We all know by now that Daniel Craig has holstered his Walther PPK for the final time following the release of the latest Bond movie. But who will be the next James Bond?
Craig played the famous British Spy for almost 15 years. In that time, he has starred in a total of five Bond films. Only Sean Connery (six) and Roger Moore (seven) played the MI6 agent more.
With the release of No Time To Die in 2021, and Daniel Craig moving on, the movie world is awash with rumours over who will be the next James Bond.
The lucrative acting role is one of the best-paid gigs in show business. The Chester born actor reportedly received $50 million for his latest outing in ‘No Time To Die‘.
Along with speculation in Hollywood about which actor will play James Bond next, bookmakers are getting in on the action too.
By early 2025, the future of Bond 26 remained uncertain amid reported tensions between producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon.
However, after decades of stewardship, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped back from their roles overseeing the James Bond film franchise.
They relinquished creative control, allowing Amazon MGM Studios to assume full creative authority going forward.
This transition follows Amazon's acquisition of MGM for $8.5 billion and signals a significant shift, with the American studio charting a new course for 007.
While Broccoli and Wilson remain co-owners, Amazon now decides the creative direction, casting, and release schedule, sparking both excitement and unease among fans about the series’ future
Despite this, Betfred are now offering odds on who will land the plum role. With that in mind, we take a look at the actors currently in the frame to play James Bond.
Odds On The Next James Bond – Betfred (22.07.2025)
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson | 1/1 |
| Theo James | 9/4 |
| Scott Rose-Marsh | 5/2 |
| Aaron Pierre | 5/1 |
| Henry Cavill | 11/2 |
| Tom Holland | 6/1 |
| Jack Lowden | 8/1 |
| Harris Dickinson | 9/1 |
| James Norton | 10/1 |
| Josh O'Connor | 10/1 |
| Jacob Elordi | 10/1 |
| Austin Butler | 10/1 |
| Sam C. Wilson | 12/1 |
| Callum Turner | 16/1 |
| Rege-Jean Page | 20/1 |
| Lucien Laviscount | 20/1 |
| Paul Mescal | 20/1 |
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Who Are The Favourites?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson (1/1)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a versatile English actor, has reportedly been offered the coveted Bond role.
Best known for “Kick-Ass” and his turn as Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Taylor-Johnson’s star power and action chops have put him firmly in poll position.
At 33, he combines youthful energy with seasoned experience, attracting long-running rumours and tabloid speculation.
If cast, Taylor-Johnson would embark on what’s likely to be a decade-long commitment, shaping Bond for a new era under Amazon’s vision.
Theo James (9/4)
Theo James, renowned for The Divergent Series and acclaimed for his performance in Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, has recently surged up the odds charts.
Known for his charisma, depth, and ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters, James has been praised for the gritty yet suave screen presence essential to Bond.
Although he has publicly downplayed the speculation, bookies and fans alike see him as an ideal candidate for the next 007, blending sophistication, action, and a modern edge.
Scott Rose-Marsh (5/2)
A relative newcomer to Bond speculation, Scott Rose-Marsh has emerged as a surprise contender.
Best known for roles in Chloe, Yr Amgueddfa, and the popular comedy The Outlaws, he offers the advantage of a fresh face with minimal franchise baggage, a quality studios often prize to ensure Bond remains the focal point.
His lower profile compared to established movie stars could help the character dominate the screen, and his rise in the odds has been rapid, partly due to an open schedule and positive fan buzz.
Aaron Pierre (5/1)
Aaron Pierre is another name gaining traction, especially amid calls for greater diversity. Known for The Underground Railroad and Rebel Ridge, Pierre’s blend of gravitas and dramatic skill has made him a serious competitor.
While nothing is officially confirmed, industry insiders report he is actively being considered after strong performances in both TV and film.
Pierre, praised for his adaptability and fresh approach, could offer Bond a new dimension and resonate with contemporary audiences.
Henry Cavill (11/2)
Henry Cavill, famous for his roles as Superman and in The Witcher, remains a perennial favourite for James Bond.
His standout spy turn in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. has led many fans to view it as a near-perfect Bond audition.
Cavill offers the ideal blend of classic charm, physicality, and screen presence, reminiscent of Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.
While he was previously considered too young, Cavill now stands as a strong candidate to bring a mature, dynamic Bond to the screen.
Tom Holland (6/1)
Tom Holland, globally recognised for his role as Spider-Man, represents the youngest skew for the next Bond.
His energetic performances and versatility appeal to producers interested in rejuvenating the franchise for a new generation.
Holland’s global fame, physical agility, and capacity for emotional depth could push Bond into a more youthful and kinetic era, offering fresh story possibilities.
However, some question if his youth aligns with Bond’s established image.
Jack Lowden (15/2)
Jack Lowden, best known for Dunkirk and Slow Horses, has steadily gained industry respect for his nuanced performances.
Lowden’s deft mix of vulnerability, intensity, and intelligence makes him an intriguing outsider for Bond.
His ability to embody both classic gentlemanly cool and dramatic edge fits the franchise’s evolving tone.
