{"id":687265,"date":"2026-01-10T18:22:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/687265\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T18:22:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:22:23","slug":"theres-8-frontrunners-to-play-james-bond-only-one-is-qualified-to-play-007-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/687265\/","title":{"rendered":"There’s 8 frontrunners to play James Bond – only one is qualified to play 007"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Editorial
\n\t\tWord on the street is we may have our new James Bond (Picture: Col Pics\/Everett\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

If Callum Turner\u2019<\/a>s pals are to be believed, we have our new James Bond.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a new dawn for James Bond<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It has to be, after the secret service agent was killed off at the end of No Time To Die<\/a> \u2014 a sacrificial death that marked the close of a 68-year chapter.<\/p>\n

What happens next for 007 is, as it stands, somewhat of a mystery. The franchise has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios,<\/a> which, for better or worse, signifies a full revamp of the Bond universe. It\u2019s no longer just about a blockbuster every four years.<\/p>\n

There could be multiple Bonds at once<\/a> \u2014 on the big and small screen. Animated series, TV dramas, and (heaven forbid) a reality TV competition to find the next Bond girl all suddenly seem possible \u2013 even likely.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For fans, though, we\u2019re off to a promising start: Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct the next instalment,<\/a> with Peaky Blinders<\/a> creator Steven Knight<\/a> writing the script.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Editorial
\n\t\tDaniel Craig retired from the Bond franchise in 2021 after five films as 007 (Picture: Col Pics\/Everett\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

However, aftermore than a year of speculation, it\u2019s never felt more certain that Daniel Craig\u2019s successor has been chosen with reports claiming that the Masters of the Air star and boyfriend to singer Dua Lipa<\/a> \u2013 widely tipped to be recording the next Bond theme \u2013 has already been blabbing to friends that he\u2019s not just in the running to front the billion-dollar franchise, it\u2019s already in the bag.<\/p>\n

Aaron Taylor-Johnson<\/a>, who made an early splash playing a young John Lennon<\/a> in 2009\u2019s Nowhere Boy, was the hot favourite with bookies until the supposed bombshell that Turner told friends he\u2019d snatched the part instead. For me, that film remains his peak.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tAaron Taylor-Johnson was the favourite for years (Picture: Aldara Zarraoa\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The following year, Johnson proved he could crush a villain or two in Kick-Ass, and later joined the MCU as cocky mutant Quicksilver. But somewhere along the way, he lost the edge that made him interesting. <\/p>\n

The unbearably bad Kraven the Hunter, with its 15% Rotten Tomatoes score, is still too fresh to be forgiven ahead of the next Bond film, should it arrive within the next decade.<\/p>\n

There have been eight front-runners to play the next James Bond. Turner is now leading the pack, but nothing is certain until confirmation comes from Amazon MGM Studios. However, there is one who has proven they are really the only one truly qualified to play 007.<\/p>\n

So who else is in the running, and who should be the one to wear the tux?<\/p>\n

Callum Turner<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Mandatory
\n\t\tCould Callum be about to get a license to kill? (Picture: Kristina Bumphrey\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

Of all the frontrunners, Callum Turner is the one name I\u2019d always have put money on even before he supposedly confirmed the news himself \u2013 though, I remain highly sceptical of this.<\/p>\n

His celebrity is in the sweet spot: not too famous, not too obscure. Sure, fans may know him as Dua Lipa\u2019s partner or starring in Fantastic Beasts, but there\u2019s still mystery there \u2013 much like Bond himself.<\/p>\n

Previous Bonds were recognisable, but not massive stars. Turner fits the mould.<\/p>\n

He has undeniable sex appeal, and I\u2019ve never seen him be anything less than brilliant. If Amazon\u2019s Bond is a younger, more formative version of 007 \u2013 which it might be \u2013 Turner could fit. But even then, there\u2019s still something a little too boyish for me to fully buy him as Bond, or not yet at least. <\/p>\n

Tom Holland<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"Spider-Man:
\n\t\tTom Holland makes an excellent Peter Parker \u2013 but he\u2019s just not right for Bond (Picture: Jeff Spicer\/Getty Images for Sony)<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why Tom Holland is on this list. He is far too popular already, <\/a>his fanbase is far too young and in the loveliest way possible, he is just too well-recognised for being gentle and kind to ever be believable as an arrogant, serial womaniser like Bond.<\/p>\n

No offence to everyone else on this list, but Tom Holland is just far too pure to play 007.<\/p>\n

Henry Cavill<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"Mandatory
\n\t\tHe looks good in a tux, but Henry Cavill isn\u2019t the right fit for 007 (Picture: NurPhoto\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

Is it possible to be too suave, sexy and sophisticated for Bond? Apparently so. Henry Cavill may be too James Bond to take the franchise in a direction <\/a>that feels right for the brand, but also new and unexpected.<\/p>\n

He was criminally underrated as Superman in Man of Steel, the film that was to launch a new star, but was met with an undeserved lukewarm reception. As The Witcher, he was stoic, brooding and pulled off Gerald\u2019s dry wit.<\/p>\n

