{"id":120539,"date":"2025-09-07T09:59:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T09:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/120539\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T09:59:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T09:59:11","slug":"theres-8-frontrunners-to-play-james-bond-only-one-is-qualified-to-play-007","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/120539\/","title":{"rendered":"There’s 8 frontrunners to play James Bond – only one is qualified to play 007"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"Editorial
\n\t\tThe next James Bond is one of the biggest mysteries in Hollywood (Picture: Col Pics\/Everett\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a new dawn for James Bond<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It has to be, after the secret service agent was killed off at the end of No Time To Die<\/a> \u2014 a sacrificial death that marked the close of a 68-year chapter.<\/p>\n

What happens next for 007 is, as it stands, somewhat of a mystery. The franchise has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios,<\/a> which, for better or worse, signifies a full revamp of the Bond universe. It\u2019s no longer just about a blockbuster every four years.<\/p>\n

There could be multiple Bonds at once<\/a> \u2014 on the big and small screen. Animated series, TV dramas, and (heaven forbid) a reality TV competition to find the next Bond girl all suddenly seem possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For fans, though, we\u2019re off to a promising start: Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct the next instalment,<\/a> with Peaky Blinders<\/a> creator Steven Knight<\/a> writing the script.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Editorial
\n\t\tDaniel Craig retired from the Bond franchise in 2021 after five films as 007 (Picture: Col Pics\/Everett\/REX\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

Arguably, there has never been a more important Bond. Whoever takes the reins from Daniel Craig<\/a> \u2014 whose run rejuvenated the franchise with every release since the breathtaking Skyfall \u2014 will be tasked with launching 007 into a new era. New audience, new formats, and essentially, ensuring Bond\u2019s survival for another 70 years.<\/p>\n

According to bookmakers, there are currently seven leading contenders. The favourite is Aaron Taylor-Johnson<\/a>, who made an early splash playing a young John Lennon<\/a> in 2009\u2019s Nowhere Boy. For me, that remains his peak. The following year, he proved he could crush a villain or two in Kick-Ass, and later joined the MCU as cocky mutant Quicksilver.<\/p>\n

But somewhere along the way, he lost the edge that made him interesting. The unbearably bad Kraven the Hunter with its 15% Rotten Tomatoes<\/a> score is still too fresh to be forgiven ahead of the next Bond film, should it arrive within the next decade.<\/p>\n

So who else is in the running?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s Superman Henry Cavill, The Capture\u2019s Callum Turner, The White Lotus star Theo James, Babygirl\u2019s Harris Dickinson, Slow Horses lead Jack Lowden, Spider-Man\u2019s Tom Holland, Saltburn\u2019s Jacob Elordi, and Happy Valley\u2019s James Norton.<\/p>\n

I have many thoughts about everyone on that list\u2019s credentials to play 007 but for me only one name on that list is qualified to be the next Bond. We\u2019ve ranked the contenders<\/a> from worst to best candidate to fill the boots of Daniel Craig.<\/p>\n

Tom Holland<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why Tom Holland is on this list. He is far too popular already, <\/a>his fanbase is far too young and in the loveliest way possible he is just too well-recognised for being gentle and kind to ever be believable as a an arrogant, serial womaniser like Bond.<\/p>\n

No offence to everyone else on this list, but Tom Holland is just far too pure to play 007.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Spider-Man:
\n\t\tTom Holland makes an excellent Peter Parker \u2013 but he\u2019s just not right for Bond (Picture: Jeff Spicer\/Getty Images for Sony)
\nHenry Cavill<\/p>\n

Is it possible to be too suave, sexy and sophisticated for Bond? Apparently so. Henry Cavill may be too James Bond to take the franchise in a direction <\/a>that feels right for the brand but also new and unexpected.<\/p>\n

He was criminally underrated as Superman in Man of Steel; the film that was to launch a new star but was met with an undeserved luck-warm reception. As The Witcher, he was stoic, brooding and pulled off Gerald\u2019s dry wit.<\/p>\n

He ticks every box \u2014 and that may be the problem. Cavill as Bond feels a little too predictable.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Mandatory
\n\t\tHe looks good in a tux, but Henry Cavill isn\u2019t the right fit for 007 (Picture: NurPhoto\/Shutterstock)
\nJacob Elordi<\/p>\n

Jacob Elordi is, quite simply, the moment \u2014 or at least he will be over the next 12 months. Since commanding attention on Euphoria, he has quickly cemented himself as a spectacular talent, now on a trajectory toward Oscar territory with roles in Emerald Fennell\u2019s already-controversial Wuthering Heights<\/a> and Guillermo del Toro\u2019s Frankenstein.<\/p>\n

