10 Actors Who Could Play The Next James Bond

No role has been as talked about as who to play our favourite spy 007, James Bond.

Daniel Craig's tenure has been a strong one, but recent films Spectre and No Time to Die went into production with uncertain futures over their lead cast member. Craig confirmed his retirement from the role at the end of No Time to Die, and now it's time for him to pass the torch (martini glass?) onto the next actor to pave their way into history as Britain's most famous spy.

So who should it be? The speculation often comes in waves and there's always talk as to who will be cast as the next James Bond. Do they go to the Hollywood stable? A steady rock? Or try to modernise the role of James Bond? We've certainly seen Doctor Who in recent times change up its old ways with the casting of Jodie Whittaker and then Ncuti Gatwa. 

Who will it be? Who do you have in mind? Well, let's take a look at some of the potential candidates and analyse whether they'd make a good Bond. So pull up a bar stool and grab your shaken - not stirred - martini. Let's chat Bond... James Bond. 

Let's start with, according to many reports, the current front runner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The 33 year old actor's name landed itself in the headlines recently with rumours rife that he's next to take up the James Bond role. It's been so heavily rumoured that Pierce Brosnan even commented on it. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Brosnan said “I think the man has the chops and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so.” So there's a blessing from a former Bond man himself! 

So, is Taylor-Johnson right for the role? He's certainly got the look and is undoubtedly a decent actor. Does he have the suave and sophistication that James Bond also needs? That's up for discussion.

Johnson's no stranger to taking on roles that are bound to come with scrutiny, however. His breakout film Nowhere Boy in 2009 had him in the lead role as none other than John Lennon. And a mighty fine job he did in the coming-of-age drama. This was then followed up with the Hollywood hit Kick-Ass, which cemented his status as a Hollywood up-and-comer.

His resume since then, however, hasn't been a path of golden awards and box office success. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2014 as Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver, more of a supporting role than a lead Avenger and, if anything, a forgettable one that saw him exit the franchise in the same picture.

Aaron's other choices include films that wouldn't be necessarily described as box office draws or mainstream cinema. Roles in Savages, Nocturnal Animals and A Million Little Pieces haven't kept him in the spotlight. That being said, he's not afraid to play roles with a bit of an edge, so while he might appear a solid and bland choice, he could surprise some.