James Bond is a long-running spy franchise that isn’t concluding any time soon. Several actors have played 007 for the original franchise to date, but with Daniel Craig’s 2021 film, the era came to an end. Now, it’s time for us to welcome the fresh era of James Bond with the reboot that is expected to be released sometime in 2027. With the franchise being handed over to the new producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, we can also expect a new British actor to step into the shoes of 007. While there is no confirmation on who will be the next James Bond actor, we certainly have a list of frontrunners who are the top contenders considered to carry the legacy forward.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a 34-year-old British actor who has been rumored to have already bagged the role. In fact, as reported by The Sun, the previous producers, including Barbara Broccoli, made the actor undergo a screen test, which left him and the other producer, Michael G. Wilson, impressed.
Even though the sources state that the proposal has been made to Taylor, there is no confirmation from the new producers on this matter. Apart from that, Omega has recently locked Johnson as their brand ambassador; it’s the brand that has been delivering its luxury watches to the franchise since the 1995 flick. So, it’s evident that fans have been speculating a lot, with some being convinced that he will be the next James Bond actor. However, nothing can be said until an official announcement is made by the producers.
Theo James
Theo James is best known for his role in The Gentlemen, and the character he plays on the screen, honestly, looks very much like James Bond. With a calm demeanor, a charming personality, and the ability to look good in a suit, Theo James has it all, as showcased in The Gentlemen. So, yes, he could very well be a suitable choice to play the next James Bond.
However, the possibility of him playing the legendary role looks unlikely. That’s because Theo himself isn’t too excited to take on the role of James Bond. Apparently, Theo dismissed the idea of playing Bond in an interview with the Guardian. He confirmed that while “everyone’s interested” in bagging the role because it’s a “big part of British cultural identity, sadly, it “wouldn’t be” him.
Henry Cavill
The fandom wants Henry Cavill to grab every legendary role, from Wolverine to James Bond. And they aren’t wrong; Cavill would look great in each of these roles. Fortunately, we got to see “Cavillrine” in Deadpool 3, but now, fans are eager to see Henry Cavill take on the role of James Bond.
Interestingly, Cavill auditioned for the role along with Daniel Craig back in 2005, when the actor was just 22 years old. While Henry was as charming as ever and was in great shape, Craig was just one step ahead. Sadly, however, Henry didn’t show any interest in playing the role as of now. Also, given the number of projects the actor has been taking, it seems unlikely that he will bind himself with a singular identity for what could be more than a decade.
James Norton
James Norton is a TV actor who transitioned to the big screen and did a great job in projects like Playing Nice, Joy, and many more. In fact, Norton’s role in Rogue Agent, McMafia, and Mr Jones makes it seem like the actor has been preparing for the James Bond role. That is why fans think James Norton could be the next James Bond after Daniel Craig. However, despite all the speculations, there’s no official confirmation from the creators or the actor as of now. There’s no hint whatsoever that James will, in fact, play James Bond; for now, we only have rumors.
Jack Lowden
Jack Lowden is a British actor who has appeared in numerous big projects over the years, including Nolan’s Dunkirk. However, the actor is best known for playing a spy in the Slow Horses series. Honestly, it was his role in the Apple TV series that made fans think of him as the next James Bond.
In a sense, Jack Lowden is already playing a charming and handsome spy on screen, so it wouldn’t be tough for him to adapt to James Bond. Like other big names on the list, Jack is also a popular choice among fans for the next Bond actor, but there’s no hint or official confirmation about it yet. Also, it’s hard to say if Jack will take on two big spy roles at the same time. It would be either Bond or Slow Horses, and not both at the same time.
Cillian Murphy
If anyone out there is looking forward to making Cillian Murphy the next James Bond, just sign him already. I am sure that fans would love to see their beloved Thomas Shelby taking on another legendary role. In fact, the one and only Pierce Brosnan said in an interview that Murphy would be great as the next James Bond. So, who are we to say otherwise?
Cillian is an incredible actor who has the ability to attract a big crowd in the theatres, so he could very well be the next choice. However, like Cavill, Cillian is known for playing different roles in a variety of projects, so it’s hard to say if the actor would like to align himself with a role that will be inseparable from him for several years.
Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy is a name that could fit really well with the next James Bond. The personality that Hardy brings on-screen, and in fact, off-screen, is unmatched. From Venom to Peaky Blinders, Tom Hardy has nailed every project he has appeared in. So, it’s no surprise that fans want Hardy to be the next in line for the role of James Bond. In fact, the actor sits at the top of IMDb’s poll for the next James Bond.
Interestingly, Tom Hardy has worked with Pierce Brosnan on the MobLand TV series, and his co-star said that Hardy would make a “wonderful” bond. Now, it remains to be seen whether Tom himself is keen on bagging this role for years to come.
Idris Alba
Idris Alba is the next in line after Tom Hardy on IMDB’s popularity poll for the next James Bond. Honestly, it would be unfair to tell you who Idris Alba is, as the actor has appeared in several big projects over the years, and he has been a part of the movie industry for decades. Idris is known for bringing a charming personality to every role he undertakes. His incredible voice is more than enough reason for the creators to cast him as the next James Bond.
Dare I say, it’s about time that we get a Black James Bond, and if that’s actually a possibility, there’s no one better than Idris Alba for the role. Sadly, though, Idris doesn’t think he would be right to play the next James Bond because of his age. But fans think that it’s not about the age and what the actor could bring to the screen, so there still might be a chance that we see him as the next James Bond.
