Who Will Be the Next James Bond? 6 Actors in the Race

It has been five years since Daniel Craig walked away from 007, and the hunt for his successor has finally reached a feverish pitch. A six-name shortlist has leaked — and one unexpected contender has quietly moved to the front of the pack.

According to Page Six, the names now being discussed are Jack Barton, Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson. Of those, Jack Barton has reportedly gained surprising momentum, even as casting insiders stress that nothing is official yet. Rumors are fast. Confirmations are not.

Pierce Brosnan, who once carried the Walther PPK, says he’s no longer dwelling on his own Bond era. "I don’t look back," he told The Times. "I’m one of the audience now, waiting to see who steps into the role and wishing them luck." He praised the talent rumored to be in contention and even left open the possibility of a truly unexpected choice: "The producers could pick someone none of us know." His tune is measured. He also admitted, with a laugh, that his wife told him to keep his opinions to himself — because once he speaks, the internet magnifies everything.

Other industry voices have chimed in. Gary Oldman publicly backed Jack Lowden after their pairing on Slow Horses, though he later clarified his remarks, saying his comments were over-interpreted and that he had no inside knowledge of a final decision. Meanwhile, Deadline reported in June that callbacks and screen tests were underway for actors who advanced to the next round. That process, overseen by casting director Nina Gold and watched by director Denis Villeneuve, suggests the producers are narrowing their options with serious intent.

What qualities are they hunting for? Nina Gold has said the next 007 must possess both raw sex appeal and real acting chops — charisma that reads on screen, and the craft to carry complex scenes. It’s a tall order. Names like Callum Turner, Paul Mescal and Jacob Elordi have been in the conversation for months. Harris Dickinson brings a different energy. Jack Barton’s recent rise shows the process can still surprise.

Behind the scenes, Amy Pascal has hinted a reveal could come by the end of the year, and screenwriter Steven Knight recently confirmed that the first draft of the new Bond script is finished. Yet Amazon, which is backing the franchise now, has not announced a shooting schedule or release date, leaving fans to wonder when the next chapter will begin.

So where does that leave us? Suspense, mostly. A shortlist has been named. Auditions are reportedly happening. A finished script sits in a folder. All that remains is a single name on the marquee — whenever the producers decide the time is right. Who would you cast as 007?