THE race is on for the next James Bond to FINALLY be announced.
Ever since Daniel Craig quit, 007 fans have been keen to know who will step into his tux – and now some surprising newcomers have now joined the race.
James Nelson Joyce
Let’s kick off with the latest name to be thrown into the James Bond ring – rising star James Nelson-Joyce, 36.
The actor first impressed audiences with his acting skills when he starred in Little Boy Blue alongside the legendary Stephen Graham.
James has seen his star rise thanks to his role as crime boss Michael Kavanagh in BBC crime saga This City is Ours, which is set in his native Liverpool.
With bookies now strongly tipping him for the 007 role, the star has given his own verdict on whether he would like to be Bond.
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“I mean… double-O Scouse, I’m here for it,” James joked to BBC Radio Merseyside.
The actor added that seeing the buzz around him following his role in This City is Ours has been a real “pinch myself” moment.
Patrick Schwarzenegger
Despite being American, The White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger, 31. has emerged as a surprise contender for the James Bond role.
Coral bookmakers reported a wave of support for the actor, who is the son of Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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They slashed his odds from 25-1 to just 6-1 following a surge of bets he’ll take over the role.
The actor has seen his popularity grow after playing Saxon Ratliff in White Lotus.
Coral’s John Hill said: “Patrick Schwarzenegger has jumped into the James Bond mix, according to our odds.
“The son of the legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has been well-backed after starring on the latest season of White Lotus.”
The news is likely to stir controversy among Bond fans, as the franchise has historically favours British actors for the role.
Theo James
Theo James’ name was thrown into the hat after he wowed fans in Netflix‘s The Gentlemen last year.
His performance in the Guy Ritchie series made him an ideal candidate for the next actor to fill the shoes of 007.
Theo, 40, also impressed as the morally ambiguous Mike White in second season of The White Lotus.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Movie hunk Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, has topped the bookies’ list for a LONG time.
It was after it was revealed back in 2022 that the Brit had already “filmed a top-secret scene” at Pinewood Studios, Berkshire.
Famed for the Kick-Ass movie series and the Marvel movie Avengers: Age of Ultron, Aaron shot to fame playing John Lennon in Nowhere Boy.
The Sun previously exclusively revealed how Bond bosses had offered the job to Aaron.
A source told us at the time: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it.
“The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.”
They added: “Aaron may not be the best known in his field but he is an incredibly talented actor.
“His role in Nocturnal Animals showed his depth as an actor.
“He is the perfect person to play Bond and will pick up well from where Daniel left off.”
Tom Holland
Actor Tom Holland, 28, is another new name to be thrown into the James Bond mix.
Fans have come up with a theory that Hollywood producer Amy Pascal – who has worked with Tom for years – could be involved in casting the new 007 film.
With this in mind, movie goers think this could see the Spider-Man legend land the plum role.
Discussions on Reddit have fuelled speculation, with one user commenting: “It’s funny how everything seems to be moving towards Tom Holland being the new Bond, it’s like Hollywood is waiting for him to turn 30.
“Sorry, but with Amy Pascal at the helm, it’s definitely a possibility lol.”
Someone replied: “Maybe a new take on a 007 fresh with his license to kill. Perhaps even fresher than Craig. Plus, his youth now means he won’t be old man Bond for a while.”
James Norton
With his quintessential Englishman good looks, James Norton has been a hot contender for the next Bond for many years.
The chiselled star is known for playing the lead role of Sidney Chambers in Grantchester, and also evil Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley.
But, after swapping Blighty for Hollywood, fans are now convinced James is set to play the new 007.
However, the actor has previously told fans “not to bet on him” to play Bond, as he doubts he would get the role.
Harris Dickinson
Last, but not least, we have newcomer Harris Dickinson.
This actor’s stock has risen greatly over the past few years with appearances in Where The Crawdads Sing and steamy flick Babygirl, opposite Nicole Kidman.
Harris’ name was thrown into the Bond race after a 007 expert tipped him to take on the role.
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Appearing on Nick Ferrari‘s LBC radio show, Mark O’Connell said he wanted Bond to remain British and favoured a non A-list name.
He said: “Henry Cavill could be back in the running now. Amazon‘s choice could be different to the Broccolis. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a new guy called Harris Dickinson, keep an eye on him.”
Timeline of James Bond actors
Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.
The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:
- Sean Connery – The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
- George Lazenby – The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
- Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
- Timothy Dalton – The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
- Pierce Brosnan – The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
- Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005.
