The Definitive List: Every Official James Bond Actor And Who Is Set To Be The Next 007

The role of James Bond, Agent 007, is arguably the most coveted and career-defining position in cinema history, a character that has transcended books and film to become a global cultural icon. As of December 15, 2025, the world is in a frenzied state of anticipation, following the emotional conclusion of Daniel Craig’s tenure in No Time to Die (2021), with the focus now entirely on who will inherit the Walther PPK and the Aston Martin.

This article provides a complete, authoritative breakdown of every actor who officially embodied the suave, sophisticated, and deadly secret agent for Eon Productions, the studio behind the main film series. We also dive into the most current, up-to-date news and betting odds for the next actor to take on the mantle of the legendary 007, including the surprising frontrunner for the next James Bond.

The Six Official Eon Productions James Bond Actors: A Complete Biography

The main cinematic canon, produced by Eon Productions, features six actors who have defined the character across nearly six decades. Each star brought a unique flavour—from Connery's raw masculinity to Moore's eyebrow-raising wit and Craig's grounded brutality—ensuring the franchise's enduring popularity.

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1. Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971, 1983)

• Nationality: Scottish
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1930
• Date of Death: October 31, 2020
• Tenure: 7 Films (6 Eon, 1 Unofficial)
• First Eon Film: Dr. No (1962)
• Last Eon Film: Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
• Notable Fact: Ian Fleming, the author of the original James Bond novels, initially disapproved of Connery's casting, seeing him as too unrefined. He later changed his mind and even incorporated a Scottish heritage into the character's backstory.

Sean Connery established the definitive template for the cinematic James Bond. His portrayal was a perfect blend of danger, charm, and cold efficiency, setting the tone for the entire franchise. His early films, including Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965), are often cited as the gold standard of the series. Connery returned for the unofficial Never Say Never Again (1983) after a long hiatus, proving his enduring connection to the role.

2. George Lazenby (1969)

• Nationality: Australian
• Date of Birth: September 5, 1939
• Tenure: 1 Film
• First & Only Eon Film: On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
• Notable Fact: Lazenby was a model with virtually no acting experience when he was cast. He famously turned down a seven-film contract after his debut, believing the character would not survive the changing cultural landscape of the 1970s.

Lazenby’s single outing remains one of the most critically revered and emotionally complex Bond films. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (OHMSS) allowed the agent to show a vulnerable side, including marrying a Bond girl. Despite his short tenure, Lazenby’s Bond is seen as a truer representation of the character from the Ian Fleming novels.

3. Roger Moore (1973–1985)

• Nationality: English
• Date of Birth: October 14, 1927
• Date of Death: May 23, 2017
• Tenure: 7 Films
• First Eon Film: Live and Let Die (1973)
• Last Eon Film: A View to a Kill (1985)
• Notable Fact: Roger Moore holds the record for the longest continuous tenure as James Bond in the Eon series, spanning 12 years and seven films. His take on 007 was distinctly lighter, relying on humour, gadgets, and a more debonair style, contrasting sharply with Connery's ruggedness.

Moore took the franchise into the realm of high-tech spectacle and camp humour. Films like The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979) embraced the fantastical, making his era a beloved, if often debated, chapter in the 007 saga. He was also the oldest actor to debut as Bond, taking the role at 45.

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4. Timothy Dalton (1987–1989)

• Nationality: Welsh
• Date of Birth: March 21, 1944
• Tenure: 2 Films
• First Eon Film: The Living Daylights (1987)
• Last Eon Film: Licence to Kill (1989)
• Notable Fact: Dalton was the first actor to consciously attempt a return to the character's grittier, more serious roots as depicted in the original novels, a style that was ahead of its time and was later fully embraced by Daniel Craig.

Timothy Dalton's run was unfortunately cut short by legal disputes that paused the franchise for six years. His two films, The Living Daylights and the darker, revenge-driven Licence to Kill, offered a more realistic and intense 007. His portrayal is often praised by critics and fans for its commitment to the source material, despite the brevity of his tenure.

5. Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002)

• Nationality: Irish
• Date of Birth: May 16, 1953
• Tenure: 4 Films
• First Eon Film: GoldenEye (1995)
• Last Eon Film: Die Another Day (2002)
• Notable Fact: Brosnan was originally offered the role in 1986 but was unable to take it due to his contract with the TV series Remington Steele. He finally took over nine years later, successfully rebooting the franchise for a post-Cold War audience.

Pierce Brosnan is often considered the perfect modern Bond, balancing the best elements of Connery's danger and Moore's charm. His debut, GoldenEye, was a massive success, and his tenure produced one of the most iconic 007 video games of all time. His films, including Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and The World Is Not Enough (1999), brought the franchise back to its high-grossing peak.

6. Daniel Craig (2006–2021)

• Nationality: English
• Date of Birth: March 2, 1968
• Tenure: 5 Films
• First Eon Film: Casino Royale (2006)
• Last Eon Film: No Time to Die (2021)
• Notable Fact: Craig was the first Bond actor to be born after the start of the film series (Dr. No, 1962). His casting was initially met with controversy, but his critically acclaimed, intense performance is credited with rebooting the franchise and making it relevant for the 21st century.

Daniel Craig's era redefined the character, grounding him in emotional reality and intense action. Beginning with the phenomenal Casino Royale, his films—including the Oscar-winning Skyfall (2012)—formed a continuous, serialized narrative arc, culminating in a definitive and shocking end to his story in No Time to Die. His tenure is considered a creative and commercial high point for the James Bond brand.

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The “Curse of Bond”: The Post-007 Challenge

A fascinating piece of 007 lore is the so-called "Curse of Bond." This refers to the persistent challenge actors face in finding comparable success or escaping the shadow of the super-spy role after their tenure ends. While Sean Connery successfully navigated this, winning an Oscar for The Untouchables, others have had a more difficult time.

George Lazenby, after famously quitting, struggled to find major roles, though he has since embraced his unique place in James Bond history. Pierce Brosnan, despite a successful career before and after, has often been asked about the role in every interview since 2002. For Daniel Craig, the immense success of his run led to a desire to move on quickly, though he has since starred in the popular Knives Out series, proving the curse can be broken by choosing starkly different roles.

The "curse" highlights the defining nature of the 007 character; once you are Bond, it is almost impossible for the public to see you as anyone else.

The Future of 007: Who is the Next James Bond? (2025 Updates)

The search for the next James Bond, or "Bond 7," is the hottest topic in Hollywood. As of late 2025, the picture is becoming clearer, with the franchise moving into a full reboot following the end of the Daniel Craig storyline. The next film, tentatively referred to as Bond 26, is rumoured to be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve with a script by Steven Knight, and a potential release date is being eyed for 2027.

The Current Frontrunner: Callum Turner

In a surprising shift in betting markets, British actor Callum Turner is now the clear and consistent favourite to be named the next James Bond. Turner, known for his roles in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and Masters of the Air, has surged ahead of long-time contenders. His profile fits the rumoured requirements for the new Bond: a younger actor who can commit to a multi-film, decade-long tenure, bringing a fresh, less-established face to the iconic role.

Other Strong Contenders in the Race

While Turner leads, the race remains competitive, with several other high-profile names frequently mentioned and holding strong odds. These actors represent the diverse fan desires for the new 007:

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson: A former favourite who is still highly ranked, known for his versatility and action roles.
• Henry Cavill: A perennial fan favourite whose age, however, may now be a factor, as producers reportedly seek a younger star.
• Theo James: Known for his roles in The White Lotus and Divergent, he offers a blend of sophistication and intensity.
• Jack Lowden: A talented Scottish actor who would bring a return to the original nationality of James Bond.

The casting choice for the next James Bond will be monumental, setting the direction for the franchise for the next generation. The producers have made it clear they are looking for a complete unknown to avoid the "curse" and allow the actor to be fully defined by the role, a move that echoes the initial casting of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. The announcement, expected in the near future, will undoubtedly reshape the cinematic landscape.