Speculation is swirling around who will take over the iconic role of James Bond, following Daniel Craig’s exit after his final performance in No Time To Die in 2021. With the franchise’s future now uncertain, there's mounting excitement and curiosity among fans about the next 007. Many analysts believe the official announcement could come as early as early 2025.
According to various sources, including bookmakers and entertainment reporting outlets, Aaron Taylor-Johnson was previously considered the front-runner. Yet, the recent emergence of Josh O’Connor as the new favorite has captivated fans and pundits alike. Currently, O’Connor's odds have risen to 8/11, reflecting his growing favor among bookmakers. This shift follows his critically acclaimed role as Prince Charles in The Crown and his recent film Challengers.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, often touted as the likely next Bond, now finds himself moving to the second position, with odds of 13/8. He has had notable roles, including his portrayal of superhero Quicksilver and his performance as the protagonist of Kraven the Hunter.
Other prominent candidates include Theo James and Paul Mescal, both being priced at 11/2, and rising stars like Jack Lowden with odds at 8/1. James Norton also remains within reach at 9/1, bringing his intriguing performances from shows like Happy Valley to the forefront of discussions. Norton has finally broken his silence on the matter after being tight-lipped for some time. Recently he remarked, "It’s lots of quite fun and bemusing media coverage," during his interview with Variety, hinting at the intense interest surrounding his potential casting.
Despite the competitiveness, it seems some actors have dropped down the ranks. Former favorites like Idris Elba and Cillian Murphy are now categorized as long shots with odds reaching 12-1 and 33-1, respectively. The public has seen varied opinions, with some believing Elba's age—now 52—might disqualify him from the role, and Murphy's existing commitments complicate their chances.
Many discussion panels and online forums reflect fan opinions, some of whom speculate about the role of charisma and physicality when portraying 007. A pundit reminisced, "The perfect Bond must possess not only suave charm but also the ability to embody the action-oriented nature of the character," reinforcing both Taylor-Johnson's and O’Connor's strategic strengths for the part.
Interestingly, Taylor-Johnson hinted at seeking unique upcoming projects, stepping slightly away from the Bond speculation he has been embroiled in for months. He stated to The Guardian, "I’m trying to find more original material, which is just as hard to come by," possibly signaling his desire to explore diverse roles rather than being confined to just one franchise.
Various actors, including Rege-Jean Page from Bridgerton, are still being discussed, albeit they’re positioned lower down the odds chart at 16/1. Despite being popular, his odds have recently dropped, leading fans to question his potential as the next Bond.
The anticipation building around the next Bond film is palpable. With no concrete announcement yet, fans are left to wonder who will step up to deliver the charm and charisma expected of 007. A bookie representative noted, "The odds are merely reflections of speculation, and they could change drastically. One thing for sure is this role brings with it immense expectations. Whomever the producers choose has big shoes to fill, following the influential legacy left by Daniel Craig.”
After nearly four years without officially occupying the role, excitement is brewing. The successful portrayal of Bond requires balancing the character's depth with the action hero's demands—an intersection where only a select few performers can tread skillfully. With all eyes on the upcoming casting, Bond enthusiasts are eager for the identity of the next 007, which promises to reshape the franchise for years to come.