Scott Rose-Marsh and 10 Actors Who Could Be the Next James Bond

Fans and media outlets have speculated about the next James Bond for nearly a decade, but new rumours suggest we’re getting closer to finding out. While the strongest candidate is still actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who recently signed with Swiss watchmaker Omega, the brand that has supported the franchise for over 30 years, a new, lesser-known British actor called Scott Rose-Marsh has reportedly auditioned for the role. The biggest news from the franchise, however, is that Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the director for the next film, which will be the first in the franchise under Amazon’s and MGM Studios’ creative control. How that will influence the next James Bond actor remains to be seen, but here are the top picks.

Next James Bond Actors at a Glance

Highlights from our list include the following options:

• Most likely to play the next James Bond: Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• Latest actor to be rumoured for the role: Scott Rose-Marsh
• Leading female actor rumoured to play James Bond: Lashana Lynch

Now you’ve read our top picks, let’s check out the complete list.

1. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Despite rumours about Scott Rose-Marsh and his date with the James Bond casters, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the actor most likely to play the next James Bond. He passes the pub test with the voice, attitude, and aesthetics of a Bond character. However, according to many pundits, recent news about his partnership with Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has all but confirmed his position. The Nocturnal Animals star signed on to become an ambassador in early 2025, and that surely isn’t a coincidence. OMEGA is the watch brand worn on Bond’s wrist since Pierce Brosnan in the 1995 film GoldenEye.

It remains to be seen how his recent success (or lack of) with films 28 Years Later and Kraven the Hunter, which tanked at the box office, has affected his chances of landing the role.

• Famous for: Kick-Ass, Nocturnal Animals, Bullet Train, Tenet, Kraven the Hunter
• Nationality: English
• Spy/action creds: Operative “Ives” in Tenet
• Current commitments: Sony’s Spider-Man Universe
• Bond status: Widely rumoured front-runner because of recent OMEGA ambassadorship

2. Scott Rose-Marsh

The latest actor rumoured to be on the shortlist to play the next James Bond is Scott Rose-Marsh, a Welsh actor who’s only appeared in a handful of indie films and TV shows. The Hollywood Reporter reports that a “well-placed source close to the production” of the new James Bond movie says that the redheaded actor was “brought in sometime in late June to read sides from 1995’s GoldenEye,” presumably under the advice of newly hired director Denis Villeneuve.

However, the publication has stated that this is only a rumour. Rose-Marsh did not return The Hollywood Reporter’s request for comment.

Traditionally, Bond actors have not been headline acts with an extensive back catalogue of films and awards, so it’s not unreasonable to see Rose-Marsh assume the role of the Martini-drinking spy. If he did, he would be the second Welsh actor to play James Bond, behind Timothy Dalton, who played the role in two films, The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). Rose-Marsh would, however, be the first redhead.

• Famous for: The Outlaws
• Nationality: Welsh
• Spy/action creds: Limited public action credits to date
• Current commitments: Developing/independent projects
• Bond chatter/status: Reported long-shot audition rumours

3. Aaron Pierre

If we had to put our money on one actor to play the next James Bond, it would be Aaron Pierre. The star of the Netflix action film Rebel Ridge, he’s the right age, he has a suave attitude, and he’s British. The rumour mill began to swirl at a furious rate when movie scoop reporter Darren Richtman mentioned the London-born actor is “being considered” for the role.

• Famous for: The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge
• Nationality: English
• Spy/action creds: Stage-trained, physically imposing
• Current commitments: Major studio voice/franchise work
• Bond chatter/status: Rising-star name in the conversation

4. Henry Cavill

No stranger to the action genre, Henry Cavill played a suave master spy in 2015’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and is poised to play another one in the upcoming Argylle. With his exit from the DC film universe and the Witcher TV series, he seems like a natural fit for Agent 007. He auditioned for the role in 2005, when he was deemed ‘too chubby’ for consideration. Something tells us that his physicality wouldn’t be an issue this time.

• Famous for: Superman, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Argylle, The Witcher (S1–3)
• Nationality: British
• Spy/action creds: Suave spy leads, extensive fight and stunt experience
• Current commitments: Warhammer 40,000 universe, Highlander reboot development
• Bond chatter/status: Auditioned during Casino Royale era, perennial contender

5. Damson Idris

Viewers might recognise British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris from his breakout performance on the FX crime drama series Snowfall. In February 2022, he was asked about playing James Bond, to which he replied, “You never know; anything could happen.” While on the younger side of the age spectrum (at 31), he does possess natural charm, dramatic chops, and physical aptitude, all of which are required for the role.

• Famous for: Snowfall, Black Mirror, F1
• Nationality: British-Nigerian
• Spy/action creds: Athletic, stunt-capable; big-budget action experience growing
• Current commitments: High-profile film projects ramping up
• Bond chatter/status: Open-ended “never say never” responses

6. Tom Hardy

Between his physical prowess and emotional vulnerability, Tom Hardy would make for a solid James Bond. However, his lips remain tightly sealed whenever asked about his potential involvement. According to Hardy, the first rule of playing James Bond is that you don’t talk about playing James Bond, lest you lose your shot at the role.

