Three frontrunners for the iconic 007 role have emerged after Denis Villeneuve was officially confirmed as the director of the 26th James Bond film.
Amazon MGM, which now holds the rights to the franchise, is said to be eyeing a younger actor under the age of 30 for the upcoming reboot, set for release in 2028.
The top contenders include Spider-Man star Tom Holland, Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson, known for his role in The Triangle of Sadness.
All three fit the reported age bracket and have emerged as fan favourites in early speculation.
Among the top contenders now are Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson
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While long-rumoured candidates like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, and Henry Cavill, 42, are still being discussed, their age could be a disqualifying factor if the production sticks to its under-30 preference.
Longtime fan favourite Idris Elba, now 52, appears increasingly unlikely to take the role after years of speculation.
Meanwhile, a new name has also entered the conversation – Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet.
The actor’s odds of stepping into the role have shortened, largely due to his strong working relationship with Villeneuve.
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Meanwhile, a new name has also entered the conversation – Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet.
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Chalamet starred in both Dune and Dune: Part Two under Villeneuve’s direction, with both films becoming major critical and commercial successes.
The collaboration has fuelled speculation that the director may want to bring Chalamet into the Bond fold.
According to fresh odds from Ladbrokes, Chalamet is now placed at 16/1 to become the next 007 – a significant move up the rankings.
Last week, Amazon MGM officially announced that Villeneuve would be taking the helm of the new Bond film.
Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the next James Bond director GETTY
The Canadian director, celebrated for his work on Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and Dune, expressed deep personal connection to the franchise.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said.
“I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan.”
He added: “To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.
“This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”