It has been over well three years since Daniel Craig’s hung up his tux after starring in his final James Bond film, ‘No Time To Die’.
Since then there has been feverish speculation over who will succeed him in one of the world’s biggest film franchaises.
A succession of big names have seemed to be in poll position to follow in the footsteps of Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.
In 2024 it was reported that Kickass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson had accepted the job, but it seems that this may not have been entirely accurate.
And there is now further doubt about the recruitment process after Barbara Broccoli and her half brother Michael G. Wilson, who have effectively previously handpicked the actors to play the character since the 1990s, signed over ‘full creative control’ to Amazon MGM Studios.
That development has shaken up the odds, with these actors currently favourite to pull on 007’s tuxedo in the next James Bond film.
5. Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 7/1
Aaron Taylor-Johnson had 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 okenty of 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. He's now dropped to joint fourth favourite at 7/1 to step into 007's shoes. | Getty Images
6. Harris Dickinson - 15/2
Recently starring alongside Nicole Kidman in an eye-opening role in 'Babygirl', Harris Dickinson is in the frame to play both Doctor Who and James Bond. It's only seven years since his first starring role in 'Beach Rats', but he's since barely put a foot wrong, playing John Paul Getty III in the FX drama series 'Trust', then bagging major roles in a string of big films including 'The King's Man', 'Triangle of Sadness', 'Where the Crawdads Sing', and 'The Iron Claw'. He's priced at 15/2. | AFP via Getty Images
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7. James Norton - 8/1
Another actor who has been long been tipped to play Bond is James Norton, but his odds have drifted out to 8/1 in recent months. The 'Happy Valley' and 'Grantchester' actor certainly looked comfortable in a tux in the BBC's 'McMafia' series. | Getty Images
8. Tom Hardy - 8/1
Also priced at 8/1, Tom Hardy is in the frame to add James Bond to his existing portfolio of franchaise film roles, which includes Batman, Venom, Star Trek and Mad Max. | Getty Images