Casting for new James Bond under way

The search for the next James Bond is under way, Amazon MGM Studios has revealed, with the casting process to replace Daniel Craig having "just begun". 

Auditions have been taking place in the past few weeks, according to entertainment business outlet Variety, meaning fans' five-year wait for a new film could end soon.

Amazon would not comment on whether auditions had started, and in a statement, said it does not "plan to comment on specific details during the casting process".

The last James Bond film, No Time to Die, was released in 2021.

The next film, the first since Amazon took creative control of the franchise, will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, whose credits include Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Sicario.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman will be producing via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films, respectively, while the script is being written by Steven Knight.

Amazon said the creative team behind the next film had been taking shape over the past several months.

Speculation about who will star as the new 007 has been rife, with Variety reporting that famous casting director Nina Gold is leading the hunt. She has worked on Game of Thrones, The Crown, and five films in the Star Wars franchise.

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Who are the bookmakers' favourites?

Callum Turner - The 36-year-old actor is the favourite for the role. He has previously starred in Fantastic Beasts, Masters of the Air and The Capture. He's also engaged to pop superstar Dua Lipa.

Harris Dickinson - Recognised for his roles in Iron Claw, Triangle of Sadness and The King's Man, could this 29-year-old actor, writer and director be the next Bond?

Aaron Taylor-Johnson - Originally soaring to fame in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, the 35-year-old has since starred in 28 Years Later, Kick-Ass and Bullet Train.

Jacob Elordi - Shooting to global fame in Euphoria, the 28-year-old made headlines for his roles in Saltburn and the new Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein films.

Henry Ashton - Known for his roles in My Lady Jane and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Ashton only pivoted to acting in his late 20s, making speculation around him all the more impressive.

Theo James - A 41-year-old actor and producer, he is famous for his roles in The White Lotus, Allegiant and The Gentlemen.

Amazon MGM Studios announced in February 2025 that it would develop the next chapter of the Bond franchise.

(c) Sky News 2026: Casting for new James Bond under way