One Day star 'backed' to become the next James Bond
He has shot to stardom over the last year
Daniel Craig has been the face of iconic movie character James Bond since his first movie Casino Royale back in 2006 - but following 2021's No Time To Die, the actor left his job as 007, leaving fans of the franchise wondering who would replace him... And sending rumours wild.
With Daniel's departure seeing potential names thrown in the mix such as as Emily in Paris' Lucien Laviscount, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Regé-Jean Page and Robert Pattinson, there's now a brand new contender in the running, thanks to the success of Netflix's new hit show One Day - and the bookies' odds are already rolling in.
Leo Woodall, who stars as Dexter Mayhew in One Day, is thought to have a 'reasonable chance' at bagging the celebrated role, with William Hill pinning his odds at 16/1. Although these aren't as strong as names such as Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, he joins the likes of Kingsley Ben-Adir and Idris Elba with his odds.
Leo has seen a recent rise in popularity thanks to the Netflix series One Day, as well as appearing in the main cast of the highly-anticipated second season of HBO's The White Lotus, where he played the role of Jack.
Fans have also taken to X, formerly Twitter, to express their views, with many backing the young actor as the next 007. One fan keen on Leo taking the role described him as having: 'Connery and Dr No vibes', with another fan writing: 'Just cast Leo Woodall as the next Bond.'
And fans' eagerness doesn't stop there, with many even expressing how keen they are on the actor playing the next Bond villain in the upcoming film.
All of the other actors rumoured to play the next 007 in James Bond:
Idris Elba
Idris Elba has been leading the way in the James Bond odds for a number of years now, with many thinking he is the perfect candidate to be the first ever black actor to land the infamous role.
However, Idris has seemingly shut down the rumours on a number of occasions. He told Esquire, "When you get people from a generational point of view going, 'It can't be.' And it really turns out to be the color of my skin. And then if I get it and it didn't work, or it did work, would it be because of the color of my skin? That's a difficult position to put myself into when I don't need to."
It was also confirmed by producers that they are looking for someone in their 30s, while Idris is now 50-years-old so he is unlikely to take on the role.
Tom Hardy
Another popular actor who has been in the rumour mill since Daniel Craig confirmed he would be stepping down! Tom has certainly played similar roles in the past, so we think he'd make a brilliant Bond!
He has previously said, "There's a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting… that if you talk about Bond rumours you're automatically out of the race. So I can't possibly comment on that one!" While he is a little bit over the ideal age producers are looking for, he could still be in with a chance!
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Initially stealing the hearts of teens across the country with his role as Robbie in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, Aaron Taylor-Johnson continued to raise his household name status as he appeared in huge titles such as Kick-Ass, The King's Man, Outlaw King and The Fall Guy. No stranger to playing an action-packed role, he's appeared as Pietro Maximoff in Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron, as well as Tangerine in Bullet Train.
Aaron has proved to be one of the most popular contenders for the upcoming Bond role, with former James Bond actor himself, Pierce Brosnan, giving his blessing.
Lashana Lynch
With a lot of discussion about whether the next James Bond would be portrayed by a female actress, Lashana Lynch was certainly up there, with the actress already playing the role of a new 00 agent in No Time To Die.
However, producers have since confirmed that the role will be portrayed by a man, but there will be bigger roles for women in the upcoming films, so we might still get to see her return!
Henry Cavill
He's already a superhero having played the role of Superman, but it sounds like Henry Cavill is certainly up for playing the role of Bond! Speaking to GQ, he said: "At this stage, it's all up in the air. We'll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting."
With Henry stepping down from his roles in both The Witcher and Superman, fans are convinced that he could be suiting up to be the next 007!
Aidan Turner
Poldark actor Aidan Turner has been linked to the James Bond role for as long as we can remember, but it was clear he wasn't open to discussing it whilst Daniel Craig was still the leading man.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Aidan previously said: "There's someone else playing the role – I always feel weird talking about it. It's come up a lot in recent times. When it's free, I'll have a look at it. But it's not free now."
Harry Styles
After making his film debut in Dunkirk in 2017, then starring in hit films Don't Worry Darling and My Policeman, former One Direction singer Harry Styles has reportedly been in talks with Bond bosses.
However, despite the rumours, Harry's representative told the Mail Online that the reports 'aren't even remotely true' and it seems as though he is a bit too young for producers' liking anyway!
Richard Madden
Irish actor Richard Madden stole the hearts of the nation when he appeared as Sergeant David Budd in BBC drama Bodyguard.
Speaking to GQ about the rumours, Richard said: "I'm more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I'm very flattered and thankful. It's a really brilliant thing to be in.
"I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that. If you talk about anything, you'll curse it."
Tom Hiddleston
Despite a tonne of speculation about Tom landing the Bond role, the actor seemingly shut down the rumours at the Wizard World Comic Con.
He said: "I don't think that announcement is coming. I am very gratified to hear the enthusiasm. Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest."
Cillian Murphy
We love him in Peaky Blinders and we can totally imagine Cillian Murphy ordering a shaken, not stirred martini!
However, it sounds like Irish actor would like to see a female James Bond, telling GQ: "It's incredibly flattering to be in that conversation. I think it should be a woman."
At 47-years-old Cillian is a little outside of the age requirement for the role, but we can still hope!
Robert Pattinson
R-Patz is no stranger to major movie roles, having played both Edward Cullen and Batman to name a few.
Christopher Nolan is being rumoured to direct the next Bond movie, and of course he's worked very closely with Robert in the past.
John Boyega
Star Wars actor John Boyega is another rumoured name in the running for the famed 007 role, and at 31-years-old he pretty much fits the producers' age requirement!