There are very few actors this could be said about, but given the direction Elordi seems to be going, Bond \u2014 or any franchise lead \u2014 feels somehow beneath him.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tJacob Elordi is probably just too indie arthouse for the role (Picture: Dominique Charriau\/WireImage)
\nJack Lowden<\/p>\n

James Bond is essentially everything Jack Lowden\u2019s Slow Horses character River Cartwright isn\u2019t: slick, cold, effortlessly cool. Not to say Lowden couldn\u2019t pull that off, but his strength lies in his relatability.<\/p>\n

He is the perfect River \u2014 complex, grounded, quietly charismatic. If anything, Lowden\u2019s take on Bond would bring a much-needed humanity to the role. It\u2019d be an interesting gear change\u2026 I just don\u2019t know if it\u2019s the one I want to see.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"2025
\n\t\tCould the people handle a ginger Bond? (Picture: Stephane Cardinale \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)
\nJames Norton<\/p>\n

Since Daniel Craig left Bond behind, James Norton has been the most consistent name tipped to take his place <\/a>and it\u2019s clear to see why. He has the charm, the unhinged sex appeal that came from playing a psychopath in Sally Wainright\u2019s Happy Valley, and is one of the most diverse actors \u2013 of not the most diverse \u2013 actors on the list.<\/p>\n

He has said, however, that while he would love to appear in Bond, he would rather be the villain. He\u2019s also turned his nose up at actors who play one character their whole life for the \u2018fast cars and clothes\u2019. Even with the seven or even eight-figure pay check that comes with playing Bond, Norton\u2019s heart doesn\u2019t sound like it\u2019s in it. Daniel Craig loved Bond, he cared so deeply about him that I still think that is partly why he was one of the best to ever do it.<\/p>\n

Norton has played one of the greatest TV villains this century, the thought of playing another in a Bond movie excites me much more than him playing 007 himself.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"LONDON,
\n\t\tJames Norton would be a better fit as a Bond villain than as Bond himself (Picture: Mike Marsland\/WireImage)
\nCallum Turner<\/p>\n

Of all the frontrunners, Callum Turner is the one name I\u2019d put money on. His celebrity is in the sweet spot: not too famous, not too obscure. Sure, fans may know him as Dua Lipa\u2019s partner or from The Capture, but there\u2019s still mystery there \u2014 much like Bond himself.<\/p>\n

Previous Bonds were recognisable, but not massive stars. Turner fits the mould.<\/a><\/p>\n

He has undeniable sex appeal, and I\u2019ve never seen him be anything less than brilliant. If Amazon\u2019s Bond is a younger, more formative version of 007 \u2014 which it might be \u2014 Turner could fit. But even then, there\u2019s still something a little too boyish for me to fully buy him as Bond. Not yet.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tCallum Turner has the charisma, but does he have the gravity?(Picture: Alessandra Benedetti \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)
\nHarris Dickinson<\/p>\n

The only other contender who I think has the chops to carry the Bond franchise into this new and uncertain chapter is Harris Dickinson. Despite starring in several big-name projects<\/a>, he\u2019s arguably one of the lesser-known names on the list \u2014 and that\u2019s historically a plus for Bond.<\/p>\n

Ideally, a good Bond enters the role with audiences knowing little about their past work. The less baggage, the easier it is to fully immerse in the world of the secret agent, without the shadow of the actor that came before.<\/p>\n

In Babygirl, Dickinson oozed the sexual gravitas needed to play a young intern who confidently seduces his powerful CEO, played by Nicole Kidman. He balanced boyish charm with a mischievous glint \u2014 qualities that wouldn\u2019t be out of place in a prequel-era Bond, even more reckless with women\u2019s hearts while growing into the man we know.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"CANNES,
\n\t\tHarris Dickinson would be an unexpected but exciting choice for the role (Picture: Stephane Cardinale \u2013 Corbis\/Corbis via Getty Images)
\nTheo James<\/p>\n

Theo James is increasingly proving himself to be a one-of-a-kind talent. Until The White Lotus, few of us realised he could be so funny, mysterious, cocky \u2014 and Golden Globe\u2013worthy.<\/p>\n

Then came that Dolce & Gabbana ad in Speedos,<\/a> which is already as iconic as Daniel Craig emerging from the sea in Casino Royale.<\/p>\n

In The Gentlemen, James was an unlikely action hero with exactly the right kind of suave arrogance and self-aware humour needed to play Bond. To me, his path feels like the most obvious.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tTheo James could effortlessly step into the role of 007 (Picture: Chad Salvador\/Variety via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

He ticks every box. And yet, he also brings something fresh. He has grit, humour, and likability that feel perfectly suited to an Amazon MGM-era Bond \u2014 whatever that may be.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t watched The Gentlemen, do it. You\u2019ll see why Theo James would make a fantastic, game-changing 007.<\/p>\n

Got a story?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

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