Who will be the next James Bond? Find out who is leading the race, what Amazon MGM is planning and when the new 007 could finally be announced.

The James Bond search looks like it’s getting even closer to that final revelation as Hollywood could be ready to surprise with a new actor who would wear the iconic tuxedo. It has been almost five years since Daniel Craig shockingly ended his role in the movie "No Time To Die," and it appears that Amazon MGM is already trying to pick their next 007.

The next Bond may not be the name everyone expects

At the age of 31, Jack Barton has not gained the same amount of international recognition as some of the other actors associated with this role. Still, he has built a solid list of credits, including SAS: Rogue Heroes, Heartstopper, Grantchester and The Letter for the King. He also had a small role in Poor Things.

According to reports, Barton could be among the six potential actors that are being considered for a screen test. Other actors in the shortlist include Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson.

Nina Gold, the casting director, has reportedly been appointed to head the search process, and Denis Villeneuve, the director, apparently has his eyes set on Barton. Until anything official comes out, the Bond Race remains very much wide open.

Could Jack Lowden be the “One”

Lowden, known for Dunkirk and Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, has recently surged to the top of betting markets. Turner, who has been the favorite for months, has reportedly slipped into second place.

But Lowden's age could be a factor. At 36, he is closer to 40 than the younger actor Amazon is rumored to want for a Bond who could carry the franchise for many years. His role as an MI5 agent in Slow Horses could also make another spy role feel familiar. Other names still circulating include Jack O'Connell, Leo Suter and Dónal Finn but however the announcement could finally happen this year. Producer Amy Pascal has suggested fans may not have to wait until 2027.

“I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical,” Pascal said.

The upcoming movie will be directed by Denis Villeneuve once he completes the third Dune movie. The screenplay will be written by Steven Knight who has worked on Peaky Blinders before. As yet, there have not been any announcements made about its title, filming, and release dates.

The successful actor will become the seventh male lead in the movie series, succeeding actors such as Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

Craig’s last Bond film came out in 2021 and this lengthy time is causing the franchise to break their previous record of six years and five months between Licence to Kill and GoldenEye.

What comes next for 007?

As Business Fortune observes, the next Bond will have more than a famous character to inherit. He will have to define a new era. With Amazon MGM, Villeneuve and Knight shaping the reboot, the future 007 could look very different from Craig's version. If the casting announcement arrives before the end of 2026, one of the biggest movie mysteries of recent years may finally be solved.

 

FAQs

Who is reportedly the current favorite to play James Bond?

Jack Barton has reportedly emerged as a surprise favorite, while Jack Lowden is currently leading some betting markets.

Who was the previous James Bond?

Daniel Craig played Bond in five films, ending with No Time To Die in 2021.

Who are the main candidates to become the next James Bond?

Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson are among the actors reportedly being considered.

Who is writing the next James Bond movie?

Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders and SAS: Rogue Heroes, is writing the screenplay.

When will the next Bond actor be announced?

Reports suggest an announcement could come by the end of 2026, although Amazon MGM has not confirmed a date.