As we draw ever-closer to spring 2026 it has been well over six years (and counting) - since Daniel Craig starred in the memorable last instalment of the money-spinning James Bond franchaise.
We now at least know with certainty that there WILL be a sequel to Craig’s swansong performance in No Time To Die.
Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been announced as director, while Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight will be writing the script of the film.
Now it’s just the minor matter of finding the third main part of the jigsaw - the actor (or actress) who will take on the iconic role - and the casting should be confirmed sooner rather than later.
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.
Since Daniel Craig hung up his tux 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.
Here are the 10 current leading contenders according to the bookies.
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9. Jack Lowden - 16/1
'Slow Horses' has made Jack Lowden a global star, and he's priced at 16/1 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. | Getty Images
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10. James Norton - 16/1
James Norton has long been in the frame to play Bond, having made his name in the likes of 'Happy Valley', 'Grantchester' and 'McMafia series'. He's still in the running, just about, although his odds have drifted out to 16/1. | Getty Images