7 Actors, 6 Decades: The Complete List Of Every Official James Bond Star And The Shocking 007 Succession Update

The question of "Who starred as James Bond?" is more complex than a simple list, representing a cinematic legacy that spans over six decades, countless gadgets, and an ever-evolving interpretation of the world’s most famous secret agent. As of December 2025, six actors have officially portrayed Agent 007 in the main Eon Productions film series, each leaving an indelible mark on the character created by author Ian Fleming.

The transition from one Bond to the next is always one of Hollywood's most debated topics, and with Daniel Craig's tenure ending in 2021, the world is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the seventh official actor. This deep-dive explores the complete history of every official and unofficial 007, providing the definitive filmography and the freshest updates on the next actor to inherit the Walther PPK.

The Definitive Lineup: Complete Biography and Filmography of Every Official James Bond Actor

The official Eon Productions series, beginning with Dr. No in 1962, is the recognized canon of James Bond films. Here is the complete biography and filmography for the six actors who have held the license to kill, listed in chronological order of their debut.

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• Sir Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971): The Original 007
  • Full Name: Thomas Sean Connery
  • Nationality: Scottish
  • Eon Films: 6 (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever).
  • Years Active: 1962–1971 (Official Eon tenure). He also starred in the unofficial 1983 film Never Say Never Again.
  • Era Style: Suave, dangerous, and the definitive blueprint for the character. Connery set the standard for the entire franchise.
• George Lazenby (1969): The One-Time Agent
  • Full Name: George Robert Lazenby
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Eon Films: 1 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service).
  • Years Active: 1969.
  • Era Style: More emotional and vulnerable, his sole film is often cited by critics as one of the best in the series, despite his short tenure.
• Sir Roger Moore (1973–1985): The Witty Gentleman Spy
  • Full Name: Roger George Moore
  • Nationality: English
  • Eon Films: 7 (Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, and A View to a Kill).
  • Years Active: 1973–1985. Moore holds the record for the most official Eon-produced Bond films.
  • Era Style: Light-hearted, humorous, and focused heavily on high-tech gadgets and spectacular set pieces.
• Timothy Dalton (1987–1989): The Gritty Realist
  • Full Name: Timothy Peter Dalton
  • Nationality: Welsh
  • Eon Films: 2 (The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill).
  • Years Active: 1987–1989.
  • Era Style: A darker, more serious interpretation that aimed to return the character to the brutal realism of Ian Fleming's original novels.
• Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002): The Modern Classic
  • Full Name: Pierce Brendan Brosnan
  • Nationality: Irish
  • Eon Films: 4 (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day).
  • Years Active: 1995–2002.
  • Era Style: A perfect blend of Connery's charm and Moore's wit, Brosnan successfully modernized the character for the post-Cold War era.
• Daniel Craig (2006–2021): The Emotional and Brutal Agent
  • Full Name: Daniel Wroughton Craig
  • Nationality: English
  • Eon Films: 5 (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die).
  • Years Active: 2006–2021. Craig has the longest tenure of any Bond actor at 15 years.
  • Era Style: Physically imposing, emotionally complex, and grounded in a serialized narrative, redefining the spy genre for the 21st century.

The Unofficial 007s: Forgotten Actors Who Also Played Bond

While the Eon series remains the gold standard, a few other actors have portrayed the character, or a version of him, in non-canonical productions. These films and television adaptations add fascinating layers to the Bond mythos and are essential for any true fan's knowledge of the character’s history.

Barry Nelson: The Very First James Bond

The first actor to ever portray James Bond on screen was not Sean Connery, but the American actor Barry Nelson. He played "Jimmy Bond" in a 1954 television adaptation of Ian Fleming's first novel, Casino Royale, for the CBS anthology series Climax!. This pre-dates Dr. No by eight years and is a crucial piece of Bond history often overlooked by casual fans.

David Niven: The Spoof Spy

In 1967, a satirical spy spoof of Casino Royale was released, featuring an ensemble cast. The lead character, Sir James Bond, was played by the distinguished British actor David Niven. The film was a chaotic, psychedelic comedy and is not considered part of the official Eon continuity. Niven was, coincidentally, Ian Fleming's personal choice to play Bond in the official series.

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Who Will Be the Next James Bond? The Hottest Rumors and Updates for 007's Future

Since Daniel Craig's dramatic exit in No Time to Die, the search for the seventh official 007 has been the subject of intense speculation. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stated that the next actor will usher in a new era for the franchise, focusing on a younger, long-term commitment. As of late 2024 and into 2025, several names have emerged as frontrunners in the global betting odds and industry rumors, with the announcement expected soon.

The Current Frontrunners for the 007 Role

The current buzz suggests that Eon Productions is looking for a British actor in their 30s who can commit to a multi-film arc, similar to Craig's successful run. The most frequently mentioned candidates include:

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson: The Kick-Ass and Bullet Train star has been a consistent frontrunner for over a year, with reports suggesting he has met with producers. His blend of action experience and dramatic range makes him a strong favorite among fans and pundits.
• Callum Turner: An emerging favorite in late 2024, the English actor (known for Masters of the Air) is rumored to be high on the wish list, fitting the profile of a younger star with untapped potential to define the role for a new generation.
• Henry Cavill: Although often considered too old or too famous due to his roles as Superman and Geralt of Rivia, Cavill remains a fan-favorite. He was famously a runner-up to Daniel Craig for Casino Royale, and his name always resurfaces during the casting process.
• Cillian Murphy: Following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, the Irish actor's name gained significant traction, with former Bond Pierce Brosnan publicly throwing his support behind him. While his age (mid-40s) might work against the rumored "under 30" mandate, his immense talent keeps him in the conversation.

Key Considerations for the Next Era

The next Bond will face the challenge of differentiating himself from Craig's emotionally charged portrayal while maintaining the franchise's relevance in the modern spy thriller landscape. The producers are looking for an actor who can carry the sophistication of the character while navigating the new geopolitical landscape, moving away from the overarching SPECTRE storyline that defined the Craig era. The eventual choice will reveal the direction of the 26th James Bond film and the future of the entire Eon Productions cinematic universe.

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The enduring appeal of the James Bond character lies not just in the action or the iconic catchphrases, but in the ability of each actor—from the rugged Sean Connery to the intense Daniel Craig—to reinvent the legend. Whether it is a known name like Aaron Taylor-Johnson or a dark horse like Callum Turner, the announcement of the next 007 will be the biggest cinematic news of the year.