The search for the next James Bond is moving forward after Amazon took creative control of the franchise earlier this year. Many fans were uneasy about the change, but the project has taken a promising turn with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the script.
What remains unknown is who will take on the famous role of 007. The actor chosen will lead one of the most recognizable film franchises in history. According to recent reports, Amazon wants a British actor who is relatively new to audiences, giving the next Bond a “fresh face.” Among the names circulating, English actor Callum Turner has become the leading favorite with betting agencies.
Turner is best known for appearances in Fantastic Beasts, George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat, the series Masters of the Air, and the thriller Green Room. While he has not been a regular action star, his performances have shown range and confidence, qualities the role of Bond demands. Turner’s professional schedule could also work in his favor. Unlike other contenders linked to large studio franchises, he seems available for the long-term contract a Bond role requires. His recent work in films such as Atropia, Eternity, and Rose of Nevada has also kept him in the industry spotlight.
At 35, Turner may be older than Amazon’s reported age range for the next Bond, but still fits the description of an emerging star. His engagement to pop singer Dua Lipa has also brought him extra attention, with some observers noting that her musical background could make her an ideal performer for a future Bond theme.
Turner remains the frontrunner, but several others continue to trail close behind. 28 Years Later and Bullet Train actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson and The Gentlemen star Theo James have both held top odds in the past. Dune: Part Two and Elvis actor Austin Butler also ranks among the favorites, though his American nationality may be a disadvantage for the traditionally British role. Others frequently mentioned include Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, The King’s Man star Harris Dickinson, Happy Valley actor James Norton, and former Superman actor Henry Cavill.
Among the less familiar names, two actors are drawing notice for fitting Amazon’s rumored criteria. Jack Lowden, known for Apple TV’s espionage drama Slow Horses, brings direct spy-genre experience. Another strong possibility is Anthony Boyle, who stars in Netflix’s House of Guiness, written by Steven Knight. That existing writer-actor connection might prove notable during casting, and Boyle’s age of 31 aligns with reports describing a younger Bond.
For now, Turner leads the betting tables as the most likely candidate to wear the tuxedo. Whether Amazon confirms that choice or surprises audiences with someone less expected, production on James Bond 26 will need to begin soon to maintain momentum and secure its leading man before other studios do.
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English (US) · 