The License To Thrill: 7 Shocking Frontrunners To Be The Next James Bond (Latest 2025 Update)

The search for the next James Bond is one of the most highly-anticipated and fiercely debated topics in cinema, and as of December 13, 2025, the race has taken a surprising new turn. The iconic role of Agent 007, vacated by Daniel Craig after his explosive final outing in No Time to Die, remains officially open, but a new wave of reports and betting odds has shifted the landscape dramatically, focusing on a younger generation of British talent.

The decision on who will become the seventh official James Bond is a closely guarded secret held by Eon Productions heads Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who are reportedly waiting for the script and creative direction for Bond 26 to be finalized before making an official announcement. However, the producers have dropped significant clues about the specific profile they are seeking, narrowing the field considerably and leading to the emergence of unexpected frontrunners.

The Strict Criteria: What the Next 007 Must Be

The producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, have been clear that the next iteration of the secret agent will require a significant commitment and a specific set of characteristics. This isn't just about finding a good actor; it's about finding the face of a global franchise for the next decade or more. The criteria have been a major factor in ruling out many established names.

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• Age is Key: The new Bond must ideally be in his 30s. This requirement is crucial for continuity, as the producers want an actor who can commit to at least three films over a 10-to-15-year period, allowing the character to grow and mature on screen. This criterion immediately disqualifies older, fan-favorite actors like Tom Hardy and Idris Elba, who are now in their late 40s or 50s.
• Must Be British and Male: While the producers have expressed openness to diversifying the role, the core identity of James Bond remains a British male.
• Non-Typecast: Broccoli is looking for an actor who is not already heavily typecast, ensuring the audience can fully immerse themselves in the Bond persona.
• Commitment to the Role: The actor must be willing to commit to the long-term demands of the franchise, which includes extensive filming, promotion, and the physical requirements of the action-heavy role.
• Diversity Welcome: The producers have indicated that the next Bond does not necessarily have to be white and that they have no qualms about casting a non-white or gay actor, provided they meet the other criteria.

The 7 Leading Contenders for the James Bond Role (The Latest Odds)

The betting markets and industry rumors are often the best indicators of who is currently in the running. The following actors represent the most recent and significant surges in speculation, with a clear focus on the "30s" age bracket.

1. Callum Turner: The Unexpected Frontrunner

In a surprising development, Callum Turner has surged to become the current betting favorite to take on the role of 007. Known for his roles in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and the war drama Masters of the Air, Turner fits the key criteria perfectly.

• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Experience: Has demonstrated range in both blockbuster and serious dramatic roles.
• Buzz: Betting support for Turner has reportedly "knocked over" bookmakers, indicating a serious shift in industry speculation.

2. Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The Former Top Candidate

For a long time, Aaron Taylor-Johnson was heavily rumored to be the top choice and even reportedly had a meeting with Eon Productions. His profile remains incredibly strong, making him a major contender.

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• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Experience: Has a diverse filmography, including action (Bullet Train, Kick-Ass) and intense drama (Nocturnal Animals).
• The Rumor Mill: Rumors suggested he was high on the producers' list as early as November 2022. His name remains a constant in the conversation for the next James Bond.

3. Anthony Boyle: The Rising Star

A lesser-known name who has been steadily climbing the rankings is Anthony Boyle. This pattern is reminiscent of Daniel Craig's casting, who was not the most obvious choice at the time.

• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Experience: Known for his work in theatre and television, including Masters of the Air alongside Callum Turner. His rise suggests the producers are looking beyond established blockbuster names.

4. Jonathan Bailey: The Bridgerton Breakout

Known globally for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix hit Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey has seen his name frequently floated as a candidate. His upcoming roles in Wicked and Jurassic World further solidify his leading-man status.

• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Appeal: Brings massive global recognition and a sophisticated, charming persona that aligns with the classic Bond image.

5. Lucien Laviscount: The International Contender

Another television star, Lucien Laviscount, known for Emily in Paris, is a strong candidate who meets the criteria of being a non-white British actor. His inclusion reflects the producers' willingness to embrace a more diverse 007.

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• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Look: Possesses the sharp, tailored look that is essential for the secret agent role.

6. Leo Woodall: The White Lotus Star

Leo Woodall, who gained significant attention for his role in The White Lotus, is one of the youngest actors on the list. His current momentum and youthful appeal make him a strong contender for a long-term commitment to the franchise.

• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Momentum: His star is rapidly rising, making him a fresh and exciting choice for a new era of Bond.

7. James Nelson-Joyce: The New Entry

A recent, slightly more left-field entry into the race is James Nelson-Joyce. His inclusion suggests that Eon Productions is casting a wide net and looking at actors who may not be household names but possess the raw talent and gravitas required.

• Age: Fits the desired 30s profile.
• Profile: Represents the kind of actor who could be molded into the role without the baggage of prior major franchises.

The Longshots and Fan Favorites Who Are Likely Out

While the focus is firmly on the younger, 30-something candidates, several high-profile actors remain in the public conversation, despite the producers' clear criteria that likely exclude them. These actors represent the "old guard" of speculation.

Tom Hardy: Though a perennial favorite, Hardy is now in his late 40s. While he has the grit and intensity for the role, his age is the primary factor working against him, as he would not be able to commit to the long-term, multi-film contract the studio requires.

Henry Cavill: Cavill is another fan-favorite with the perfect look and action experience (Man of Steel, The Witcher). However, he is now in his 40s and has been heavily typecast in action and spy roles, which goes against Barbara Broccoli's preference for a non-typecast actor.

Idris Elba: Elba was a powerful contender for years, but the producer’s age requirement has essentially ruled him out. At 53, he is too old to begin a new multi-film Bond saga.

Tom Holland: The Spider-Man star is British and incredibly popular, but at 29, he is on the younger end of the spectrum and may be considered too young for the mature, world-weary persona of James Bond.

The Future of the James Bond Franchise Under Amazon

The acquisition of MGM by Amazon has added another layer of complexity to the casting process. While Eon Productions, led by Broccoli and Wilson, retains full creative control over the casting of James Bond, the involvement of Amazon could potentially influence the direction of the franchise, perhaps pushing for a more globally recognized or diverse star.

The next Bond film, Bond 26, is still in the early stages of development, with no script, director, or official release date announced. The casting process is expected to move into "serious" territory once the creative direction is locked in. This means the speculation will continue well into 2026, but the current surge for Callum Turner and the strong presence of Aaron Taylor-Johnson suggest that Eon is looking for a fresh, committed, and slightly less-obvious star to redefine the 007 legacy for a new generation.