He ticks every box \u2014 and that may be the problem. Cavill as Bond feels a little too predictable.<\/p>\n

Jacob Elordi<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tJacob Elordi is probably just too indie arthouse for the role (Picture: Dominique Charriau\/WireImage)<\/p>\n

Jacob Elordi<\/a> is, quite simply, the moment \u2014 or at least he will be over the next 12 months. Since commanding attention on Euphoria, he has quickly cemented himself as a spectacular talent, now on a course for possible Oscar success with roles in Emerald Fennell\u2019s already-controversial Wuthering Heights<\/a> and Guillermo del Toro\u2019s Frankenstein.<\/a><\/p>\n

There are very few actors this could be said about, but given the direction Elordi seems to be going, Bond \u2014 or any franchise lead \u2014 feels somehow beneath him.<\/p>\n

Jack Lowden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"2025
\n\t\tCould the people handle a ginger Bond? (Picture: Stephane Cardinale \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

James Bond is essentially everything Jack Lowden\u2019s Slow Horses <\/a>character River Cartwright isn\u2019t: slick, cold, effortlessly cool. Not to say Lowden couldn\u2019t pull that off, but his strength lies in his relatability.<\/p>\n

He is the perfect River \u2014 complex, grounded, quietly charismatic. If anything, Lowden\u2019s take on Bond would bring a much-needed humanity to the role. It\u2019d be an interesting gear change\u2026 I just don\u2019t know if it\u2019s the one I want to see.<\/p>\n

James Norton<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"LONDON,
\n\t\tJames Norton would be a better fit as a Bond villain than as Bond himself (Picture: Mike Marsland\/WireImage)<\/p>\n

Since Daniel Craig left Bond behind, James Norton has been the most consistent name tipped to take his place, <\/a>and it\u2019s clear to see why. He has the charm, the unhinged sex appeal that came from playing a psychopath in Sally Wainwright\u2019s Happy Valley, and is one of the most diverse actors on the list.<\/p>\n

He has said, however, that while he would love to appear in Bond, he would rather be the villain. He\u2019s also turned his nose up at actors who play one character their whole life for the \u2018fast cars and clothes\u2019. <\/p>\n

Even with the seven or even eight-figure paycheck that comes with playing Bond, Norton\u2019s heart doesn\u2019t sound like it\u2019s in it. Daniel Craig loved Bond; he cared so deeply about him that I still think that is partly why he was one of the best to ever do it.<\/p>\n

Norton has played one of the greatest TV villains this century; the thought of playing another in a Bond movie excites me much more than him playing 007 himself.<\/p>\n

Harris Dickinson<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"CANNES,
\n\t\tHarris Dickinson would be an unexpected but exciting choice for the role (Picture: Stephane Cardinale \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The only other contender who I think has the chops to carry the Bond franchise into this new and uncertain chapter is Harris Dickinson<\/a>. Despite starring in several big-name projects<\/a>, he\u2019s arguably one of the lesser-known names on the list \u2014 and that\u2019s historically a plus for Bond.<\/p>\n

Ideally, a good Bond enters the role with audiences knowing little about their past work. The less baggage, the easier it is to fully immerse in the world of the secret agent, without the shadow of the actor that came before.<\/p>\n

In Babygirl<\/a>, Dickinson oozes the sexual gravitas needed to play a young intern who confidently seduces his powerful CEO, played by Nicole Kidman.<\/a><\/p>\n

He balanced boyish charm with a mischievous glint \u2014 qualities that wouldn\u2019t be out of place in a prequel-era Bond, even more reckless with women\u2019s hearts while growing into the man we know.<\/p>\n

Theo James<\/strong><\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tTheo James could effortlessly step into the role of 007 (Picture: Chad Salvador\/Variety via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Theo James<\/a> is increasingly proving himself to be a one-of-a-kind talent. Until The White Lotus<\/a>, few of us realised he could be so funny, mysterious, cocky \u2014 and Golden Globe\u2013worthy.<\/p>\n

Then came that Dolce & Gabbana ad in Speedos,<\/a> which is already as iconic as Daniel Craig emerging from the sea in Casino Royale.<\/p>\n

In The Gentlemen, James was an unlikely action hero with exactly the right kind of suave arrogance and self-aware humour needed to play Bond. To me, his path feels like the most obvious.<\/p>\n

He ticks every box. And yet, he also brings something fresh. He has grit, humour, and likability that feel perfectly suited to an Amazon MGM-era Bond \u2014 whatever that may be.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t watched The Gentlemen, do it. You\u2019ll see why Theo James would make a fantastic, game-changing 007.<\/p>\n

Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: My Golden Globes 2026 predictions with the dark horses you shouldn\u2019t discount<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: 2026 video game release dates for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox and PC<\/a><\/p>\n

Arrow
\nMORE: Extremely unlikely Marty Supreme actor has Bond villain ambitions \u2013 and we\u2019re sold<\/a><\/p>\n


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