The hunt for the next James Bond is now well underway after Amazon took creative control back in February. While fans were understandably panicked by this unprecedented decision, the updates so far have been surprisingly promising, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve set to take the helm and work from a script written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
However, while this may all be very exciting, we are still waiting to find out who will be chosen to don the famous tux and aim down the barrel as the next 007. Leading the iconic action franchise into its next era will be no easy feat, with several names both well-known and lesser-so, being put forward as the intrepid spy. So, turning to the bookies, who is most likely to wield Bond’s licence to kill?
‘Fantastic Beasts’ Star Callum Turner Is the Odds-on Favorite
Since Amazon took over, we have had several details regarding what the production is looking for in the next James Bond. Phrases like “fresh face” have been mentioned by various sources, with the studio reportedly looking for a British actor to lead James Bond 26. Based on this, the current bookies’ favorite would make a fantastic choice, as English actor Callum Turner is currently the odds-on favorite.
Best recognized for roles in the likes of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, George Clooney’s sports drama The Boys in the Boat, war drama series Masters of the Air, and the horror thriller Green Room, Turner may not be too used to the action, but he certainly has the right look (both physically and of the smoldering sense) to charm both audiences and his marks as the new 007.
Unlike other actors in contention for the coveted role, Turner is also free of any franchises. While the actor has been busy with the likes of the satirical war movie Atropia, the romantic comedy Eternity, and the sci-fi drama Rose of Nevada (which boasts a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes), he would be free to commit to the years-long contract that any new Bond will be required to sign.
While, at 35, Turner may be a little older than Amazon reportedly wants for their next James Bond, he does boast the kind of profile necessary to be considered a “fresh face.” However, if the studio does want him for 007, they better hurry, as the actor has been hitting more headlines lately thanks to his engagement to pop music superstar Dua Lipa. Someone who, incidentally, would surely deliver the perfect Bond theme.
Who Are the Other Top Choices for ‘James Bond 26’?
Callum Turner may currently be the favorite for the role of 007 in James Bond 26, but things can change quickly. Looking at the rest of the rankings, 28 Years Later and Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson and The Gentlemen’s Theo James continue to find themselves near the top. Both actors have been odds-on favorites in the past, and it doesn’t seem like any reports of desired fresh faces or actors in their late 20s-early 30s will knock the famous 35-year-old or rising star 40-year-old off the top spots.
Elvis and Dune: Part Two star Austin Butler also finds himself among the favorites. This despite him being both an extremely famous Academy Award nominee and, crucially, American. Continuing down the list, we find several other big names who have consistently found themselves among the bookie’s top choices. These include Spider-Man star Tom Holland, The King’s Man’s Harris Dickinson, Happy Valley and King and Conqueror star James Norton, and former Superman star Henry Cavill, both of whom have been fan-favorite choices for 007 for a ludicrously long time.
While it’s highly unlikely that any of these more familiar names will be picked, two other favorites do stand out as realistic choices based on what little we do know about Amazon’s James Bond plans. The first is Jack Lowden, who, while not being particularly well-known, already has experience with espionage thanks to his role in Apple TV’s critically acclaimed spy thriller series, Slow Horses. The second, and perhaps most interesting, name on the list is Anthony Boyle. If you’re now asking “Who?” that’s exactly why he’s of interest.
While you may not recognize the name, you will no doubt recognize his most recent credit. Boyle is currently playing the lead in Netflix’s new historical drama series House of Guiness. A series written by none other than Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. So, not only does Boyle have the kind of lesser-known profile that Bond castings skew towards, but the 31-year-old actor already has a working relationship with the writer chosen to pen the Bond 26 script. Oh, and he’s only 31.
At present, Callum Turner is the favorite for the next James Bond. Certainly, the Fantastic Beasts star seemingly possesses everything necessary to play the role and lead 007 into his next chapter. However, while Turner may just about meet all the requirements, Amazon will need to be quick in getting production up and running on James Bond 26 before Turner ages out of the role or gets snapped up by another franchise looking for a highly capable leading man.
