Bond-to-be: 10 celebrity names in the mix for Hollywood's most coveted role

It is one of the highest-grossing and longest-running film series of all time, spanning over 60 years, 27 movies and seven actors who have manned the helm as agent 007.

But the question on everyone's lips: which Hollywood heartthrob will be next to take over the coveted James Bond role?

Speculation has been swirling for quite some time, however casting details remain shrouded in secrecy.

So who will be Daniel Craig's worthy successor? We took a look at all the notable names in the mix for the seductive spy.

1. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Much chatter surrounding the Bond-to-be has been centred around enduring favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Long alleged to be a frontrunner in the race to play the titular spy following stand-out performances in Nosferatu (2024) and 28 Years Later (2025), the 32-year-old has now reportedly completed screentests at Pinewood Studios.

Some reports have gone as far as to claim Taylor-Johnson has already been offered the role, but these are unsubstantiated at this stage.

Conflicting reports have stated the actor is now "too old," and that studio execs are looking to cast someone slightly younger.

2. Harris Dickinson

English actor Harris Dickinson, 29, is a relatively new face in the race, but the rising star has undoubtedly stirred some serious buzz of late.

Fresh off the back of a starring role alongside Nicole Kidman in the raunchy 2024 hit Babygirl, and with a smattering of other notably strong performances under his belt, (Where the Crawdads Sing, The Iron Claw and The Triangle of Sadness, to name a few) Dickinson will certainly be one to watch as the race heats up.

It has been alleged Dickinson has attended an audition for the role.

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3. Rege-Jean Page

Rege-Jean Page – our favourite Duke – seemingly vanished off the face of the earth following his untimely departure from Shonda Rhimes' steamy period romance Bridgerton.

But the star, 37, has now reappeared on the scene in spectacular fashion – and he's not exactly dispelling the Bond rumours with his latest offering.

Page is set to star in upcoming American spy thriller Black Bag alongside big names Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender.

In fact, a lot of the spy thriller's cast boast spy-heavy resumes; with former Bond Pierce Brosnan also attached to the project in a leading role.

Should Page manage to secure Bond, he'd make history as the first person of colour to stamp his signature on the iconic role – which would be a long overdue freshen-up for the 007 role.

4. Callum Turner

Known by many as the beau of pop star Dua Lipa, Callum Turner has risen from relative obscurity to become a genuine contender for Agent 007.

According to recent reports, the Emma star, 35, is now the red-hot favourite to succeed Daniel Craig.

The charming Brit has allegedly overtaken a number of fellow Bond hopefuls to be considered the current frontrunner, with betting odds reportedly now tipped in his favour.

Turner most recently appears alongside Marvel Cinematic Universe alum Elizabeth Olsen and Top Gun: Maverick dish Miles Teller in the film Eternity.

Could this relative newcomer be peaking at exactly the right time to strike it big with Bond?

5. Theo James

The collective crush of every teen in 2014, Theo James catapulted to stardom through his role as the broody leading man in the Divergent franchise.

Though the series was cut short due to a poor box office turnout for it's final offering, Allegiant, 40-year-old Theo James has remained firmly in our hearts ever since.

In the aftermath of his Divergent debut, James has gone on to star in a spate of notable projects, including The White Lotus, The Time Traveller's Wife and heist hit The Gentlemen – which arguably has served as a tidy eight-episode audition tape for Bond.

James has demonstrated real scope and depth on the silver screen, so could that be enough to land him one of the most lauded big-screen roles of all time?

6. Tom Holland

Can Tom Holland be Spider-Man AND James Bond in one lifetime? Apparently it's a distinct possibility.

The actor, 29, has had his name attached to countless high-profile projects over the years, and racked up his fair share of adoring fans in that time.

However, producers are reportedly looking for prospects with "rising careers" who have not yet achieved household-name status – and Holland, the face of one of the biggest comic book characters of all time, certainly does not fit that criteria.

Despite this, he is rumoured to have been among the names to covertly audition for the role.

7. Jacob Elordi 

We have an Aussie in the mix – though studio execs are unlikely to be outsourcing foreign talent, Jacob Elordi's name has been thrown around nonetheless.

While there's a lower chance of the iconic role going to a non-Brit, the 28-year-old Elordi has perhaps risen to prominence at just the right time to be considered.

Either way, we're certainly looking forward to seeing him as the broody Heathcliff in Emerald Fennel's steamy adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic Wuthering Heights in 2026.

8. Jonathan Bailey

Who better to man the Bond helm than People's sexiest man alive?

Yet another Bridgerton alum (although OG fans may recognise him from British murder mystery Broadchurch), Jonathan Bailey has essentially been charming the pants off fans full-time for the the past five years straight – and the latest leg of his Wicked: For Good press tour has been no exception.

It's undeniable he exudes charm and suaveness in spades, but does he possess the chops necessary for Bond's more gritty, morally ambiguous moments?

Well, if Bailey's performance in queer drama Fellow Travellers is anything to go by, then that would be a resounding yes.

He has certainly been trailblazing of late as the first openly gay man to be crowned People's sexiest – but is the world ready for the first LGBT actor to portray the iconic spy? We hope so!

9. George MacKay

Perhaps a lesser-known name, though still oozing oodles of charm, George MacKay has emerged as a strong contender for Bond seemingly overnight.

Known best for his heart wrenching performance in World War I epic 1917, 33-year-old MacKay has been the subject of online Bond speculation in recent weeks.

Admittedly, the rumours surrounding MacKay have been more akin to internet casting than any legitimate noise from studio execs.

The actor has revealed that he has not yet been approached about the role, but has said that should casting come knocking, he'd certainly consider throwing his hat in the ring.

10. Paul Mescal

His is the name on everyone's lips recently.

Paul Mescal rose to superstardom following his raw portrayal of the complicated Connell Waldron in the television adaptation of Sally Rooney's bestseller Normal People.

Since then, he's well and truly made a name for himself, racking up awards nominations for various performances and solidifying himself as true leading man material.

And his name is now frequently featured featured amongst betting odds and fan discussions alike, with his recent role in Gladiator 2 triggering a surge of speculation about him taking on the iconic role.

Additional honourable mentions in the mix – though likely ruled out due to the studio's reported preference for younger faces – include Superman alum Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Richard Madden.

We are all undoubtedly waiting with bated breath for the next James Bond to be officially crowned – but unfortunately, we may be waiting a while longer.

Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been attached to direct the project, which is tentatively slated for a 2028 release.

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