It’s now been over three years since Daniel Craig confirmed he was stepping down as James Bond, with speculation still sky high over who could be set to take over next.
In the years since Ian Fleming’s fictional MI6 agent was first introduced on the big screen in 1962, 007 has been played by seven actors – Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
The latter first played Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale, followed by Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. Ahead of the release of the final film – which was released in 2021 – Craig announced he was ‘done’ with playing the famed spy, who was then killed off.
Earlier this year it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios had gained full creative control of the franchise, with long-serving producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson also stepping down.
A few months later it was revealed that Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, best known for leading the Dune franchise, would be at the helm of the next movie – which is expected to go into production next year.
However, there are still rumours swirling about what actor could step into the shoes of the hotly contested role. Some who been heavily rumoured to be frontrunners to be cast include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton, while Idris Elba has previously ruled himself out.
As we get closer and closer to finding out who will be the next Bond, here’s what the latest odds tell us about who is looking the most likely to take over.
Who is favourite to be the next James Bond?
Since the plum role of 007 opened up again, many names of both established and up-and-coming actors have been considered to be taking over.
So far they’ve included Taylor-Johnson, Norton, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden and Theo James; however, odds have been changing as time goes on.
But bookies currently have one actor tipped as leading the pack – Turner.
The 35-year-old actor is currently Paddy Power’s odds-on favourite to don the famous James Bond tuxedo as Craig’s long-awaited successor.
He’s moved in as huge 5/6 odds-on favourite in Paddy Power’s Next James Bond betting market, ahead of joint-second in the market Taylor-Johnson and Anthony Boyle (both 4/1).
Meanwhile, Theo James (6/1), Leo Suter (7/1) and James Nelson-Joyce (8/1) are other names in contention at the top of the market.
Selected other famous names potentially in the running include Spider-Man star Tom Holland (20/1), Happy Valley villain James Norton (25/1) and Normal People’s Paul Mescal (40/1).
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!’
Their predictions were backed by Ladbrokes, who said Turner was heading into next year as the stand-out favourite to next play Bond.
Ladbroke’s Alex Apati said: ‘It’s the oldest market in our book, but with the race to replace Daniel Craig expected to ramp up next year, it’s Callum Turner who enters 2026 as the clear favourite to land the iconic role.’
William Hill have also reported the actor as the favourite, currently leading the market at 10/11.
Spokesperson Lee Phelps also said: ‘While the next James Bond rumour mill is sure to continue to churn in 2026, we think there’s a high chance at 1/12 that it could be the year the next Bond is confirmed.’
In a piece about the frontrunners earlier this year, Metro said Turner was the ‘one name’ we’d put money on to be cast.
‘His celebrity is in the sweet spot: not too famous, not too obscure. Sure, fans may know him as Dua Lipa’s partner or from The Capture, but there’s still mystery there — much like Bond himself. Previous Bonds were recognisable, but not massive stars. Turner fits the mould.
‘He has undeniable sex appeal, and I’ve never seen him be anything less than brilliant. If Amazon’s Bond is a younger, more formative version of 007 — which it might be — Turner could fit.’
Which actors have played James Bond already?
Sean Connery (1962-1967, 1971, 1983)
David Niven (1967)
George Lazenby (1969)
Roger Moore (1973-1985)
Timothy Dalton (1987-1989)
Pierce Brosnan (1995-2002)
Daniel Craig (2006-2021)
What roles is Callum Turner best known for already?
After beginning his career as a fashion model, Turner then turned his attention to acting.
His first film credit was in the 2011 release Zero, before going on to appear in the ITV series’ Leaving and The Town.
Further success came in films Queen and Country, Victor Frankenstein, Tramps and Mobile Homes, before being cast as Theseus Scamander in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018 and in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore four years later.
He then starred in Emma, The Last Letter from Your Lover, The Boys in the Boat and then the Apple TV mini-series Masters of the Air.
His upcoming projects include the science fiction series Neuromancer and One Night Only, which is currently filming.
Earlier this year, the actor also announced his engagement to pop star Dua Lipa, 30.
What has already been said about the next Bond star?
While Amazon and Villeneuve have remained tight-lipped on their casting plans, Deadline has previously reported the director is searching for three things when choosing the next star of the Bond franchise – a man, a Brit, and one who is unknown, which could turn the bookies’ odds on their head.
After this was revealed, Metro released our list of names we’d like to see given a chance to shine, with names including Damson Idris, Louis Partridge, Will Sharpe, Dev Patel and Jack O’Connell all singled out.
While Norton was also once a firm favourite, he said this year he was ‘too old’ for the role.
‘I turned 40 this summer,’ he said. ‘It is a difficult decision as it will change your life,’ he continued, sharing how his career could skyrocket if he was to get the role.
‘I have no idea what it is like to be Leonardo DiCaprio. I imagine the apex is pretty big, but I like the fact I can leave my house and go down to the shop.
‘There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paps outside my door. It is all speculation.’
Meanwhile, James said he thought there were ‘better people for the job’. ‘And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there’s no going back. You’re opening Pandora’s box there. You have got to be willing to live a very different life and have a different life for your family.’
Although Lashana Lynch briefly took over the 007 title from Craig in No Time to Die, it’s unlikely a female Bond would eventuate.
In 2020, Broccoli said: ‘James Bond can be of any colour, but he is male. I’m not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that.’
She added: ‘He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity].’
When Villeneuve was announced as the director of the next film, he said he felt a ‘massive responsibility’.
‘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,’ he said.
‘I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.’
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