Few characters are more iconic than James Bond, who still thrills fans more than 70 years after his creation by author Ian Fleming, and he may be entering his most unique era yet. 

Bond is best known on the big screen, starting with Dr. No in 1962, which introduced Sean Connery as 007, and ending most recently with 2021’s No Time to Die starring Daniel Craig – the latter billed as the most politically correct and ‘woke’ James Bond movie yet.

Fleming wrote 12 novels himself before his death in 1964, with several other authors taking over penning the beloved secret agent’s tales ever since.

Amazon announced in March 2022 that it had acquired James Bond distributor MGM for $8.5 billion, and they reportedly shelled out another $1 billion to get rid of longtime franchise caretakers/producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, with other reports claiming a ‘huge change of direction’ for the franchise.

As fans wait for any sort of official news, former Die Another Day Bond girl Halle Berry has recently made headlines for her surprising take on whether or not there should be a female James Bond.

With the film franchise now entirely under the control of Amazon and its incredibly deep $2 trillion pockets, DailyMail.com is taking a look at the H๏τtest contenders for the new James Bond…

Few characters are more iconic than James Bond , who still thrills fans more than 70 years after his creation by author Ian Fleming, and he may be entering his most unique era yet – Sean Connery is seen in 1983’s Never Say Never Again

With the film franchise now entirely under the control of Amazon and its incredibly deep $2 trillion pockets, we’re taking a look at some possible casting scenarios for the new James Bond – Daniel Craig is seen as 007 in 2021’s No Time To Die

Bond creator Ian Fleming (middle) wrote 12 novels himself before his death in 1964, with several other authors taking over penning the beloved secret agent’s tales ever since

HALLE BERRY’S FEMALE BOND TAKE 

Halle Berry famously played beloved Bond girl Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day, the final Bond turn of Pierce Brosnan’s run.

The 58-year-old actress was part of the Cannes Film Festival jury press conference on Tuesday, when she was asked about the possibility of a lady Bond.

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When asked about a female Bond – or whether she herself would be interested in the iconic role, Berry said (via Variety), ‘I don’t know if 007 should be a woman.’

She was also asked about a potential Jinx spin-off, stating, ‘there was a time that that could have happened. Probably should have happened. I would have loved for that to happen.’

Her character Giacinta “Jinx” Johnson was a National Security Agency (NSA) agent who crosses paths with 007, played by Pierce Brosnan in his final turn as the spy.

She tells Bond that her Jinx nickname came from the fact that she was born on Friday the 13th. 

The film was a box office hit, earning $160.9 million at the domestic box office and $271 million overseas for $431.9 million worldwide.

After that film the franchise went on a four-year hiatus before Daniel Craig was cast for 2006’s Casino Royale.

Now let’s explore some of the archetypes of this dapper spy, known around the world for his martinis shaken not stirred, his trusty Walther PPK and three numbers: 007…

Halle Berry famously played beloved Bond girl Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day, the final Bond turn of Pierce Brosnan’s run

She was also asked about a potential Jinx spin-off, stating, ‘there was a time that that could have happened. Probably should have happened. I would have loved for that to happen.’

THE JAMES BOND BRAND

There have been six actors who have played the beloved MI6 agent on the big screen: Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and most recently, Daniel Craig.

The first two Bonds – Connery and Lazenby – were by far the youngest in the franchise, with Connery filming Dr. No when he was just 31, and Lazenby filming On Her Majesty’s Secret Service at the young age of 29.

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After Lazenby’s sole film and Connery’s one-film return in 1973’s Diamonds Are Forever, they went with a more debonair approach, casting 44-year-old Roger Moore for 1973’s Live And Let Die.

Moore had a seven-film run (still the longest in franchise history), though they started going a bit younger, casting 40-year-old Timothy Dalton for his two-film run in 1987’s The Living Daylights and 1989’s License to Kill, and 41-year-old Pierce Brosnan for his four-film run.

Daniel Craig was just 37 when he was cast in 2006’s Casino Royale, the first of his five-film run as 007.

Each have the classic good looks the character is known for, and amazingly, all five actors are within four inches of each other – with Connery the tallest Bond at 6-foot-2-inches (188 cm) and Craig the shortest at 5-foot-10 inches (178 cm).

The Bond actors have always been white men who are either born in the U.K. or have British ties – Brosnan was born in Ireland but went to school in London while Lazenby was born in Australia but moved to London to pursue modeling.

With Amazon now in full control of this iconic franchise – and the studio bringing aboard respected producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal to steer the franchise last month – we decided to take a look down some of the many routes this franchise could go… and who down those routes might be cast as James Bond.

