Harris Dickinson represents the younger, highly acclaimed tier of contenders whose combination of classic leading-man looks and gritty indie credibility fits the mold for an origin-style 007 reboot. Dickinson first made waves with his breakthrough performance in Beach Rats (2017), which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
He quickly moved into blockbuster territory, starring as Conrad Oxford in the action-packed spy prequel The King's Man (2021), Prince Phillip in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), and a lead in the Palme d'Or-winning satire Triangle of Sadness (2022). His profile has continued to soar with roles in the wrestling drama The Iron Claw (2023), the mystery miniseries A Murder at the End of the World (2023), and the thriller Babygirl (2024).
Callum Turner has emerged as one of the top favorites in the betting odds, with his suave physique and commanding screen presence making him a natural contender for James Bond. Turner broke out in British television before capturing international attention as Theseus Scamander, the heroic older brother of Newt, in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
He demonstrated his action credentials and dramatic gravitas starring as Major John "Bucky" Egan in Apple TV’s WWII epic Masters of the Air, and gained critical acclaim for his BAFTA-nominated performance in the BBC surveillance thriller The Capture. His diverse portfolio also includes George Clooney's The Boys in the Boat (2023), the period romance Emma (2020), and high-intensity roles in indie hits like Green Room (2025).
Jack Lowden has surged to the top of bookmaker odds as a favorite to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond. The Scottish actor gained widespread recognition playing RAF pilot Collins in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017) and Lord Darnley in Mary Queen of Scots (2018).
He has also starred in the BBC miniseries War & Peace (2016) and played Morrissey in the biographical drama England Is Mine (2017). Most recently, Lowden earned an Emmy nomination for his performance as agent River Cartwright in the hit Apple TV spy series Slow Horses—a role that has directly fueled speculation around his readiness to play 007.
Richard Madden, of Game of Thrones fame, has already garnered a sizable following for his appeal and his range as an actor. Madden would be able to tap into Bond’s ability to be a romantic. He is a hybrid of past Bonds, with noticeable similarities to both Pierce Brosnan and George Lazenby. If Madden were to take the reigns, 007 would regain a sense of austere chivalry.
Even when cast in terrible movies (...Seventh Son...), Ben Barnes has an undeniable likeability. Barnes would be able to show the side of Bond that is fashionable and charming. The man has the style and demeanor of a supermodel, but he can also hold his own in a fight. You could do a lot worse than Barnes.
At the mere mention of Idris Elba playing the legendary spy, many angered movie goers took to the internet to voice their opinions that the actor betrayed the nature of the character because of his race. However, the buzz only helped his chance at becoming Bond, as many influential figures came to his aid. Elba has already demonstrated his capabilities as a lead actor, and he has a debonair essence that might make for a convincing Bond.
This Irish-German actor is one of the most prominent talents working in the film industry today. He is able to tackle roles that have earned him many award nominations, as well as parts in blockbuster superhero movies. It seems the man can do no wrong. He is a smooth talker and a powerful force. Could he be the next James Bond? It is a long shot to say the very least, but there are many who would turn out to see what he is able to bring to the role.
Still making a name for himself, Aiden Turner is most recognized by audiences as Kili the dwarf in the Hobbit trilogy. This Irish actor could use his experience from the theatre stage to give the already-classy Bond a sense of refinement and taste. Given the opportunity, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his grace and charisma accentuated as the womanizing 007.
Probably the frontrunner in the race for the new bond is Damien Lewis. You may know him from his brilliant stint on Homeland. He is suave, but he also has the capability to be frightening. It is a good balance to strike when you are looking for a replacement for Craig. And let’s be honest: It’s about time we had a ginger Bond. Remember back in 2006 when people were upset because Bond was blonde? What would they say to this?
A female bond? Well, why not? In this summer’s smash hit Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Rebecca Ferguson proved that she is more than able to toe the line between sultry and kicking butt. She has enough of a following that she would bring fans to the theater, but she isn’t so famous that she is attached to another character in the minds of viewers. In fact, now that I’ve put the idea in your head, you’re kind of rooting for her, aren’t you?