• Famous for: Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, Venom, Peaky Blinders
• Nationality: English
• Spy/action creds: Nolan regular, combat-ready roles, franchise lead in Venom
• Current commitments: Film/TV producing and starring in vehicles
• Bond chatter/status: Frequently tipped, intentionally non-committal publicly

7. Chiwetel Ejiofor

This Oscar-nominated actor was once in talks to play the villain in Daniel Craig’s fourth James Bond outing Spectre. Now he’s back in the discussion again, this time for Agent 007 (with vocal support from Naomie Harris, who’s played Eve Moneypenny multiple times).

• Famous for: 12 Years a Slave, Doctor Strange, The Martian
• Nationality: British
• Spy/action creds: Previously discussed for a Bond villain role, gravitas-heavy thriller work
• Current commitments: Acting plus writing/directing projects
• Bond chatter/status: Resurfacing candidate with industry backing

8. Cillian Murphy

It’s hard to predict the kind of energy that Irish actor Cillian Murphy would bring to the next James Bond, but it’s certainly something we’d be curious to see. When asked about the idea in a 2019 interview, he responded, “I think it should be a woman, which rules me out.” Well, we’re ruling him back in!

• Famous for: Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders, multiple Nolan thrillers
• Nationality: Irish
• Spy/action creds: Cerebral, intense leads in high-stakes thrillers
• Current commitments: Prestige film/series projects
• Bond chatter/status: Fan-favoured wildcard, once suggested Bond should be a woman

9. Liam Hemsworth

Former Bond actor George Lazenby (who played the character just once in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service) recently told TMZ that he thinks Liam Hemsworth should tackle the role. While Hemsworth has good looks, some might wonder if he can bring the right amount of gravitas or prestige to the part. As fellow Aussies, we’re rooting for him either way!

• Famous for: The Hunger Games, The Witcher
• Nationality: Australian
• Spy/action creds: Franchise veteran with strong physical profile
• Current commitments: The Witcher S4 (+ likely S5) and feature work
• Bond chatter/status: Endorsed by former Bond George Lazenby, outsider pick

10. Lashana Lynch

After turning heads as MI6 Agent Nomi in No Time to Die, Lashana Lynch quickly emerged as a candidate for the next James Bond. However, the odds of landing the role have become increasingly slim after Daniel Craig told the Radio Times, “There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour,” Craig told the Radio Times. “Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?” While Bond may not be on the agenda, she’s continuing to build a formidable resume with recent appearances in The Woman King and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Don’t count her involvement out just yet!

• Famous for: Nomi (007) in No Time to Die; The Woman King; MCU appearances
• Nationality: British
• Spy/action creds: Canon MI6 agent “007” opposite Daniel Craig
• Current commitments: Mix of tentpoles and prestige dramas
• Bond chatter/status: Leading female rumour, strong franchise ties

Actors Unlikely to Play the Next James Bond

Idris Elba

As soon as the rumours of a new James Bond started to swirl, Idris Elba jumped to the front of the pack. Handsome and talented, he can breathe new life into the role. However, he’s recently shot down the idea, saying he doesn’t see the iconic super spy when he “looks in the mirror.” Take what you will from that, but we’re not counting him out yet.

Andrew Garfield

Since his iconic performance in 2010’s The Social Network, Andrew Garfield has tackled various roles and genres. However, he imparts something of a boyish aura that makes him seem like an odd fit for James Bond. Nevertheless, his name has cropped up, and we’re pretty confident he could adapt accordingly.

What We Know About the Next James Bond

As mysteries and rumours swirl, one thing remains clear: casting the new James Bond will be no easy task. It sounds like something of a chore. The actor must bring a certain classic charm to the role and newfound modes of emotion and vulnerability. He must also carry one of history’s most iconic action franchises. No pressure!

How Old Will the Next James Bond Be?

To say that times have changed since the early James Bond movies would be putting it quite mildly. Another way to put it is that the days of Sean Connery’s casual misogyny are long gone. As a result, there has emerged no shortage of peripheral topics and discussions about the next James Bond actor, including their age and demeanour.

In October of 2022, James Bond film producer Michael G. Wilson tackled the subject of age head-on at an event at London’s British Film Institute. Based on his comments—which we cover extensively in a separate article—one shouldn’t expect an actor under 30 to land the role, nor an actor over 45 or even 40.

To quote Wilson directly: ”We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”

The Next James Bond Will Be Open Emotionally

Another frequent topic of discussion is how Agent 007 will express his feelings moving forward. Whereas previous James Bonds have been rather suave and stoic, the new one will be more openly emotional. According to Bond film producer Barbara Broccoli, it started with Daniel Craig and will continue with subsequent actors.

Sitting down with Variety, Broccoli referred to the emotional arc of Craig’s performances before saying, “Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace.”

We know that filling Daniel Craig’s shoes won’t be an easy task for the next actor or the franchise itself. The films often revolve around each individual’s unique energy to the role, so casting the new James Bond is even more complex than it first appears.

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