**Who Will Be the Next James Bond? Inside Amazon’s Search for 007**
*Published: December 30, 2025 | 7:45 p.m. ET*
A fresh wave of speculation has ignited over who will take on the iconic role of James Bond next. According to insiders speaking to RadarOnline.com, Amazon has quietly narrowed its shortlist of potential 007 candidates to seven contenders as the company gears up for a full reboot of the legendary spy franchise.
This new search follows Daniel Craig’s final appearance as Bond in *No Time to Die* (2021), after which creative control of the series transitioned to Amazon.
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### A Younger Bond Takes Shape
Four years on, the next chapter—*Bond 26*—is beginning to take form. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are attached to the highly anticipated film, with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve signed on to lead the project. Villeneuve’s involvement signals the most significant creative reset the franchise has seen since Craig’s casting in 2005.
According to industry insiders, Amazon favors casting a younger Bond, with studio executives focusing on actors under 30. This approach has fueled renewed debate about who could plausibly inherit one of cinema’s most scrutinized roles. Villeneuve’s direction also hints at a more serious, character-driven take on the spy saga.
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### The Shortlist Revealed
Harris Dickinson, 29, has emerged as a frontrunner, sources reveal. The London-born actor has already dabbled in espionage with *The King’s Man* and demonstrated his versatility across comedy and drama in films like *Triangle of Sadness*, *See How They Run*, and *The Iron Claw*. Although Dickinson has expressed a preference for smaller productions, insiders believe his “versatility and relative lack of franchise baggage” could be advantageous for Amazon’s fresh start.
Tom Holland, also 29, is another reported favorite for the role. Known globally for his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Holland’s established fame offers clear commercial appeal. However, his ongoing association with Peter Parker—expected to continue in future Marvel projects—raises questions about audience acceptance of him as Bond simultaneously.
Rounding out the under-30 trio is Jacob Elordi, 28. The Australian actor has rapidly risen to prominence with high-profile projects such as *Euphoria* and *Saltburn*. Elordi has described Bond speculation as “beautiful.” While not British, he wouldn’t be the first non-Briton to play Bond, following George Lazenby. His limited action experience might complement the idea of a younger, less fully formed version of 007.
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### Beyond the Under-30s
Outside the young cohort, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, was once widely rumored to be close to securing the role. His recent action work in *Bullet Train* and *Tenet* remains strong, but industry chatter suggests that age may now count against him under Amazon’s new strategy.
Austin Butler, 34, is considered a wildcard. Having collaborated with Villeneuve on *Dune: Part Two*, Butler is connected to the new director. However, his American nationality could spark controversy for a character long emblematic of British identity.
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### The British Contingent
Jack Lowden, 35, brings spy experience from *Slow Horses*, where he played River Cartwright alongside Gary Oldman. Yet insiders caution that this series’ deliberately unglamorous espionage style may “complicate matters,” conflicting with Bond’s traditionally slick and high-tech image.
Dev Patel, 35, rounds out the seven leading contenders. With demonstrated action credentials and directorial ambition shown in *Monkey Man*, Patel represents a bold choice, particularly given his ethnicity. Still, he has previously downplayed interest in the role while promoting his own projects.
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### What’s Next for 007?
Casting for the next James Bond has yet to be confirmed, but one thing is clear: Amazon’s choice will define the tone of Bond’s next era. Whether 007 continues as a familiar figure or transforms into something radically new depends largely on this pivotal decision.
Fans worldwide await the announcement of who will step into the shoes of cinema’s most famous spy in the exciting reboot ahead.
https://radaronline.com/p/james-bond-reboot-cast-revealed-actors-daniel-craig/
