As we reach the middle May of April 2026, it’s been been well over six years (and counting) since Daniel Craig hung up his tuxedo and gun holster following the last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
We know that there WILL be a sequel to Craig’s swansong performance in No Time To Die - directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.
Next up it’s a matter of finding the third major part of the cinematic jigsaw - the actor who will take on the iconic role.
It will be a life-changing role for whoever takes it on and becomes only 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.
There have been many different actors rumoured to be in the frame, led by Aaron Taylor-Johnson who had reportedly been offered the part (he clearly hadn’t).
All bets were off when Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have handpicked the Bond actors since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
And any hope that the casting would be announced imminently were scotched by executives at this year’s movie-making trade show CinemaCon.
Courtenay Valenti, Amazon MGM’s head of film, explained: “I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
She added: “What I can tell you is this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class film-making team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe and screenwriter Steven Knight, you’re setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”
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9. Donal Finn - 10/1
Donal Finn recently won a new army of fans thanks to his role in BBC hit show 'The Other Bennet Sister', having previously starred in Amazon Prime series 'The Wheel of Time' and 'Young Sherlock'.(2026). He's another 10/1 shot to play one of the world's most famous fictional character. | Getty Images
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10. Jack Lowden - 12/1
'Slow Horses' has made Jack Lowden a global star, and he's priced at 12/1 to become the first James Bond from Scotland since the original (and the best) - Sean Connery. His odds have narrowed slightly since the start of the year. | Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for T
11. Jonathan Bailey - 12/1
Another newer name in the running to become the next James Bond is Jonathan Bailey. He wasn't even being talked about for the role before the start of the year but is now priced at 12/1. He started his career on the stage, winning an Olivier Award, before rising to fame in television series 'Broadchurch'. He's now a big screen star, with roles in huge blockbusters like 'Wicked' and 'Jurassic World Rebirth'. | Getty Images for Universal Pict
12. Damson Idris - 12/1
A lesser-known name whose odds have been as low as 9/2, Damson Idris is a best known for starring in crime drama Snowfall. He also played the lead role in Netflix sci-fi Outside the Wire. He's now slipped out to being a 12/1 shot. | AFP via Getty Images