TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The wait to find the next James Bond is getting closer to an end, but the identity of the actor who will inherit Daniel Craig's iconic tuxedo remains one of Hollywood's biggest unanswered questions.
Nearly seven years after Craig's final appearance as 007 in No Time To Die, speculation is intensifying over who will become the eighth actor to officially play the legendary British spy. With auditions reportedly still underway, bookmakers have narrowed the field to a group of leading contenders, with a new name recently emerging as the favorite.
The next Bond film will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. According to The Scotsman, the casting announcement is expected by the end of 2026 at the latest.
11 Actors Tipped to Become the Next James Bond
1. Jack Barton — 9/4
Jack Barton has emerged as the latest favorite to take over as James Bond, with his odds shortened to 9/4.
Barton is best known for playing David Nelson in the Netflix series Heartstopper. He has also appeared in SAS: Rogue Heroes.
His rapid rise in the betting makes him one of the most closely watched names in the race to become 007.
2. Jack Lowden — 5/2
Jack Lowden remains one of the strongest contenders despite recently dropping from the top spot in the betting.
The Scottish actor first gained attention through the BBC's 2016 adaptation of War & Peace before appearing in films including Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots. He has since reached a wider international audience through the acclaimed spy drama Slow Horses, in which he stars opposite Gary Oldman.
If selected, Lowden would become the first Scottish James Bond since Sean Connery.
3. Callum Turner — 11/4
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Callum Turner is another leading contender, with odds of 11/4 to take on the role.
The Fantastic Beasts actor has also appeared as Major John Egan in Masters of the Air. His recent film work includes Eternity and Rosebush Pruning, the latter starring alongside his wife, pop star Dua Lipa.
Turner has been linked with the role for some time and remains firmly among the bookmakers' leading choices.
4. Jacob Elordi — 11/2
Jacob Elordi is the leading non-British contender in the current betting.
The Australian actor rose to global prominence through Saltburn and has continued building his profile with major projects, including Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein and Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights.
His odds have shortened slightly in recent weeks, putting him firmly in contention for one of cinema's most famous roles.
5. James Norton — 16/1
James Norton has been linked with the Bond role for years and remains among the bookmakers' contenders, although his odds have drifted to 16/1.
The actor is known for roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester. He also played a spy in the BBC drama McMafia, where his appearance in a tuxedo added fuel to speculation that he could fit the Bond image.
6. Paul Mescal — 16/1
Irish actor Paul Mescal became a household name through Normal People and has since established himself as one of his generation's most sought-after performers.
He is due to play Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' planned four-part Beatles film series. Mescal is currently priced at 16/1 to become the next 007.
7. Damson Idris — 16/1
Damson Idris is another name in the 16/1 group.
After starting his career in theater, Idris gained widespread recognition for playing Franklin Saint in the FX crime drama Snowfall. He later appeared in the Formula One film F1.
A Bond casting would add one of Hollywood's most prestigious roles to his growing résumé.
8. Leo Suter — 16/1
Leo Suter is one of the less established names in the race but has attracted attention from bookmakers.
His highest-profile role so far has been Harald Sigurdsson in Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla. He is currently among the contenders priced at 16/1 for the Bond role.
9. Anthony Boyle — 16/1
Anthony Boyle was once considered the favorite to become the next James Bond and potentially the first Northern Irish actor to play 007.
His odds have since lengthened, but he remains in contention at 16/1. Boyle gained recognition on London's West End as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a performance that earned him an Olivier Award.
He has also appeared in The House of Guinness, written by Steven Knight, who is working on the screenplay for the next Bond film.
10. Jonathan Bailey — 16/1
Jonathan Bailey has returned to the list of potential Bond contenders, with odds of 16/1.
Bailey began his career on stage and won an Olivier Award before gaining wider recognition through the television series Broadchurch. His film career has since expanded with major roles in Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth.
His growing profile has kept him in the conversation for the role.
11. James Nelson-Joyce — 16/1
James Nelson-Joyce rounds out the current list of 11 Bond contenders, also priced at 16/1.
The British actor has appeared in productions including The Nest, The Gold and A Thousand Blows. Although less internationally established than several of the other names on the list, he remains among the actors being considered by bookmakers for one of cinema's most coveted roles.
With auditions reportedly continuing, the race to become the next James Bond remains wide open. For now, Jack Barton has moved to the front of the betting, but Jack Lowden and Callum Turner remain close behind, while established stars such as Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal and Jonathan Bailey continue to attract attention.
The final decision will ultimately rest with the filmmakers, with the next 007 expected to be revealed before the end of 2026.
