JAMES Bond fans are desperate to know who the next 007 will be – and they may now be one step closer to finding out.
There are three frontrunners as the race reaches the finish line – but is your favourite in the mix?
Spider-Man’s Tom Holland is also in the top three[/caption]
With Denis Villeneuve on board as the franchise’s next director, Amazon is looking at a 2028 release date for 26th instalment.
Insiders have also told Variety that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30.
Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of the wish list.
Although Jacob, 28, is Australian, is does not rule him out – especially as Aussie actor George Lazenby having previously played Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969.
While there is still speculation that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35,or Henry Cavill, 42, are also in the running – but with them both being over 30, it may rule them out.
While fan favourite Idris Elba, 52, may have missed his chance for the role after years of ducking speculation.
Elsewhere a top US actor could be announced as the new James Bond according to the latest odds from the bookies.
Hollywood hot property Timothee Chalamet has seen his likelihood of becoming 007 increase thanks to his previous collaborations with the acclaimed director.
The star, who has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, worked with Denis Villeneuve on both Dune and Dune: Part Two – with both flicks going on to become box office hits.
It has sparked speculation that their work together in the past could mean that he is a shoe-in to secure the role from Daniel Craig.
According to new odds from Ladbrokes, Timothee has seen his odds rise to a cool 16/1.
Last week, 57-year-old Denis was revealed to have been appointed the director of the 26th James Bond flick by Amazon MGM.
The Canadian film-maker told how some of his “earliest movie-going memories” were linked to the James Bond movie franchise.
He spoke out after his role was made public and said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007.
“I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan.”
In the statement, he added: “To me, he’s sacred territory.
“I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.
“This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.
“Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Timeline of James Bond actors
Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007.
The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years:
- Sean Connery – The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies.
- George Lazenby – The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy.
- Roger Moore – The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise.
- Timothy Dalton – The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
- Pierce Brosnan – The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002.
- Daniel Craig – The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005.
With Daniel Craig gone, who could be in line to replace him as the world’s number one spy[/caption]
