Callum Turner, the big favorite
At 36 years old, Callum Turner is currently the name that comes up the most and the bookies’ favorite. The British actor apparently has everything that makes the perfect 007: elegance, physique, charm and experience. But his notoriety could paradoxically work against him. His career, and in particular his relationship with Dua Lipa, have given him a lot of media exposure. However, those historically responsible for casting Bond have always favored a certain element of mystery.
Jacob Elordi, perhaps already too famous
At 29 years old, Australian Jacob Elordi also has the necessary physique and charisma. Revealed worldwide by Euphoria And Saltburnhowever, he is already a real star. A potential handicap for a production which seems to be looking for a face capable of blending completely into the character. His nationality, however, does not constitute any obstacle: James Bond does not necessarily need to be British.
Louis Partridge, the bet on youth
Louis Partridge is only 23 years old. Known in particular for Enola Holmesthe Briton would have a considerable advantage: he could play the spy for several decades. But his age could also constitute his main handicap in making a secret agent with a license to kill credible.
Josh O’Connor, the truly “different” choice
At 36, Josh O’Connor, notably noted in The Crownhas a solid reputation as an actor. His interest lies precisely in the fact that he does not physically correspond to the traditional cliché of James Bond. He could thus bring something new to the character, in accordance with Amy Pascal’s wish to find a “really different” 007.
Tom Francis, the outsider to watch
His name is much less known to the general public. Tom Francis, 27, has distinguished himself mainly in the theater and won an Olivier Award for Sunset Boulevard. Above all, he is one of the rare actors whose participation in an audition for James Bond is presented as confirmed. Its relative anonymity could perfectly correspond to the production strategy.
What if the next Bond was a complete stranger?
This is perhaps the most serious avenue. Casting director Nina Gold has reportedly met several lesser-known actors in recent months in order to confront them with already established candidates. Director Denis Villeneuve himself would have contacted the actors selected for the auditions, without any names being officially revealed.
History pleads for surprise
Choosing a relatively unknown actor would ultimately be true to tradition. Sean Connery wasn’t an international star before Dr.No. George Lazenby was a model, Timothy Dalton best known for theater and Pierce Brosnan mainly for television. As for the choice of Daniel Craig, blond and very far from the traditional image of Bond, it had provoked a real revolt among certain fans before Casino Royale does not silence much of the criticism.
Filming of James Bond 26 is due to begin in 2027 for release in 2028, around seven years later Dying can wait. A record wait which gives Amazon MGM and Denis Villeneuve time to find not necessarily a star, but the one who will truly become 007.
And you, who would you see in the 007 costume?
Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi, Louis Partridge, Josh O’Connor, Tom Francis… or a complete stranger? Tell us who is your favorite to succeed Daniel Craig in the comments section below this article.
