The search for the next James Bond is officially heating up. With No Time to Die marking Daniel Craig’s swan song in 2021, fans have spent the last few years speculating who could possibly take up the mantle of cinema’s most iconic spy. Now, according to a report from Variety, Amazon and franchise producers have started narrowing their focus and they’re going young.
The studio is reportedly looking for a British actor under 30 to lead the next era of Bond films. At the top of the current shortlist are Jacob Elordi (Saltburn), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl). While Elordi is Australian, the report notes that his nationality wouldn’t disqualify him. George Lazenby, who played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was also Australian.
This younger direction appears to rule out some of the internet’s favorite fan picks. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (35), Henry Cavill (42), and Idris Elba (52) are all considered outside the studio’s target age range. Although those names have dominated headlines for years, Variety reports that no meetings have taken place yet for any actor.
This update comes alongside another major Bond development. Director Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) has been selected to helm Bond 26. Villeneuve was chosen over notable contenders including Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. However, with Villeneuve also committed to directing Dune: Messiah, Bond’s next chapter likely will not hit theaters until 2028.
The new direction also reflects a shift in the franchise’s control. For decades, the Broccoli family maintained tight creative authority over Bond, but they’ve now stepped back and are keeping only a financial stake. Amazon is quickly moving to lock down a writer, and with a clear interest in launching a younger version of 007, casting news could arrive soon.
Until then, fans can only speculate. And for Bond fans, that’s always part of the fun.
Source:
Variety
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