2021’s No Time To Die was Daniel Craig’s final James Bond movie. Since then, there’s been non-stop speculation about who will end up as the next 007 now that the franchise is in the hands of Amazon MGM Studios. After all, few Hollywood roles have as much legacy behind them as James Bond (and aren’t superheroes).
Following Daniel Craig’s more grounded and gritty take on the role, it’s going to be fascinating to see what a new Bond actor might bring to the table for a new era. That said, the next 007 will no doubt need to be able to carry the James Bond franchise for the next several years.
Following recent reports that auditions are underway for the next James Bond, it’s fun to look at some of the top contenders online and major fan-casts. From franchise vets to rising stars, here are 10 actors who would be perfect as the next Bond.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is definitely a major frontrunner in the James Bond conversation online. Some of his most popular roles include Kick-Ass, Bullet Train, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Kraven the Hunter, collectively proving that Taylor-Johnson can handle action-heavy and/or big franchise stories.
Incredibly charismatic, it’s not hard to picture Taylor-Johnson as the next Bond. Likewise, he can also be quite intimidating when necessary, an essential quality for a new 007. At 35, Taylor-Johnson also feels like he’s at the right age where he could certainly carry the Bond franchise just as long as Craig did (if not longer).
Joseph Quinn
Thanks to shows and movies like Stranger Things, Gladiator II, and his latest role in the MCU as The Human Torch, Joseph Quinn has quickly become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, having starred in major franchise projects.
Although Quinn may not have the same action résumé as some other big contenders online, he does have some great natural charisma. If Amazon is indeed looking for a younger (and potentially more reckless) Bond, Joseph Quinn could be the perfect man for the job.
Henry Cavill
For many, Henry Cavill has been the dream James Bond casting choice for years. To that end, Cavill actually auditioned for Casino Royale, only to lose out to Craig as producers felt like he was too young at the time. Ironically, Henry Cavill is now on the older side of this list, though he’s certainly built up quite the resume in the year since he was first up for the role of 007.
Having been the DCEU’s Superman and The Witcher on Netflix, many are hoping that the time has finally come for Cavill to get his due with a major franchise role that actually lasts and ends on his terms. Furthermore, it can also be argued that his role in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. already proves that he has what it takes to be a perfect James Bond, and the same goes for his role in the Mission Impossible franchise.
Richard Madden