After Lazenby’s sole film and Connery’s one-film return in 1973’s Diamonds Are Forever, they went with a more debonair approach, casting 44-year-old Roger Moore (above right) for 1973’s Live And Let Die

Moore had a seven-film run (still the longest in franchise history), though they started going a bit younger, casting 40-year-old Timothy Dalton for his two-film run in 1987’s The Living Daylights and 1989’s License to Kill, and 41-year-old Pierce Brosnan (above) for his four-film run

Daniel Craig (above) was just 37 when he was cast in 2006’s Casino Royale, the first of his five-film run as 007, so they were seemingly deliberately looking younger each time around

BOND STAYS A BRIT

There has been a huge movement behind Hackney, London-born Idris Elba playing 007 for more than a decade, which would make him the first black James Bond.

If Amazon is looking for a Brit in his late 30s or early 40s, perhaps one of the most obvious choices would be Henry Cavill, who fits the bill in terms of age (41), height (6-foot-1-inches) and overall debonair-ness.

Another intriguing choice could be Nicholas Hoult, 35, who would be the tallest Bond on the big screen at 6-foot-3, and has that tall and dashing look that would fit the character to a T.

Robert Pattinson would raise some eyebrows as well, going from Twilight to Batman to Bond, but at 38 and 6-foot-1, he does make sense as well.

Others who could seemingly fit the British bill include Tom Hiddleston (Thor), Joseph Morgan (The Originals), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), Tom Mison (Sleepy Hollow)… but another intriguing option would be to cast a much younger Brit.

There has been a huge movement behind Idris Elba playing 007 for more than a decade, which would make him the first black James Bond

Perhaps one of the most obvious choices would be Henry Cavill, who fits the bill in terms of age (41), height (6-foot-1-inches) and overall debonair-ness

Another intriguing choice could be Nicholas Hoult, 35, who would be the tallest Bond on the big screen at 6-foot-3, and has that tall and dashing look that would fit the character to a T

Robert Pattinson would raise some eyebrows as well, going from Twilight to Batman to Bond, but at 38 and 6-foot-1, he does make sense as well

BOND BECOMES BABY BRIT

One way to really shake (not stir) things up when it comes to Bond casting would be to go much, much younger than they’ve ever gone before – early to mid-20s.

The original Ian Fleming novels revealed that Bond’s parents died in a climbing accident when he was just 11, and he was raised by his aunt after that.

While Bond hasn’t been that young on the big screen, there is a series of books called Young Bond, following the future spy’s exploits as a teenager at Eton College in Berkshire, which could be mined for this potential Bond re-launch.

The films don’t particularly touch on Bond’s family too much, and one way in for a new Bond could be MI6 taking a young man with no family under their wing.

If Amazon did want to go the younger route, Tom Holland would possibly be the most obvious choice, though at 5-foot-7, he would be the shortest Bond on record. However, his worldwide fame, action chops and franchise experience would be huge ᴀssets.

If they wanted to lean into a taller Bond, a good choice could be Harris Dickinson (Babygirl, The Iron Claw), who is certainly dashing enough to pull off 007.

Another intriguing prospective Bond is actually right in between the ‘Baby” Bond and the typical Brit Bond, which is Joe Alwyn, the 34-year-old actor (and Taylor Swift ex), who recently had a big career boost with his turn in Best Picture nominee The Brutalist.

Other young and handsome Brits who could be the Baby Bond include Ewan Mitchell (House of the Dragon), Kit Connor (Heartstopper) and Paul Mescal (Gladiator II).

If Amazon did want to go the younger route, Tom Holland would possibly be the most obvious choice, though at 5-foot-7, he would be the shortest Bond on record. However, his worldwide fame, action chops and franchise experience would be huge ᴀssets

If they wanted to lean into a taller Bond, a good choice could be Harris Dickinson (Babygirl, The Iron Claw), who is certainly dashing enough to pull off 007

Another intriguing prospective Bond is actually right in between the ‘Baby” Bond and the typical Brit Bond, which is Joe Alwyn, the 34-year-old actor (and Taylor Swift ex), who recently had a big career boost with his turn in Best Picture nominee The Brutalist

BOND BECOMES AMERICAN

Removing the caveat that James Bond must be British would certainly be controversial for longtime fans of the franchise, but without Broccoli and Wilson at the helm, it’s a possibility.

There would be logistical challenges to overcome – like how would an American become a British secret agent – but they are not insurmountable.

For example, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) website reveals that applicants need to be British citizens and must have lived in the U.K. for at least 7 of the past 10 years.

So if Amazon did indeed wish for the secret agent to be American, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility, though it would certainly take some getting used to for many fans.

Still, within the age and height parameters that have already been set forth, one of the top candidates would likely be Glenn Powell (36 years of age 6-foot tall), who is one of the H๏τtest actors in Hollywood at the moment and would certainly fit the bill sipping martinis in a tuxedo.

