What After No Time To Die? Who Will Be The Next 007?

It’s been over three years since we saw Daniel Craig as James Bond for the final time in No Time to Die. Since then, fans and the media have been speculating non-stop about who will be the next 007, but no official announcement has been made yet. Although some hints have now emerged, a definitive answer likely won’t come until 2025, according to The Scotsman. Here are some of the top candidates who may don the iconic tuxedo next.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been a strong frontrunner since early 2023, with rumours suggesting he was formally offered the role. However, the actor has skillfully dodged questions on the topic, and no official confirmation has come yet, leaving fans guessing. Known for his lead roles in Kick-Ass and Avengers: Age of Ultron, as well as this year’s Kraven the Hunter, Taylor-Johnson has proven his action-star capabilities, making him a compelling choice for Bond.

Paul Mescal

Irish actor Paul Mescal has gained attention recently as a potential Bond. With his role in Gladiator 2 on the horizon, Mescal is quickly becoming a household name. While some doubt his fit for Bond due to his age (28), he has had a stellar rise to fame, including an Oscar nomination for Aftersun and his breakout role in Normal People. His increasing popularity has sparked serious discussions about his potential as Bond, even though he’s younger than the traditionally more seasoned character.

James Norton

James Norton is known for his impressive television roles in Happy Valley, War and Peace, and Grantchester. While his talent has made him a strong contender for Bond, there are concerns about whether he’s ready to carry a major film franchise. However, at 38, he is considered an ideal age to step into the role and hold it for years. His experience and charisma make him a solid pick if he can make the leap from television to blockbuster films.

Henry Cavill

Having played Superman since 2013, Henry Cavill is no stranger to iconic roles. At 41, Cavill has had a long and diverse career, but his chances of becoming Bond have recently faded, according to The Scotsman. Despite his previous status as a favourite, Cavill’s association with multiple franchises may be a drawback for Bond producers, who likely prefer someone with fewer franchise ties.

Damson Idris

London-based actor Damson Idris is a newer name in the Bond conversation but is making waves. At 32, he brings fresh energy to the table, and his performances in Black Mirror and Snowfall have showcased his range. Idris will also star alongside Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem in an upcoming F1 movie, which is expected to boost his profile even further, making him an exciting prospect for the role.

Callum Turner

British actor Callum Turner is best known for his roles in Masters of the Air and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Although he is less famous than other contenders, his relative anonymity could be advantageous, as it allows him to fully embody Bond without prior associations. According to GQ, his status as a lesser-known actor could help producers craft a fresh image of Bond for a new era.

Lashana Lynch: A Different 007?

Lashana Lynch, who played an MI6 agent with the 007 title in No Time to Die, made headlines back in 2019 for her potential to carry the Bond franchise. However, The Guardian reported that producer Barbara Broccoli has previously stated that Bond would remain male.

Lynch has shared her thoughts on this, saying that while it’s an intriguing idea, she’s unsure if fans or the franchise would be ready for such a significant shift. She talked about this in the Dish From Waitrose podcast.

Lynch will soon return as an MI6 operative in The Day of the Jackal, though it’s unlikely she’ll take on the James Bond role permanently. She closes it off by saying “I think it just throws up so many questions, you know? I dunno. I’m not contracted, by the way.”

The Waiting Game for Bond Fans

As fans eagerly await a final decision, 2025 now seems the most probable time for an announcement. The next Bond will face the task of reshaping the legendary role for modern audiences, and each contender brings unique qualities to the table. For now, the guessing game continues, with fans speculating and hoping for the perfect choice to take over one of cinema’s most iconic roles.