Who will be the next James Bond?
With No Time to Die finally set to be released on 30 September, Bond fans are salivating at the prospect of Regé-Jean Page going from the lusty Duke of Hastings to the debonair spy
Who on earth will be the next James Bond? It’s a question that’s been on the lips of the film industry’s kingmakers since Daniel Craig first discussed hanging up his tuxedo. Now that No Time to Die, the long-delayed 25th installment of the series and the actor’s fifth and final outing as the martini-sipping secret agent, is scheduled to land at last in cinemas on 30 September, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive once again—and the frontrunners are emerging.
Among them is Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton’s dashing Duke of Hastings; Henry Golding, who won hearts in Crazy Rich Asians; and Lashana Lynch, who takes on the 007 code name in the new blockbuster while Bond is in exile. Could she really become the first woman to front the franchise, or will an established heartthrob long tipped for the part pip her to the post? Only time will tell.
Below are 18 top contenders, handpicked by Vogue.
This article first appeared on Vogue.com
David M. Benett1/18Regé-Jean Page
Most recently, the internet’s hopes have fallen on the shoulders of Bridgerton’s gallant leading man. “If you’re a Brit and you do something of any kind of renown, that people regard well, then people start saying the ‘B’ word,” the actor has said of the rumours. “It’s like a merit badge… I’m glad to have the badge, I’m glad to be in such wonderful company of people who have the badge, but it’s a badge.” Sounds quite like 007-esque pragmatism, if you ask us.
Jerritt Clark2/18Henry Golding
The British-Malaysian dreamboat could certainly make a bid to be the first Asian Bond. He was characteristically modest when asked about the speculation by Vogue, saying: “Even to be in that conversation, it’s an honour, but it’s out of my hands.”
Getty Images3/18Lashana Lynch
When it emerged that the rising star would play Nomi, a formidable operative who inherits James Bond’s licence to kill after he decamps to Jamaica in No Time to Die, many wondered if she was poised to succeed Craig. “It would depend on a lot of things,” she told Vogue when asked if she would accept the offer. “Nomi represents one thing in this movie, but if she was going to represent more down the line, I would want to talk about the black female experience to the high heavens, and I don’t know if people are ready for that.” Here’s hoping that door is still open.
Jamie McCarthy4/18Sam Heughan
Best known for Outlander and The Spy Who Dumped Me, the Scottish actor has been open about his desire to take over. “I have been up for Bond,” he recently said on the podcast Just The Facts with Alex Zane. “I went up for it when they did ‘Bond 21’ [Casino Royale]. It was an amazing experience and I was completely out of my depth. But I think now I feel the right age for it. I feel capable enough to do it. I’d love the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring.”
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Idris Elba
The London-born actor has been one of the most talked-about potential replacements for Craig in recent years. The dictionary definition of suave, he would also likely pick up where his predecessor left off by displaying serious action-man credentials. In 2018, he sent the industry into a frenzy with a single tweet: “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.”
David M. Benett6/18Paul Mescal
He dazzled us in a football kit and silver chain as the sensitive Connell in Normal People, but the Maynooth native looks equally good in black tie. Young though he is, he’d be a stellar choice. After featuring on a Digital Spy poll on who should be next to take on the role of Bond, he told the publication: “Would I play Bond? Yeah? I don't know. If it ever came my way, we'd have a discussion about it... I don't want to say yes or no. I am a massive fan, and will continue to be, regardless.”
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Tom Hardy
Hardy garnered serious acting plaudits for films like The Revenant and Mad Max (and, incidentally, has a rugged handsomeness, not unlike Craig). He often plays the villain, but can turn on the charm as well. Ahead of the No Time to Die premiere, Hardy is the bookies’ favourite to pick up wherever Craig leaves off.
Kevin Mazur8/18Tom Holland
Having already played one iconic character in Spiderman, Tom Holland has thrown his hat into the ring with 007-worthy confidence, telling Variety that “as a young British lad who loves cinema, I’d love to be James Bond. So, you know, I’m just putting that out there. I look pretty good in a suit.”
