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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5. Jack O'Connell - 8/1
Soon to be seen playing ruthless editor of The Sun newspaper in Danny Boyle's new film 'Ink', Jack O'Connell's odds of playing Bond have been lengthening in recent months, but his price has halved in the last week to 8/1. Is he the mystery fourth screentester? | Getty Images for BFI
6. Richard Madden - 10/1
'Game of Thrones' star Richard Madden is another Scottish actor who had (wrongly) been reported as accepting the Bond role. It shows just how long this has been going on that the rumours surfaced way back in 2018. Television series 'The Bodyguard' seemed as good an audition reel as any, and he's now a 10/1 shot. | Getty Images
7. Theo James - 10/1
Another former favourite who has seen his odds drift out then firm up, 'Divergent' series star Theo James is now a 10/1 shot for Bond...James Bond. Critically acclaimed for his performance in the television series 'The White Lotus', he also plays the lead role in Guy Ritchie's action comedy series 'The Gentlemen'. | Getty Images
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8. Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 12/1
Aaron Taylor-Johnson had previously been favourite to become the next Bond for months, following news reports that he had agreed to play the iconic role. There's been silence since though, and the lack of an official announcement has cast doubt on his involvement - particularly since Amazon took over creative control of the franchaise. Best known for playing the title character in the 'Kick-Ass' films, Taylor-Johnson also starred opposite Brad Pitt in 'Bullet Train' and in horror sequel '28 Years Later'. He's not quite out of the running yet, but is now priced at a relatively long 12/1. | Getty Images