Of course! Here is an article breaking down the top contenders for the next James Bond.
The Hunt for 007: Who Will Be the Next James Bond? We Break Down the Top Contenders
The Aston Martin is parked, the Walther PPK is holstered, and the tuxedo is hanging in the wardrobe. Daniel Craig’s explosive exit in No Time to Die left the biggest vacancy in cinematic history: the role of James Bond. For over 60 years, 007 has been a cultural icon, evolving with the times but always retaining his core of danger, sophistication, and unflappable cool.
Now, the world waits with bated breath as producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson embark on their most critical mission yet: finding the seventh actor to officially carry the license to kill. They’ve made it clear this isn’t a simple recasting; it’s a “reinvention.” They’re looking for an actor who can commit to the role for a decade or more, likely putting them in their 30s at the start of their tenure.
So, who has what it takes to order the next Vesper martini? We break down the frontrunners, the dark horses, and what each would bring to the iconic role.
The odds-on Favorite: Aaron Taylor-Johnson
The Case For: Currently the name on everyone’s lips and the bookies’ undeniable favorite. Taylor-Johnson, 33, fits the age profile perfectly. He has the smoldering intensity, the athletic prowess (as seen in Bullet Train and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter), and the acting chops to handle both the brute force and the emotional depth Craig brought to the role. He can play charming, menacing, and vulnerable. Crucially, reports have swirled for months that he not only auditioned but nailed a “secret screen test” for the producers, performing the iconic gun-barrel sequence.
The Case Against: Is he too well-known now with a Marvel franchise on the horizon? While not an A-lister on the level of Henry Cavill, his rising profile could complicate the long-term commitment the producers want. Some critics also argue his “vibe” is more rugged and raw than classically suave.
The Verdict: If the rumors are true, he’s the man to beat. He represents a logical evolution from Craig’s Bond—a physically formidable agent with a modern edge.
The People’s Choice: Henry Cavill
The Case For: Let’s be honest, Henry Cavill looks like he was built in a lab to play James Bond. He’s handsome, impossibly charming, and wears a suit like he was born in it. He proved his spy-craft credentials with effortless style in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and has the blockbuster experience from his time as Superman and Geralt of Rivia. Fun fact: he famously came in a close second to Daniel Craig back in 2005, deemed just a little too young at the time.
The Case Against: The clock is ticking. At 40, he’s on the older side to begin a 10-12 year Bond journey. Furthermore, his departure from The Witcher and his uncertain future as Superman make him a very high-profile free agent. The producers might prefer an actor they can mold, rather than someone who already comes with such immense global recognition and fan expectation.
The Verdict: A dream casting for many, but likely a long shot. He would be a fantastic, classic Bond, but the producers seem to be looking forward, not back.
The Suave Contender: Regé-Jean Page
The Case For: When Regé-Jean Page burst onto the scene in Bridgerton, the “Page for Bond” campaign began almost overnight. At 35, he has the perfect age, the debonair charm, and a magnetic screen presence. He radiates the kind of smooth confidence that calls back to the Brosnan and Connery eras, but with a thoroughly modern sensibility. He would be a landmark choice as the first Black actor to officially portray the character.
The Case Against: His resume is still relatively light on the kind of action-heavy roles that Bond demands. Could he convincingly command a high-octane fight sequence? While he has the swagger, his ability to portray the colder, more ruthless side of 007 remains an open question.
The Verdict: A strong and exciting possibility. If Broccoli and Wilson want to redefine Bond with a focus on elegance and charisma for a new generation, Page is a compelling choice.
The Method Man: Tom Hardy
The Case For: For years, Tom Hardy has been a perennial favorite in the Bond race. He possesses a raw, coiled intensity that is unmatched. Hardy is a chameleon who can portray sophisticated characters (Inception) and unhinged brutes (Bronson, Venom). His Bond would be dangerous, unpredictable, and psychologically complex—a true “blunt instrument,” as Vesper Lynd once described Craig’s 007.
The Case Against: Age is the biggest factor here. At 46, he’s even older than Cavill and well outside the producers’ reported target range. Like Cavill, his star power is immense, perhaps too big for a role that needs to define the actor, not the other way around.
The Verdict: The ship has likely sailed. Hardy would have been a fascinating, gritty choice a decade ago, but the search is now for the next generation.
The English Gentleman: James Norton
The Case For: With roles in McMafia and Grantchester, James Norton, 38, has proven he can play characters who navigate treacherous, high-stakes worlds while maintaining a veneer of English respectability. He has the classic good looks, the acting talent, and a subtle intensity that could work brilliantly for a more cerebral, emotionally guarded Bond.
The Case Against: Does he have the killer instinct? Norton often plays characters with an inherent vulnerability, and some question whether he possesses the raw physicality and outright menace required for 007. He feels like a very safe, almost traditional, choice.
The Verdict: A solid, if not thrilling, contender. He fits the mold well, but may lack the “X-factor” the producers are seeking for a total reinvention.
The Dark Horses
- Damson Idris: The star of Snowfall, 32, is a phenomenal actor with a rising profile. He has the swagger and can portray a character navigating a violent, complex world. A very exciting, modern choice.
- Paapa Essiedu: At 33, the Emmy-nominated star of I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project is one of the most talented actors of his generation. He has a unique, intellectual charisma that could bring a completely new dimension to Bond.
- Richard Madden: The Bodyguard and Game of Thrones star, 37, has been in the conversation for years. He has the action experience and can play the “broken but capable” archetype very well.
The Final Mission
Ultimately, the choice will signal the future of the franchise. Will they opt for a rugged bruiser like Taylor-Johnson, a classic charmer like Page, or a complete unknown who will make the role his own?
One thing is certain: the next actor to step into that tuxedo has enormous shoes to fill. Until the official announcement from MI6 headquarters, the world will continue to speculate, debate, and wait for that iconic introduction: “The name’s Bond. James Bond.”
