characters who played james bond

The Seven Faces Of 007: A Complete List Of Characters Who Played James Bond (And Who’s Next In 2025)

characters who played james bond

The role of James Bond, Agent 007, is one of the most coveted and debated parts in cinema history. Since the character’s cinematic debut in 1962, the mantle of the world's most famous secret agent has passed through the hands of six official actors in the Eon Productions series, each bringing a distinct style and era-defining interpretation to the spy created by author Ian Fleming. As of late 2025, with Daniel Craig’s tenure concluded, the global conversation is dominated by speculation over who will be the seventh actor to utter the iconic line, "Bond, James Bond."

This comprehensive guide details the full list of the official Eon Bonds, their complete filmographies, the unique characteristics they brought to the role, and the very latest updates on the casting process for the next 007, which is currently the most anticipated news in Hollywood.

The Six Official Eon James Bond Actors: A Complete Biography and Filmography

The core of the James Bond franchise rests on the shoulders of the six men chosen by Eon Productions' producers, initially Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, and now by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. These actors define the official 007 canon.

1. Sean Connery (The Original—1962 to 1967, 1971)

  • Nationality: Scottish
  • Eon Films: 6
  • Tenure: 1962–1967, 1971
  • Defining Style: Influential, smooth, tough, and debonair. He established the template for the sophisticated secret agent.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • Dr. No (1962)
    • From Russia with Love (1963)
    • Goldfinger (1964)
    • Thunderball (1965)
    • You Only Live Twice (1967)
    • Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
  • Note: Connery also starred in the non-Eon 1983 film Never Say Never Again.

2. George Lazenby (The One-Hit Wonder—1969)

  • Nationality: Australian
  • Eon Films: 1
  • Tenure: 1969
  • Defining Style: Unconventional, athletic, and vulnerable. His performance is often praised as the closest to Ian Fleming's literary character.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
  • Note: Lazenby controversially quit the role before the film's release, making his tenure the shortest.

3. Roger Moore (The Campy Charmer—1973 to 1985)

  • Nationality: English
  • Eon Films: 7
  • Tenure: 1973–1985
  • Defining Style: Campy, witty, light-hearted, and eyebrow-raising. He holds the record for the most Eon Bond films.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • Live and Let Die (1973)
    • The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
    • The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
    • Moonraker (1979)
    • For Your Eyes Only (1981)
    • Octopussy (1983)
    • A View to a Kill (1985)

4. Timothy Dalton (The Serious Spy—1987 to 1989)

  • Nationality: Welsh
  • Eon Films: 2
  • Tenure: 1987–1989
  • Defining Style: Brutal, serious, and grounded. Dalton attempted to steer the character back to the darker, more realistic tone of the original novels.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • The Living Daylights (1987)
    • Licence to Kill (1989)
  • Note: His era was cut short due to a legal dispute over the franchise's distribution rights.

5. Pierce Brosnan (The Modern Classic—1995 to 2002)

  • Nationality: Irish
  • Eon Films: 4
  • Tenure: 1995–2002
  • Defining Style: Charismatic, suave, and a perfect blend of Connery's charm and Moore's wit for the post-Cold War era.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • GoldenEye (1995)
    • Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
    • The World Is Not Enough (1999)
    • Die Another Day (2002)

6. Daniel Craig (The Human Bond—2006 to 2021)

  • Nationality: English
  • Eon Films: 5
  • Tenure: 2006–2021
  • Defining Style: Human, gritty, emotionally complex, and physically intense. His era rebooted the franchise, starting with Bond earning his 00 status.
  • Eon Filmography:
    • Casino Royale (2006)
    • Quantum of Solace (2008)
    • Skyfall (2012)
    • Spectre (2015)
    • No Time to Die (2021)

The End of an Era: Daniel Craig’s Impact and The Search for the Next 007

Daniel Craig's 15-year tenure redefined the character, moving away from the gadget-heavy, globe-trotting spy of earlier eras toward a more grounded, emotionally scarred operative. His final film, No Time to Die, provided a definitive and dramatic conclusion to his storyline, cementing his era as a complete narrative arc.

The success of the Craig era, both critically and financially, has set a high bar for his successor. The producers are now looking for an actor who can carry the franchise for another decade while bringing a new, fresh perspective to the role. This has led to an intense, multi-year casting process.

Who is the Next James Bond? Latest Casting Updates for 2025

The speculation surrounding the next James Bond is constant, with bookmakers' odds shifting weekly. As of late 2025, the casting process is reportedly in its final stages, with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson indicating they are looking for a commitment of at least a decade from the new actor.

Recent reports suggest that the new 007 will be a younger actor, allowing the franchise to explore the character's early years, much like Casino Royale did for Daniel Craig. The next official film is not expected until around 2028, giving the producers ample time to select the perfect candidate and develop the script.

The Current Frontrunners: Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner

Two British actors have recently dominated the headlines and the betting odds, emerging as the strongest contenders for the role:

  • Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The actor, known for roles in Kraven the Hunter and Bullet Train, has been a consistent name in the running. Rumours have suggested he may have already had high-level meetings or even been offered the role, though no official announcement has been made by Eon Productions.
  • Callum Turner: An actor who has seen a significant surge in his odds, Callum Turner is now considered a leading favourite. His recent work in high-profile projects, including Masters of the Air, has pushed him to the top of many shortlists, with bookmakers sharply cutting his odds.

Other notable names frequently mentioned in the conversation include Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and James Norton, though the current trend indicates the producers are favouring a less established star who can be fully defined by the role of 007.

Beyond Bond: Key Entities that Define the 007 Universe

The success of the James Bond franchise is not solely due to the actor in the lead role, but also the rich tapestry of recurring characters, iconic gadgets, and the creative forces behind the scenes. Understanding these entities is key to appreciating the topical authority of the 007 universe:

  • Eon Productions: The British film company responsible for producing the official James Bond film series since 1962.
  • Ian Fleming: The author who created the character of James Bond in a series of novels and short stories, beginning with Casino Royale in 1953.
  • M: Bond’s superior and head of the British Secret Service (MI6). The character has been played by several actors, including Bernard Lee and Judi Dench.
  • Q (Quartermaster): The head of MI6's research and development division, responsible for supplying Bond with his famous spy gadgets.
  • Miss Moneypenny: M's secretary, who often shares a playful, flirtatious relationship with Bond.
  • Felix Leiter: Bond's CIA counterpart and recurring ally throughout the series.
  • Ernst Stavro Blofeld: The iconic supervillain and head of the criminal organisation SPECTRE.
  • Aston Martin DB5: Arguably the most famous car in cinema history, introduced in Goldfinger and featuring prominently in the Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig eras.
  • Walther PPK: Bond’s signature sidearm, a compact semi-automatic pistol.
  • "Licence to Kill": The authority granted to 00 agents, allowing them to kill in the line of duty, a concept central to the character's appeal.

From Connery's "influential" debut to Craig's "human" finale, each actor who has played James Bond has contributed a vital chapter to a cinematic legacy that spans over six decades. The impending announcement of the next 007 will mark the beginning of a new era, continuing the tradition of the world's most enduring spy.

characters who played james bond
characters who played james bond

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characters who played james bond
characters who played james bond

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