Industry insiders describe Lowden as a dark horse, should Amazon opt for a less obvious choice, his star could rapidly ascend.
Harris Dickinson (9/1)
Harris Dickinson, noted for his roles in Beach Rats, The King's Man, and Triangle of Sadness, is seen as a bold, unconventional pick.
His performances exude a rugged credibility and understated power, which some believe would translate into a grittier Bond.
Dickinson’s indie credentials and avoidance of traditional stardom would bring a more grounded, contemporary energy to the storied role, resonating especially with audiences seeking authenticity in blockbuster cinema.
The landscape remains highly fluid, with rumours, odds, and preferences shifting as Amazon establishes its creative identity for Bond.
No official casting confirmation has been made as of July 2025.
What Direction do Amazon Plan to go in with Bond?
Amazon MGM Studios now holds creative control over James Bond and has publicly committed to ushering in what executives describe as a “fresh, exotic new chapter” for 007.
Their stated goal is to honour the character’s cinematic legacy while reimagining Bond for a global audience.
According to studio heads, this means both preserving key elements of Bond tradition and delivering films that feel “unforgettable” and “deserve the theatrical moment”.
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Hollywood veterans Amy Pascal and David Heyman have replaced Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson as shepherds of the franchise, bringing blockbuster and critical pedigree with credits including the Spider-Man and Harry Potter series.
Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the next Bond film, signalling a move toward bold, visually distinctive filmmaking.
Amazon is reportedly focusing on casting a younger actor as Bond, with the possibility of returning to the character’s origins.
Rumours suggest a 1960s-inspired reboot, with candidates in their 20s or early 30s being prioritised for the role.
Amazon is expected to prioritise theatrical releases for the main Bond films, but now also has the rights to develop spin-offs and possibly streaming-only content for Prime Video.
This could include origin stories, expanded universe projects, and new characters in the Bond world.
So it looks like Amazon’s vision for Bond is a mix of revitalisation, aimed at a younger demographic and potentially new narrative beginnings, while carefully maintaining the sophistication and cinematic scale that have defined the franchise for over sixty years.
WHO DOES THE PUBLIC WANT?
Public opinion on the next James Bond remains fluid and heavily debated.
Various polls and surveys conducted in recent years show a notable divergence between bookmaker favourites and public preferences, reflecting the iconic status and passionate fan base of the franchise.
Henry Cavill: In an April 2025 poll reportedly conducted by Amazon MGM Studios, Henry Cavill emerged as the UK public’s top choice for Bond, capitalising on his action credentials and previous near-miss with the role.
Cavill’s perceived combination of suave sophistication and physical presence resonates with many fans, earning him a consistent spot at or near the top in multiple polls.
Theo James: Another strong favourite with the public, especially after his recent high-profile performances, Theo James has climbed rapidly in both bookmaker odds and fan sentiment since 2024.
Jack Lowden rounds out the top three in several UK fan polls, praised for his acting range and “fresh” take that would appeal to younger audiences.
The only issue is that alongside Slow Horses, he has also just signed on to a new Apple TV+ series, an adaptation of Philip Kerr’s critically acclaimed Berlin Noir novels. Doubtful he will ahve the time for Bond as well!
PREVIOUS BOND ACTORS
There is 57 years’ worth of James Bond, and here is a list of all the actors who took on the role.
Sean Connery (1962–1967, 1971)
James Bond was Sean Connery’s breakthrough role. He was the first Bond and appeared in Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds are Forever (1971). In a Radio Times poll, Connery was voted as the best James Bond.
David Niven (1967)
David Niven appeared as ‘Sir James Bond 007’ in the unofficial 1967 spoof James Bond film Casino Royale.
George Lazenby (1969)
James Bond was actually George Lazenby’s first serious acting role. He was Bond in the 1969 film ‘On Her Majesty's Secret Service’.
Roger Moore (1973–1985)
Nobody appeared as James Bond more than Roger Moore. His debut as Bond came in Live and Let Die (1973). After Live and Let Die, Moore also played the agent in: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View to a Kill (1985).
Timothy Dalton (1987–1989)
Timothy Dalton portrayed Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence To Kill (1989). This was seen as a much grittier and darker version of the iconic character.
Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002)
Pierce Brosnan appeared in GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). He was also the voice in the Video Game adaption of Golden Eye, widely considered to be one of the best games of the Nintendo 64 era.
Daniel Craig (2006–2020)
Daniel Craig appeared in Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and the upcoming No Time to Die (2021).
WHEN IS THE NEXT JAMES BOND ANNOUNCED?
The short answer to this is that nobody really knows. There was a gap of four years between Pierce Brosnan’s last appearance and Daniel Craig’s first.
Denis Villeneuve has now been named as the director for the next Bond film and the studio is now focused on securing a screenwriter, after which casting will proceed; the actor for Bond will be chosen following this development.
Industry insiders suggest the new Bond actor is most likely to be revealed in mid to late 2026.
This expectation is based on traditional franchise timelines, where key personnel are chosen first, then casting decisions and public announcements follow.
BET ON BOND WITH BETFRED
Head to Betfred and look for the page marked ‘Specials' – that's where you'll find the latest odds on the next James Bond.
