hollywood Reporter [19] that it was an honour just to be part of the conversation. "I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers," he said. "In an ideal world, I'd never have to turn anything down. Nothing is off the table."
The biggest factor working against Cavill is that he's already a pretty recognisable actor, having starred in the Superman franchise and Netflix's "The Wicker."
Will Jacob Elordi Be the Next James Bond?
The discussion around Jacob Elordi [20] joining the Bond franchise is a little bit thin, but he's part of the discussion nonetheless. The "Euphoria [21]" star's name came up on gossip site Deux Moi [22] when an anonymous tip was sent in that he was being considered for the role. However, he's at the bottom of this list because, at just 25 years old, he's a bit too young to take on the Bond mantle.
Will Sam Heughan Be the Next James Bond?
Sam Heughan actually went out for the role of James Bond when Craig got the gig. He said on "Just the Facts With Alex Zane" [23] in June 2021, "I have been up for Bond. I went up for it when they did 'Bond 21' ['Casino Royale']. It was an amazing experience, and I was completely out of my depth. But I think now I feel the right age for it. I feel capable enough to do it. I'd love the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring." At 42 years old, Heughan certainly meets the age requirements. And while he's loved far and wide for his role as Jamie in the hit show "Outlander [24]," he hasn't had any major breakout movie star moments, so he's a frontrunner. but the oldest Bond ever casted, David Niven, was already 57 upon his casting, so Heighen isn't totally out of the running.
Will Henry Golding Be the Next James Bond?
Henry Golding won over audiences in "Crazy Rich Asians" and has been discussed to take over as Bond as well. He told British Vogue [25] in December 2019, "Even to be in that conversation, it's an honour, but it's out of my hands." He further discussed the role with Radio Times [26] in November 2021, saying that while many people want Bond to be a more diverse character, he doesn't think skin colour should factor into the decision. "I think Bond represents something that we've all sort of grown up with and that's a man of substance, a man who has stoic properties and is a protector, has a sensitive side," he said. "So really, the talk of having to have them be diverse is — it's great and all, but I think you have to do justice to the source material. He's such an iconic character, so I wouldn't say that there should be any pressure."
Will Paul Mescal Be the Next James Bond?
In a Wired interview with "Ghosted" costars Ana de Armas and Chris Evans, the pair are asked: "Do you have someone who you'd want to be the next Bond?" De Armas, who played Paloma in the 2021 film in the franchise "No Time to Die", responded, "I think Paul Mescal [27] should be the one." And she has more experience than most to comment on the Bond potentials.
While it's a nice idea, Mescal is only in his twenties so it's unlikely he'll be the chosen one. But with an array of hit TV shows and movies [28] under his belt, it's only a matter of time before he is cast in a blockbuster role.
Will Aaron Taylor-Johnson Be the Next James Bond?
Marvel's Chris Evans had his own idea in the same Wired interview, and it was to back his former costar Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whom appeared alongside him in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and Avengers: Age of Ultron" as Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver. He said: "I'm a big Aaron Taylor-Johnson guy." With Taylor-Johnson's stellar performance in the action-comedy "Bullet Train", we don't doubt that he would have what it takes. At 32, he just about fits the unofficial age requirements so he could be in the running.