James Bond cast announcement date ‘revealed’ after frontrunners emerge

An industry insider has revealed when the next James Bond film could begin shooting with its all-new 007.

The search for the next Bond has been on since Daniel Craig’s version of the character was killed off in No Time To Die, rather definitively vacating the role.

Since then, the franchise has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, who have begun work on the secret agent’s next era.

This has included hiring Dune director Denis Villeneuve to helm the next instalment of the long-running series.

While we know that Villeneuve will direct a script by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, Amazon has yet to pick its next leading actor – although they have reportedly narrowed their search down to eight names.

Sharing his thoughts on when our new Bond could be revealed, senior Deadline film reporter Justin Kroll has hinted that the announcement everyone’s waiting for may be imminent.

Appearing on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, Kroll shared his prediction for when Villeneuve’s Bond might begin rolling.

‘I am predicting summer, if I had to be a betting man,’ Kroll said. ‘Because I think production will likely start [at the] end of this year/top of next.’

He continued: ‘Obviously, it could be a little sooner, but from everything people have said since I’ve been back, Bond is more likely middle of the year than first quarter.’

If true, this means that Bond fans could finally get some major news any day now.

This comes as producers have reportedly narrowed their search to include some of the hottest names in Hollywood right now.

Dua Lipa’s husband-to-be and Eternity actor Callum Turner is believed to be leading the charge – according to the star himself, if a source for the Daily Mail is to be believed.

Turner is confident that his license to kill is already in the post, with an insider sharing how he’d been ‘blabbing’ the news all over town.

‘Callum is the new Bond; it’s been confirmed,’ they said. ‘Everyone in his circle is talking about it. It’s the worst-kept secret going.’

They finished: ‘Dua is over the moon for Callum. She’s been saying she’d love to record the Bond theme.’

Turner is also Paddy Power’s odds-on favourite to don the tuxedo as Craig’s long-awaited successor.

A Paddy Power spokesperson told Metro: ‘We’ve been waiting years for any white smoke to emerge from M’s office about who will be next to take on the role of the world’s most famous spy – but now we have a clear favourite in the betting market.

‘Callum Turner might be wise to get himself measured up with a top-quality tailor for that famous 007 tux!’

The other seven names in contention include 28 Years Later star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was the front-runner for a while, having reportedly even been in front of the camera already, not to mention signing a sponsorship deal with Omega, aka the watch brand Bond himself wears.

When asked what he thought about taking on the Bond role in 2024, he replied cryptically: ‘I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now.’

Nevertheless, he’s clearly got competition, as Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland, is also in the race.

Spidey joins Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill on the shortlist, along with rising star Jacob Elordi, Slow Horses’ Jack Lowden, Happy Valley villain James Norton, Babygirl’s Harris Dickinson, and former White Lotus guest Theo James.

Confirming his own appointment as director, Canadian filmmaker Villeneuve said last year: ‘Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007.

‘I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Comments Add as preferred source