When Daniel Craig announced No Time To Die would be his final outing as 007 in 2019 speculation has been rife about who will next take on the coveted role.
With the next instalment still years away names keep being added to the mix, from James Norton to Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James.
However, this week a new contender appears to have entered the race with Harris Dickinson now in joint third-favourite.
The Babygirl star, 28, is now 4/1 joint-third-favourite to star as 007, having been a 16/1 also-ran as recently as last week, according to Ladbrooks.
James still remains the favourite at 3/1 despite recently trying to distance himself from the rumours.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: ‘Harris Dickinson has come well off screen to centre stage in the James Bond betting.’
When Daniel Craig announced No Time To Die would be his final outing as 007 in 2019 speculation has been rife about who will next take on the coveted role
With the next instalment still years away names keep being added to the mix, from James Norton to Aaron Taylor-Johnson (pictured) and Theo James
He added: ‘The odds suggest he could soon mirror that with a star turn in the series’ famed gun-barrel sequence.’
This week it was announced that Amazon has taken over ‘creative control’ of the James Bond franchise – with fans fearful the it will be ruined with endless spin-offs like Disney did with Star Wars.
The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control.
The franchise will no longer be in the hands of longtime producers Barbara Brocolli and Michael C Wilson, the daughter and stepson of Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli who launched the British spy franchise in 1962.
As James Bond hits the headlines again, MailOnline takes a look at all the actors who have been tipped to play the next 007…
James Norton
Odds: 3/1
The Grantchester star said that it’s ‘crazy and quite flattering’ to be considered a replacement for James Bond – although him being considered is ‘pure speculation’.
He told The Times in 2020 being in the running is: ‘Crazy… It’s bizarre and quite flattering to be even considered in that world, but beyond that? Pure speculation.’
James added: ‘I love the franchise and hope Barbara Broccoli continues to make it relevant. Going into the heart of Bond’s private world, as opposed to one-liners, is already progress.’
In an interview with GQ in 2021, he insisted that while having a ‘Bond of colour’ is important, executives should focus on ‘treating the cause rather than the symptom’.
The TV star said: ‘That, I think, is more important. Obviously, casting a Bond of colour is important if handled in a sensitive way, but there’s a bigger picture: we need to treat the cause rather than the symptom.
‘There is an argument, that, rather than make Bond a person of colour, why not create a new story that is authentically representative and isn’t repurposed?
‘But, then, you’re never going to create a franchise that will compete with the power of Bond from the off. It has to be a bit of everything, doesn’t it? I realise I’m talking in plaтιтudes.’
James said that it’s ‘crazy and quite flattering’ to be considered a replacement for James Bond – although him being considered is ‘pure speculation’ (pictured last week)
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Odds: 7/2
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli in March 2022.
The actor, who has offered cryptic responses to interviewers desperate for clues about Bond, was the long-time front-runner to replace Craig
Despite the rumours, insiders have denied reports that Aaron has been cast as the new Bond in the 007 movies, leaving speculation to swirl.
They will not simply choose one man, but ‘look at several candidates and decide who is the best man for the job,’ a source said, adding: ‘This is the biggest role in British cinema up for grabs.’
Responding to the rumours he could step into Bond’s shoes earlier this year, Aaron played coy, telling Numero: ‘I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.’
Despite the rumours, insiders have denied reports that Aaron has been cast as the new Bond in the 007 movies, leaving speculation to swirl
Harris Dickinson
Odds: 4/1
Harris Dickinson’s career is skyrocketing to another level thanks to his role in Nicole Kidman’s new sizzling film Babygirl.
Written, directed and co-produced by Halina Reijn, the erotic thriller made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival and will landed in theatres on December 25.
The actor, 28, plays a lead role as young intern Samuel who begins an affair with CEO Romy (Kidman).
In 2017 he was cast in the American coming-of-age drama film Beach Rats, which was directed by Eliza Hittman.
Harris portrayed Frankie and was praised by The Times critic Ed Potton for having ‘perfected a south Brooklyn accent’.
He also received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Actor.
Since his big breakout, he has landed roles in a number of films including A Murder at The End of The World alongside Emma Corrin, The Iron Claw with Zac Efron and Allen White, the WWII drama Blitz.
Harris Dickinson’s career is skyrocketing to another level thanks to his role in Nicole Kidman’s new sizzling film Babygirl (pictured in May 2024)
Written, directed and co-produced by Halina Reijn, the erotic thriller made its debut at the Venice International Film Festival and will landed in theatres on December 25
Theo James
Odds: 4/1
Theo, who is of Greek decent, is one of at least twenty established names to be linked with the James Bond role.
Addressing the rumours, he told The Guardian: ‘Everyone’s interested in [Bond] because it’s a big part of British cultural idenтιтy, but that probably wouldn’t be me.
‘I do think there are better people for that 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. And that would be pretty tricky. Plus, my mates would take the p*ss out of me. Because they always say, “Bondopoulos – the Greek Bond.”‘
Theo also features in 18th place in a recent poll commissioned by Lottoland carried out among 2,000 British Bond fans.
