Playing him propels an actor into an exceptionally elite group of performers. From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, only six people have ever played him in the official film series. In the last decade alone the UK has had more prime ministers, and twice as many people have walked on the moon than have played the British secret agent.
The last announcement of a new Bond was 21 years ago in 2005. So it's inevitable for Bond fans to want to have their questions answered about the future of one of cinema's most sought after roles, in one of cinema's biggest franchises. This is, of course, the big question fans have been talking about for the last six years.
And with an announcement edging closer and closer, the speculation has intensified recently. Many of the same well-known faces have been bandied about for months, if not years. Those names have generally included Henry Cavill, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, James Norton, Jack O'Connell, Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
More recently, other names have also been thrown into the mix. Earlier this year Variety reported that stage actor Tom Francis had auditioned, external for the role. And in late August Page Six claimed there will be more auditions this month, and that Gladiator 2 star Paul Mescal and Heartstopper and SAS: Rogue Heroes star Jack Barton are also on the audition list, external.
The announcement about the next film's producers referred to keeping Bond's spirit alive "as he embarks on his next adventure", seemingly confirming that Bond would remain male. However, it's never been clear whether the rumoured names have been well-sourced inside information, or merely guesswork and speculation. Back in May, Amazon MGM Studios who now control the Bond franchise confirmed the casting process was under way, external.
But little detail beyond that was given, the statement only saying: "While we don't plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we're excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right." It now seems that the right time is fast approaching. In an interview with Deadline, external Amy Pascal, one of the next film's producers, was asked whether we might have news on who would be playing Bond by the end of the year. She replied: "I would say the end of the year is a good bet." Last month entertainment writer Daniel Richtman said, external on social media: "I hear they're in the final round of casting for James Bond and might have already found their guy." His post on X was followed up by journalist Jeff Sneider, external who said: "Heard the same rumour.
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