James Bond Boss Gives Update on Casting

The crowds gathered at this week’s CinemaCon trade show got what they were hoping for on Wednesday when Amazon MGM Studios’ head of film Courtenay Valenti shared some James Bond casting news. Unfortunately, we’re no closer to learning who will take over the 007 role from Daniel Craig. 

Valenti wasn’t shy about addressing the elephant in the room. While discussing the studios’ upcoming project with the crowd of attendees at the movie industry’s largest global trade show, she was quick to address the question on everyone’s mind, as The Hollywood Reporter noted.   

“Now, I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond,” Valentin said. “Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”

“What I can tell you is this,” she added. “When you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight, you’re setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”

Who Are the Actors in Contention to Play the Next James Bond?

Ever since Craig announced that he was retiring from his role as the legendary superspy in 2019, dozens of names have circulated as to who could fill his shoes. Initially, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Cillian Murphy, and Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page seemed to be the main frontrunners. 

While Page called the rumors flattering, he has repeatedly stated that he has had no formal discussions. Cavill and Murphy, meanwhile, have both counted themselves out, saying they’re probably too old to play the part. Elba, however, has said that the racist backlash to his name as a possible contender has “made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting.”

While appearing on the SmartLess podcast, the Golden Globe-winning Luther star Elba spoke out about the casting rumors, admitting that he “was super complimented for a long time about this. We’re all actors and we understand that role is one of those coveted [roles]... Being asked to be James Bond [would be] like: ‘OK, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle.’ That’s one of those things the whole world has a vote in.” 

However, the negative response from some about a Black actor playing Bond became too much for The Wire star to deal with. “It was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except for some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered,” he said. “Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race. And it became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.”

Who Do Oddsmakers Say Will Be the Next James Bond?

Given the iconic nature of the role, oddsmakers have long been speculating about who could take the keys to Bond’s Aston Martin—and right now there’s one name at the top of their list: Burberry model-turned-actor Callum Turner. The Masters of the Air star, who is engaged to Dua Lipa, is quietly building his career to leading man status and could be at just the right stage in his career to make the 007 leap.

Other names currently being bandied about include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Theo James, Paul Mescal, Tom Hardy, Josh O’Connor, Jack Lowdon, Harris Dickinson, James Norton, and Tom Holland. 

When Will Bond 26 Be Released?

Given that the lead role has yet to be announced, filming has not yet begun on the film—which could mean it will be a while before we see a new Bond on our screens. Four-time Oscar nominee Villeneuve, who will direct the film, has already confirmed that work on the new Bond movie wouldn’t begin until after he was done with Dune: Part Three, which is slated for a Christmas release later this year. 

As such, filming is not expected to begin until 2027, with an anticipated 2028 release date.