The long wait to discover the identity of the next James Bond could be nearing its end, with a major industry reporter hinting at an imminent announcement. The search for a new 007 has been ongoing since Daniel Craig's definitive exit in No Time To Die, and the process has now entered a critical phase under the franchise's new owner, Amazon MGM Studios.
When Will The New Bond Be Revealed?
Senior Deadline film reporter Justin Kroll has shared a significant prediction on the likely timeline. Appearing on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, Kroll suggested the world may not have to wait much longer. ‘I am predicting summer, if I had to be a betting man,’ Kroll stated. He elaborated that production on the new film, to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, is expected to begin towards the end of 2026 or early 2027, making a casting announcement in the coming months highly probable.
‘Obviously, it could be a little sooner, but from everything people have said since I’ve been back, Bond is more likely middle of the year than first quarter,’ he added. This insight suggests that after years of speculation, Bond fans could finally receive the news they have been anticipating within a matter of weeks.
The Frontrunners For The Iconic Role
Amazon MGM has reportedly narrowed its search down to a shortlist of eight actors. According to widespread reports, the current favourite is Callum Turner, known for his roles in The Capture and Eternals. The actor's confidence appears to be sky-high, with a source telling the Daily Mail that Turner has been ‘blabbing’ the news. ‘Callum is the new Bond; it’s been confirmed,’ the insider claimed, calling it ‘the worst-kept secret going.’
Turner is also the bookmakers' favourite, with Paddy Power suggesting he should ‘get himself measured up with a top-quality tailor for that famous 007 tux.’ His fiancée, singer Dua Lipa, is said to be ‘over the moon’ and has expressed a desire to record a future Bond theme song.
However, the competition remains fierce. The other seven names in serious contention are:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a former front-runner who has been linked to the role for years.
- Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man star.
- Henry Cavill, the former Superman.
- Rising star Jacob Elordi.
- Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden.
- Happy Valley star James Norton.
- Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson.
- The White Lotus alum Theo James.
A New Vision For 007
The next chapter of the Bond franchise is set to be helmed by acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve, with a script by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Villeneuve, the visionary behind Dune and Arrival, is a self-professed Bond fanatic. He confirmed his involvement last year, stating, ‘I grew up watching James Bond films with my father... I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory.’
This combination of a revered director and a fresh actor promises a significant reinvention for the series, which is now under the stewardship of a tech giant. The announcement of the new 007, expected imminently according to industry whispers, will mark the official start of a bold new era for the world's most famous secret agent.
