Who Will Be Denis Villeneuve's James Bond? Rumors & Frontrunners

The next entry in the James Bond franchise still has a lot of questions and rumors surrounding it, even as the direction of the movie seems to be coming into view. One of the biggest announcements in the entertainment industry came in early 2025, when it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios will be taking a more direct charge in the future of the James Bond series. Given the conclusive nature of Daniel Craig’s final outing as the character in No Time To Die, this sets the stage for a fresh chapter for one of cinema’s most iconic franchises. 

Although many details about the project remain under wraps, reporting by Variety and The Guardian have confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next entry in the series, as well as a potential short list of candidates for the role of Bond. Here’s everything we know so far about the future of James Bond, who is reportedly on the short list to play him, and which one should get the role. 

What To Know About Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond Film

On June 25, 2025, Denis Villeneuve was formally announced as the director of the currently unnamed 26th James Bond film. According to Variety, six other directors were considered at one time or another. Amazon was interested in bringing Christopher Nolan onto the project as the follow-up to Oppenheimer, but he eventually chose to shift his focus toward The Odyssey. Alfonso Cuarón was also a contender but removed himself from the short list to focus on films like the upcoming Charlize Theron movie, Jane.

Villeneuve reportedly beat out four other iconic modern directors, including Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan, for the gig. Villeneuve is currently preparing to film Dune: Messiah, the third entry in his adaptation of the seminal sci-fi series Dune. Amazon plans on a 2028 release date, suggesting the next James Bond movie will be Villeneuve’s next film. Reports also indicate that Amazon Studios hasn’t chosen a Bond actor yet, but that it wants to cast someone who is in their late 20s/early 30s, which removes many potential contenders for the role.

007 Frontrunners For Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond

There are plenty of rumors about who will play James Bond, especially in light of Variety’s reporting on Amazon’s supposed short list for the part. Notably, some very popular contenders for the role were left off the list, even though their high profiles mean they still very much feel like they’re in the race. One of the likeliest picks for the part, according to betting odds, is Theo James, who has been a consistent presence in British film and television but reached a newfound level of popularity after his starring role in The Gentleman.

Other popular picks for the part include Regé-Jean Page from Bridgerton and James Norton, who wowed critics in British television shows like Grantchester and Happy Valley. There’s also the perennial fan favorite casting of Idris Elba, even though the actor has repeatedly claimed that he believes he’s too old to play the part. Despite being considered strong contenders for the role, none of these choices were on Amazon’s reported short list, likely due in part to their ages. However, this doesn’t mean they’ve been fully knocked out of the running, just that they might not be among MGM Amazon’s top picks for the part. Other more probable contenders based on the short list include: 

5. Tom Holland

Arguably the biggest star among the three actors Amazon has reportedly short-listed for the part, Tom Holland would be an interesting choice for James Bond. The actor, who is best known as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Marvel Cinematic Universe films like Spider-Man: Homecoming, is no stranger to the responsibilities and challenges of blockbuster filmmaking. He’s got the action chops to play the part, along with a natural charm that would make him an interesting pick for the typically more dour spy, inherently recalling the more overtly silly entries in the series.

The biggest complication for Holland taking on the part also happens to be the likeliest reason he’s on the short list: Spider-Man. Holland is currently set to appear in another Spider-Man film, as well as the future entries in The Avengers series, meaning he simply might not have the time to appear in another massive franchise. However, his time as Nathan Drake in Uncharted underscores his charming potential as Bond.

4. Henry Cavill

Another popular choice for the role of James Bond is Henry Cavill. The Man of Steel and The Witcher star actually came close years prior, barely losing the role to Daniel Craig for Casino Royale. Since then, Cavill has proven himself adept in the spy and action genres, especially after his performances in movies like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Cavill wasn’t on the short list for the part, and at 42, he’s far older than what Amazon reportedly wants. However, Cavill remains a popular fan choice for Bond, which could influence Amazon’s overall decision. In the meantime, Cavill is plenty busy with his upcoming adaptation of Warhammer 40,000 with Amazon, which suggests a healthy working relationship with the studio. It’s possible that his collaboration with Amazon might extend to the Bond universe.

3. Harris Dickinson

Another one of the actors included on the Amazon short list for the role of James Bond, Harris Dickinson, is a perfect pick on paper, but some real-life complications might keep him out of the part. Dickinson has proven himself a solid action star, delivering one of the best fight scenes in the Kingsman: The Secret Service prequel, The King’s Man. He’s also got the raw charisma and blunt confidence to play the part, as seen in his domineering romance with Nicole Kidman in Babygirl. Both of those, coupled with his conventional good looks and dramatic chops, would make him a natural pick for the part.

However, Dickinson has also been tapped to star as John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ four-part film series about the Beatles, which means that Dickinson simply might not have the time to also be Bond. If he can pull it off, though, he might be the most conventionally fitting choice for the role.

2. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

The long presumed frontrunner for the James Bond role, Aaron Taylor-Johnson might be missing from Amazon’s short list, but still remains a top contender for the part anyway. Having been in the industry since he was a child, Taylor-Johnson has developed into a compelling character actor with good comedic impulses and strong action chops, highlighting what he could bring to the role. His frustrated hitman Tangerine was a highlight of Bullet Train, showcasing how he can undercut his external charms with a tinge of darkness.

While Kraven the Hunter wasn’t exactly high cinema, Taylor-Johnson showcased his skills in fight scenes during the film and proved he has the body for the role. Although he’s a bit older than what MGM Amazon Studios is reportedly looking for, he’s not too much older than the intended window and could easily carry the series forward. Taylor-Johnson has been the favorite for the part for a reason, and that doesn’t change just because he’s not on the short list.

1. Jacob Elordi

The third actor on Amazon’s reported short list for James Bond, Jacob Elordi might have the perfect mix of qualities, skills, and availability to become Denis Villeneuve’s Bond. The Australian-born Elordi definitely has the looks for the part, with striking features that would benefit the suave super spy. He also has plenty of romantic experience thanks to his breakout role in The Kissing Booth. Shows like Euphoria and Saltburn have proven that Elordi can easily bring out the dramatic edge of the character, like fitting right into the artistically-minded Villeneuve's approach to the character.

The biggest knock against Elordi taking on James Bond is his relative lack of action movie experience compared to the other popular contenders for the role. However, his career is about to get a huge boost in profile thanks to his starring role in upcoming films like Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein and Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights, which could make him a more enticing pick for Amazon. If Elordi can prove that his skills translate to action films, then he might be the perfect choice for James Bond in Denis Villeneuve's take on the property.