As we near November 2026, it’s now over seven years (and counting) since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo following the hugely-successful last instalment of the James Bond franchaise.
We’ve know for certain that there WILL be sequel to No Time To Die which will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve from a screenplay writter by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
But we still don’t know who will take on the iconic role, becoming the eighth actor to play 007 following Sean Connery (the best, obviously), David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
Way back in 2024 it was reported that Kickass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the part but it turned out not to be the case - and he appears to now be all-but out of the running now that Amazon MGM Studios have taken over ‘full creative control’ of the frachaise.
It’s been reported that four actors were invited for a final screentest earlier this month - namely Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and a mystery fourth wannabe-superspy.
Lowden had earlier become favourite after Richard Osman said Jack Lowden would be the next Bond in his The Rest is Entertainment podcast.
But he may have spoken prematurely as it seems that a final decision has yet to be made and a new name entered the frame as recently as this week.
Here are the 11 now actors leading the charge to play Bond, according to Coral Bookmakers.
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1. Jack Lowden - 4/7
Jack Lowden had long been an outside chance to become the next Bond but had his odds slashed when Richard Osman said he would be handed the role in his 'The Rest is Entertainment' podcast. He had dropped down to second favourite for a few weeks but is now back at the top of the pile - with odds of 4/7. Equally at home on the stage or on the screen, Lowden first found fame in 2016 BBC miniseries of 'War & Peace' and has since starred in the likes of 'Dunkirk' and 'Mary Queen of Scots'. He's reached his biggest audience to date starring opposite Gary Oldman in acclaimed spy drama 'Slow Horses', for which he was recently Emmy-nominated. He'd be the first Scottish James Bond since Sean Connery (who was, obviously, also the best). The bookies reckon they might have found their Bond, although his odds have slipped slightly in the last week. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Callum Turner - 5/2
'Fantastic Beasts' franchaise star Callum Turner became favourite to play Bond following his recent marriage to pop star Dua Lipa. He's now the second most likely candidate to step into 007's handmade shoes with odds of 5/2. His most recent major television role was as Major John Egan in 'Masters of the Air' and he's recently been on the big screen in David Freyne's latest film 'Eternity'. His new film, 'Rosebush Pruning', sees him starring opposite his new wife and premiered at the Berlin Film Festival - where he did little to dispel the 007 rumours. Dua Lipa is also one of the favourites to bag the prestigious Bond theme gig too. | Getty Images for Universal Pictu
3. James Nelson-Joyce - 5/1
Just when you think there couldn't be any more surprises in the race to play Bond, James Nelson-Joyce has come from nowhere to join the favourites with odds of 5/1. Known for playing tough guys he's appeared in the likes of 'The Nest', 'The Gold', 'Guy Ritchie's The Covenant' and 'This City Is Ours'. James Bond would be a huge step-up for an actor yet to find wide recognition. | Getty Images
4. Josh O'Connor - 8/1
Priced at joint 8/1 fourth favourite for 007 is Josh O'Connor, who played a young King Charles in 'The Crown'. Back in January 2025 he briefly became the favourite before falling back. Starring in recent Steven Spielberg blockbuster 'Disclosure' seems to have helped his chances and he's back in the frame. Along with Lowden and Turner, he is reported to have been one of four actors given a recent final screentest. We don't know the identity of the fourth. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images