Paul Mescal
The nation fell in love with Irish actor Paul Mescal following his role as Connell Waldron in BBC series Normal People. So, while he may be a bit too young for the role, could bosses be tempted to hire Paul as 007 due to his popularity?
Henry Golding
After being introduced to the world in 2018 rom/com Crazy Rich Asians, Malaysian-British actor Henry Golding has been tipped to become the next Bond.
Speaking to the BBC, Henry said: "It's a crazy, crazy idea, but stranger things have happened. I'm just excited for Daniel Craig. Y'know, he's been my Bond."
James Norton
McMafia actor James Norton is often at the top of the bookies list when it comes to who will be the next James Bond. His recent roles have seriously showcased he has what it takes to play 007, so it wouldn't be a massive shock if he was unveiled!
James's on-screen mum Diane Keaton would also like to see the actor play Bond, telling Sky News: "Don't you think he's going to be the next James Bond? We were all talking about it on the set of Hampstead. He ticks every box - he's beautiful, he's a man, he's very sexy, he is smart and he even went to Cambridge."
Jodie Comer
With rumours previously suggesting that bosses were keen on a female Bond, a move which would mark the first-time in history, Jodie Comers' name was doing the rounds.
Responding to the rumours, Jodie teased "never say never"! And despite producers having now confirmed the next Bond will be a man, there will be a number of big female roles coming up in the new films...
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson hasn't been shy in expressing how much he would love to play the role of Bond, admitting that he would like to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, who played a Bond villain back in 1967.
Speaking about playing the world-renowned role, Dwayne said: "Yes, my grandfather was a Bond villain in You Only Live Twice with Sean Connery. It was very, very cool. And I would like to follow in his footsteps and be the next Bond. I don't wanna be a villain. Gotta be Bond." While this would be cool to see, The Rock seems to be a bit outside the age-range producers are looking for.
Regé-Jean Page
Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page took on the role of a CIA agent in Netflix film The Gray Man, and after seeing his performance directors Joe and Anthony Russo have recommended him for the role of James Bond, saying: "He has more charisma in his pinky than most people do in their entire body. We'd watch him do anything."
Tom Holland
The actor has certainly proved himself in recent years, starring as Spider Man alongside huge names such as Zendaya and Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as showing off his action film skills as Nathan Drake in the film Uncharted. While he might be the perfect fit for the next 007 movie in some ways, according to producers he might be too young to play the veteran spy!
Lucien Laviscount
Lucien Laviscount is known for his role of charming Alfie in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris - and with him fitting into the producers' age range perfectly, could he be a running contender for the next Bond?
Jamie Dornan
Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan is known for his lead role in the Fifty Shades franchise, as well as his starring role in The Tourist. He has also appeared in huge titles such as The Fall, A Private War, New Worlds and Once Upon a Time. Speaking on the rumours he could be the next 007, he said: "I just am not one of those people who give it a huge amount of thought."
Who do the public want to play the next Bond?
In November 2023, a vote conducted by clothing brand N.Peal - the clothing brand whose items featured in the last Bond movie - revealed who the public are most keen to see on the big screen as the next 007.
200\0 Bond fans across the UK were presented with a list of established A-list actors, in a bid to find out who the public are most keen on to play the next Bond. Coming out on top was Tom Hardy with 37% majority, followed by Idris Elba at 31% and Henry Cavill at 21%.
Fans were also given the chance to chose from some up-and-coming actors, with Happy Valley star James Norton topping the bill with 31% majority. Following James was Bodyguard star Richard Madden, followed by Bullet Train and Avengers star Aaron-Taylor Johnson at 20%.
Many were convinced that we might have a female Bond coming our way, with Killing Eve star Jodie Comer joining the rumoured list. Getting an insight into the fans' reception to a female bond, N.Peal's survey found that 44% said they’d be unhappy with the decision, with just 23% saying they’d be pleased.
When it comes to who will sing the next iconic theme song for the upcoming Bond film, there are plenty of rumours swirling. Topping N.Peal's survey was none other than national treasure Ed Sheeran, followed by Lewis Capaldi and then Adele, despite her releasing 'Skyfall' in 2012.
What has been said about the next James Bond?
Despite there being plenty of rumours, the starring role in the upcoming Bond film is yet to be confirmed, with series boss Barbara Broccoli telling Deadline in June 2022: "We're reinventing him".
Barbara explained that since this will be the first new James Bond actor chosen in almost two decades, they are keen to take their time. She elaborated: "We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through.
"There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time."
When will the next James Bond film be released?
Although this isn't particularly bad news, many fans will be disappointed to hear that the film is quite a while away yet, with Barbara confirming in June 2022: "I’d say that filming is at least two years away."
So, if our maths is correct, it looks like production could start around Summertime 2024, and with post-production work in mind, it looks like a 2025-2026 release is likely.
Are there any requirements to play James Bond?
In an update from producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, several major names have seemingly been ruled out in the search for the new James Bond.
While there were many rumours that we might see a female Bond take to the big screen, producers have confirmed that it will be a male Bond in the new films. However, Barbara also told Variety that there will be some big female roles as well, so we might still get to see the likes of Jodie Comer and Lashana Lynch in the upcoming films.
Michael added that the man they cast will likely be in his 30s, telling Deadline: "We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work.
"Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something."
With such a major role, there seems to be a new rumour every week as to which famous face will replace Daniel Craig, following in the footsteps of the likes of Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton.
As the world patiently awaits an official announcement, let's take a look at which stars are rumoured for the next James Bond.
The 25th James Bond movie, No Time To Die, was due for release in April 2020. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic which has swept the world this year, it was announced the movie will now not be released until April 2021.
The hugely-anticipated movie was then delayed again, with No Time To Die finally hitting cinemas worldwide on Thursday 30th September 2021.
Check out the official trailer for No Time To Die below:
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