A year and a half on from No Time to Die’s shock ending, fans are getting impatient to know who the next lucky actor will be to portray James Bond. The production company behind the franchise has stated that they’re eager to explore an unseen side of 007’s character, so there are no doubt plenty of actors out there who would jump at the chance to get their teeth into the role. Whilst there are some clear front runners in the race, it’s anyone’s guess who will eventually be successful, and producer Barbara Broccoli predicts that filming won’t begin for another two years yet.
So, in the meantime, let’s take a closer look at some of the names currently on that all-important shortlist.
Harry Styles
Not only does he have the charm and the killer dress sense of everyone’s favorite MI5 agent, but Styles shares some favorite hobbies with him too. The popstar and occasional actor has been known to enjoy a spot of gaming when he’s on tour, and one of his go-to games is roulette.
This casino classic can have 37, 38 or 39 pockets on the wheel depending on where in the world you are playing, but the premise remains the same: to bet on one or a group of numbers and then wait to see where the ball lands. Whilst any modern man of mystery might be more likely to make use of the selection of digital variants found online, Styles has been known to frequent high-class casinos on his travels. He even has a roulette-themed tattoo which acts as a nod to Bond. It reads “17 Black”, referencing Bond’s bet in Diamonds Are Forever.
Styles also has some serious acting credits behind him, having wowed audiences in Don’t Worry Darling, Dunkirk and My Policeman.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
A man who has only recently entered the running, Taylor-Johnson turned some heads for his part in 2022’s Bullet Train. Gone is the baby-faced lad seen in Nowhere Boy and Kick-Ass; instead, he has been earning his stripes in action flicks such as The King’s Man.
As well as putting up a good fight on screen, he can also pull off a well-tailored suit. It has been rumored that he’s already been to read for the part in front of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the two people who ultimately have the last vote on who is cast as Bond. As an actor who is yet to cement himself as a true A-lister, the 32-year-old could be in the perfect position to take on the role of 007.
Regé-Jean Page
The news that Page would not be returning to his starring role in Netflix’s Bridgerton broke hearts across the world. No doubt the fact that his face has since been found to be almost physically ‘perfect’ contributed to fans’ disappointment.
However, they could now be in luck, because Page’s name has appeared as one of the favourites to play 007. He’s more than proven himself to be in possession of the required charm and style necessary to play the part, though he’s yet to be given a chance to prove his action scene credentials. Could this relative newcomer to Hollywood be the next Bond?
Skins Alumni – Nicholas Hoult & Dev Patel
When it comes to British institutions on screen, it could be argued that 2000s/2010s TV phenomenon Skins can lay claim to the title as much as any other household name. Alumni of the show’s first season, Nicholas Hoult and Dev Patel, have been carving out a place for themselves in the world of Hollywood with roles in blockbusters like X-Men and Mad Max for Hoult, and Slumdog Millionaire and The Green Knight for Patel.
Now both their names are being mentioned in connection to the Bond franchise. They’re both the right age and have more than proven their acting chops, so either could be in with a chance at the role.
Special mentions go to: James Norton, who has made headlines recently for all the right reasons after reprising his role in the BBC’s smash hit show, Happy Valley; Henry Cavill, who finds himself cast out from two massive projects, The Witcher and Superman, and so could suddenly have a lot of spare time on his hands; Henry Golding, whose natural charm shone through in Crazy Rich Asians, Persuasion and Last Christmas; and Sam Heughan, of Outlander fame, who would provide one opportunity to cast the first Scottish Bond since Connery.