Theo, who is of Greek decent, is one of at least twenty established names to be linked with the James Bond role (pictured in January)
Callum Turner
Odds: 6/1
Callum Turner is currently starring in Masters Of The Air, the new, H๏τly anticipated Apple TV series with Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, which boasts Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks as executive producers.
The actor, 34, can also be seen lighting up the silver screen in The Boys On The Boat, directed by George Clooney, in which he plays a broke, determined young sportsman who grows up without a father figure – a storyline which closely mirrors Callum’s own.
And it appears the actor making such waves that he’s even been touted as the next James Bond (those sky-high cheekbones would certainly come in handy).
In November he was named Louis Vuitton’s newest brand ambᴀssador, announcing the news alongside a striking pH๏τoshoot.
The actor started his career as a fashion model before bagging roles in the likes of The Boys in the Boat, The Capture and the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
And one of his first breaks saw him walk the runway for Louis Vuitton in their 2009 spring/summer Menswear show.
Callum gushed that he was thrilled to be partnering with the luxury fashion house as he admitted it was a ‘full circle’ moment.
Callum Turner is making such waves that he’s even been touted as the next James Bond with odds of 6/1
The actor, 34, started his career as a fashion model, with one of his first breaks being walking the runway for Louis Vuitton in their 2009 spring/summer Menswear show (pictured)
Josh O’Connor
According to bookmakers William Hill, the bets have been placed on Josh O’Connor as the next Bond.
Josh, 34, who won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown, was sensational – and Sєxy – in Challengers opposite Zendaya.
Josh is fast becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men and is one of several actors, including Paul Mescal, who have sprung to fame for portraying more nuanced sides of masculinity.
Although Josh put it more bluntly in an interview: ‘I think we’re all still trying to figure out what the f*** is wrong with men.’
According to bookmakers William Hill , the bets have been placed on Josh O’Connor as the next Bond (pictured in December 2024)
Henry Cavill
Last month, footage of Henry Cavill’s ‘tremendous’ audition for the role of James Bond resurfaced after he very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig.
The British actor, 41, is among the favourites to replace Daniel as 007 and he has certainly waited a long time for his turn.
In the old tape, Henry did his best to impress the production team as he delivered some of the character’s most famous lines in a bid to beat around eight other stars.
The Superman actor, then 22, cut a laidback figure in a leather jacket and with his dark brown locks slicked back as he stared into the distance and said, ‘Bond, James Bond’, before ordering a ‘vodka martini shaken not stirred’.
Henry channelled his inner Pierce Brosnan as he reprised the Irish star’s performance as the spy in GoldenEye but it was not quite enough to land him the coveted role.
His Jersey-born rival for the role of Ian Fleming’s iconic protagonist has since gone on to have a glittering career, starring as Charles Brandon in The Tudors and Sherlock Holmes as Enola Holmes in a long list of critically-acclaimed appearances.
Casino Royale director Martin Campbell, who was behind the impressive screen test, told the Express that Henry had come close to becoming Bond but his age had been a problem.
He said: ‘He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn’t exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond.
‘He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiselled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.’
The director added that Henry might now be too old to step into the spy’s shoes, despite being heavily-tipped to succeed Daniel.
‘Henry’s 40, so by the time he’s done the third one he’s going to be 50 and anything beyond that’s two, three years per Bond,’ he said. ‘He’s in good shape Henry, he’s a good guy. He did very well in the audition, but ironically he was too young.’
Last month, footage of Henry Cavill ‘s ‘tremendous’ audition for the role of James Bond resurfaced after he very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig (pictured in April 2024)
In the old tape, Henry did his best to impress the production team as he delivered some of the character’s most famous lines in a bid to beat around eight other stars
Idris Elba
Idris Elba was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
The actor brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy in February 2023.
When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: ‘It’s very dark.
‘We’ve been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we’re here with the first movie.
‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
Idris Elba was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role so he could focus on his deal with Netflix (pictured in November 2018)
Regé-Jean Page
Regé-Jean previously admitted that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped for the iconic role.
He told The Mirror: ‘Ah, the B word. I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that.’
However despite being the bookies favourite, the Brigerton star said he was bemused by the idea of making any plans at ‘this moment in history’ and has ‘given up’ doing so.
He also admitted that he can be a bit of a ‘racehorse’, often signing onto a project and focusing completely on it with the ‘blinders on’.
Regé-Jean previously admitted that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped for the iconic role (pictured in July 2022)
Tom Hardy
Tom confirmed in the past that he wants to be the next 007 – by refusing to talk about the part in fear it will get him blacklisted.
Speaking to the Daily Beast in 2017, he admitted: ‘If I mention it, it’s gone.’
He explained: ‘You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that one!’
But Moneypenny actress Naomie Harris said she believes he should get the part.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, the Moonlight star admitted that she’d ‘never worked with Tom before’ but is clearly a huge fan.
She added: ‘I think what he does is so special and technically difficult. He would make a great Bond but they always pick someone we don’t expect and is up and coming’.
Tom Hardy confirmed in the past that he wants to be the next 007 – by refusing to talk about the part in fear it will get him blacklisted
