Over 60 years ago, “Dr. No” introduced the world to James Bond, launching cinema’s most iconic spy franchise, with Sean Connery as 007 and Ursula Andress as the definitive Bond girl. In the decades since, a prestigious lineage of actors, from Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig to Rosamund Pike and Halle Berry, have left their marks on these legendary roles.
Now, anticipation is building for the next chapter. The upcoming film, with the current working title “Bond 26,” is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios under the guidance of blockbuster producers Amy Pascal (“Spider-Man”) and David Heyman (“Harry Potter”). While an official release date remains under wraps, casting is officially underway, with industry veteran Nina Gold (“Game of Thrones”) said to be leading the search. As the world waits to discover who will inherit the tuxedo and the title of leading lady, we’ve rounded up our top contenders. From viral fan favorites to our expert predictions, here is our ultimate dream cast for “Bond 26.”
Jacob Elordi
Between “Euphoria” and “Wuthering Heights,” Elordi is no stranger to playing the lead in blockbuster movies and TV shows. He has also earned critical acclaim, having recently received his first Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in “Frankenstein.” The actor has reportedly had multiple meetings with Amazon MGM, sparking rumors that he’s a front-runner for the new film.
Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock
Damson Idris
Damson Idris has everything it takes to inherit the tuxedo. Born and raised in London, he perfectly embodies the suave sophistication of a premier MI6 agent. His breakout role in “Snowfall” proved he can play a cold, calculated, and strategically ruthless operative, while high-octane blockbusters like “F1” showcased the physical prowess required for grueling stunt work. Polished, charismatic, and a certified red-carpet style icon, Idris is uniquely built to lead the James Bond franchise into its next era.
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Tom Holland
Holland has plenty of experience with big action franchises, including “Spider-Man” and “Avengers.” According to Variety, the studio and producers are looking to cast a British actor under age 30 (though Holland recently turned 30, putting him just outside that range). “Every young British actor, it’s the pinnacle of working in our industry,” Holland said when asked about the speculation on Gordon Ramsay’s YouTube series “Scrambled.”
Credit: Tinseltown/Shutterstock
Callum Turner
If prediction markets were in charge of casting for the role, Turner would be a leading candidate. The London-born actor has had big roles in the “Fantastic Beasts” series, the film “The Boys in the Boat,” and the miniseries “Masters of the Air.” When asked about the speculation at a press event, he politely declined to answer: “It's very early for that question. I’m not going to comment on it, thank you.”
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Theo James
Devoted franchise fans think James has a lot of Bond-like qualities, including his height, deep voice, and suave nature. His roles in “The White Lotus” and “The Divergent Series” also make him a strong contender. Many view his role in “The Gentlemen” as an audition of sorts for James Bond, given the character’s charming nature and knack for fighting bad guys.
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Henry Cavill
Cavill is no stranger to leading a franchise, having played Clark Kent/Superman in the DC Extended Universe, making him an excellent option. He also auditioned for the role previously in 2005 but was beaten out by Craig. Now, he could finally get the opportunity he missed out on 20-plus years ago. “Look, if Daniel didn’t exist, Henry would have made an excellent Bond,” said “Casino Royale” director Martin Campbell. “He looked terrific. He was in great physical shape…very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little young at that time.”
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Henry Golding
Golding bridges the gap between classic old Hollywood sophistication and gritty modern action. He effortlessly projected the elegance required of 007 in “Crazy Rich Asians” and proved his lethal physical credentials in “Snake Eyes.” His British-Malaysian heritage adds a fresh, globally relatable dimension to the iconic spy, while his vast range can instantly pivot from disarming charm to dangerous intensity.
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Simone Ashley
Ashley is the ultimate modern Bond girl. Combining regal elegance with a fierce screen presence, she has already proven her blockbuster talent in “Bridgerton” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” With her blend of sharp wit and natural grace, she is perfectly equipped to go toe to toe with 007.
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Jessie Buckley
Hot off her Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics’ Choice Award wins for her performance in “Hamnet,” Buckley has been floated as a possible contender for a role in “Bond 26.” According to Gambling.com, she is currently the betting favorite at 6/4, or a 40% implied probability. Speculation around her involvement intensified after Euronews posted on April Fools’ Day that Buckley had been cast in the role, but the outlet later confirmed that it had been a holiday prank.
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Zendaya
Zendaya is everywhere right now, so it’s no surprise she’s on the rumored shortlist for the next Bond girl. Can you imagine her fiancé, Tom Holland, as her James Bond? She also worked with “Bond 26” director Denis Villeneuve on “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two,” another reason she might be a good fit for the role. The actor has an impressive résumé that includes “Euphoria,” “The Drama,” “Spider-Man,” and “Challengers.”
Credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles/Shutterstock
Margaret Qualley
Following her critically acclaimed role in “The Substance,” many began to think Qualley would be a good fit for the next Bond girl. When she joined Doja Cat, Lisa, and Raye onstage at the 2025 Academy Awards during the James Bond homage, it only added fuel to the fire.
Credit: Andrea Raffin/Shutterstock
Anya Taylor-Joy
This American-born, Argentina-raised actor has made a big splash in Hollywood, and her captivating beauty is just one reason why she’d make a fantastic Bond girl. She has shown off her acting prowess in a variety of projects, including “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Menu,” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the latter proving she can hold her own in action movies.
Credit: Joe Seer/Shutterstock
Florence Pugh
Pugh seems to be on a hot streak right now, with each of her projects more captivating than the next. She has received critical acclaim for her work on “Little Women” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” but she has also captivated audiences in larger action franchises like “Black Widow” and the upcoming “Dune: Part Three.”
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
Sydney Sweeney
When it comes to odds of landing the role, Sweeney is only slightly behind Buckley, according to Gambling.com. The “Housemaid” star is currently sitting at 13/8 odds, or a 38% probability that the role is hers—not a surprise given her past leading roles in “Euphoria,” “Anyone but You,” and “The White Lotus.”
Credit: Fred Duval/Shutterstock