Adam Driver (41 years of age, 6-foot-2-inches tall), would likely be another strong contender, since he has both franchise experience (Star Wars) and Oscar-worthy acting chops.

They could also go the ‘nepo baby’ route as well with Wyatt Russell (Thunderbolts) – the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn – or Jack Quaid (Novocaine) – the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan), who both have the height and the leading man qualities to pull it off.

Other possibilities for an American James Bond would include Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Austin Butler (Elvis) and Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois).

Still, within the age and height parameters that have already been set forth, one of the top candidates would likely be Glenn Powell (36 years of age 6-foot tall), who is one of the H๏τtest actors in Hollywood at the moment and would certainly fit the bill sipping martinis in a tuxedo

Adam Driver (41 years of age, 6-foot-2-inches tall), would likely be another strong contender, since he has both franchise experience (Star Wars) and Oscar-worthy acting chops

They could also go the ‘nepo baby’ route as well with Wyatt Russell (Thunderbolts) – the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn – or Jack Quaid (Novocaine) – the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan), who both have the height and the leading man qualities to pull it off.

THE FIRST BLACK JAMES BOND 

Elba – who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage – was rumored for years to be the frontrunner to become next Bond – but later said he was affected by criticism over a black actor taking the role.

He said: ‘Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it.’

Hollywood megastar Michael B. Jordan, 38, who is African-American, was also previously rumored to have turned down the role.

In 2022 British Star Wars actor John Boyega, 33, who is of Nigerian heritage, said he doubted there would ever be a black James Bond.

He said: ‘I’m sorry but I’m black— I don’t know how….

Elba – who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage – was rumored for years to be the frontrunner to become next Bond – but later said he was affected by criticism over a black actor taking the role – pictured with Daniel Craig

Hollywood megastar Michael B. Jordan, 38, who is African-American, was also previously rumored to have turned down the role

In 2022 British Star Wars actor John Boyega, 33, who is of Nigerian heritage, said he doubted there would ever be a black James Bond

Earlier this month rapper A$AP Rocky, 36, threw his hat into the ring to play 007 amid his new starring role in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest

‘When you’re black, I don’t know how that goes. You as a white man grew up in a society as a white man and that’s normal. That’s normal to you. Even the mention of a black Bond is like ‘Oh, okay.’

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He added he would find it ‘very surprising’ if a black actor was hired. 

Earlier this month rapper A$AP Rocky, 36, threw his hat into the ring to play 007 amid his new starring role in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.

He told Variety: ‘I think I need to be the new Black James Bond. Like, why not?’

‘If we hit the gym, I’ma be aight. Right now I’m in dad mode; you’re gonna have to give me a couple months.’

The musician is currently expecting his third child with partner Rihanna.

BOND BECOMES A WOMAN

If Amazon really wants to shake things up, they could make the super-spy a woman – with a slew of ᴀss-kicking Hollywood superstars who could be considered.

British actress Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Jungle Cruise) has both the popularity, and the action chops to be one of the top choices, if Amazon should go this way.

American star Jennifer Lawrence would also likely be a top choice given her action background in The Hunger Games, Oscar-nominated acting ability and global popularity.

Action heroines like Ana De Armas (Ballerina), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Sofia Boutella (The Mummy) would also be worthy of consideration.

If they wanted to go younger, Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-ᴀss), Joey King (The Princess), Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) and Sydney Sweeney (Anyone But You) would be top choices as well.

However, the biggest change that could – and most likely would – happen to James Bond under Amazon’s control, would be a change of mediums.

Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Jungle Cruise) has both the popularity, the action chops and the British heritage to be one of the top choices, if Amazon should go this way.

Jennifer Lawrence would also likely be a top choice given her action background in The Hunger Games, Oscar-nominated acting ability and global popularity.

BOND BECOMES A TV STAR

The biggest tradition within the franchise that has endured for over six decades is that Bond has been a movie franchise.

With Amazon taking the reins, it wouldn’t be surprising if they tried to maximize the franchise value by turning it into a TV series on their Prime Video streaming service.

Why make a two-hour movie when you can make an eight or 10 or 12-episode TV series that gives fans more things to watch?

Of course, there would be nothing from stopping Amazon from making theatrical movies as well, but a James Bond TV series would certainly drive the kind of traffic to their Prime Video streaming service that they’d be looking for after an $8.5 billion acquisition as big as MGM.

A TV series could be how they delve into the “Baby Bond” or Young James Bond idea, starting the franchise anew with a young actor who could potentially play the same character for years and potentially decades to come.

The move would certainly be a controversial one, but depending on how they try to shape the franchise for a TV model, I can’t imagine that the droves of fans wouldn’t follow the beloved character to the small screen.

Surely, there will be purists and detractors against the move to the small screen, but the fanbase is certainly huge enough to withstand the barrage of negative energy.

Who do YOU think should be the next James Bond? Let us know in the comments below!