After Daniel Craig confirmed his departure from the iconic role of James Bond over three years ago, speculation regarding his successor remains fervent. Since the debut of Ian Fleming’s MI6 agent in 1962, the role has been portrayed by seven actors, and each has brought a unique flair to the character. Craig first stepped into the shoes of Bond in 2006 with Casino Royale and continued to portray the beloved spy in four more films, concluding with 2021’s No Time to Die, where his character meets an untimely demise.
The franchise is now under the stewardship of Amazon MGM Studios, which recently acquired full creative control. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have been pivotal in shaping the series, are also stepping back. This transition comes with the announcement of Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on the Dune series, as the director for the upcoming Bond film, set to begin production next year.
Amidst the whirlwind of rumors surrounding the next Bond, Callum Turner has emerged as a leading contender for the coveted role. Currently, he holds the position of frontrunner with 5/6 odds at Paddy Power, followed closely by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Anthony Boyle, both at 4/1. Other names in the running include Theo James (6/1), Leo Suter (7/1), and James Nelson-Joyce (8/1). Interestingly, Tom Holland, known for his role in Spider-Man, is also rumored to be a potential candidate at 20/1, while James Norton, who has previously ruled himself out due to concerns about his age, stands at 25/1.
A spokesperson from Paddy Power expressed excitement about the momentum in the betting market, telling outlets that it feels like “white smoke” is finally emerging from the casting office. The predictions from Ladbrokes also align with the sentiment, identifying Turner as the standout favorite entering 2026.
Turner, who gained popularity as a model before transitioning into acting, has appeared in various notable projects, including the Fantastic Beasts series where he portrayed Theseus Scamander. Alongside impressive acting credentials, his engagement to pop star Dua Lipa adds to his profile.
While many actors are speculated to take on the iconic role, director Denis Villeneuve has expressed a desire for the next Bond to be a relatively unknown British male—criteria that might continue to shift the landscape of the betting odds.
The anticipation surrounding the next Bond film suggests that fans are eager for a fresh take on the legendary character, while the commitment to honoring the franchise’s legacy remains at the forefront of the production. As the search for the next 007 continues, Callum Turner’s odds position him as a prominent choice, and many are excited to see who will ultimately step into the iconic tuxedo.